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Product: Book
ISBN-10: 0-07-052731-8
ISBN-13: 9780070527317
Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill
Country:
Year: March 1990
Number of pages: 525
Binding: Hardcover
ISBN-10: 0-07-052731-8
ISBN-13: 9780070527317
Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill
Country:
Year: March 1990
Number of pages: 525
Binding: Hardcover
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Product Description
The author, an editor of Campaigns Magazine for ten years, has written a groundbreaking new study of Napoleon's disasterous Russian campaign of 1812. In doing this, he has employed primary sources never before translated from the German and Russian. He points out the real reasons for Napoleon's defeat which had nothing to do with cold weather but rather were a complex combination of faulty logistics, bureaucratic mismanagement and Napoleon's own but uncharacteristic indecision and bad choices.
The author, an editor of Campaigns Magazine for ten years, has written a groundbreaking new study of Napoleon's disasterous Russian campaign of 1812. In doing this, he has employed primary sources never before translated from the German and Russian. He points out the real reasons for Napoleon's defeat which had nothing to do with cold weather but rather were a complex combination of faulty logistics, bureaucratic mismanagement and Napoleon's own but uncharacteristic indecision and bad choices.
reviews
Super chronicle of a super debacle 
Invading Russia doesn't seem to be a good idea. I know of three major campaigns, all ending in disaster: Charles XII of Sweden (against Peter the Great), Napoleon, and Hitler. Charles XII and Hitler were mediocre generals at best, but Napoleon--how could he blunder so grotesquely in strategy and tactics? Riehn's book does an excellent job of explaining it. The lack of maps, as the other reviewer noted, is definitely a problem in following the details of logistics and battles. My paperback edition has one map, but it's lousy. However, Riehn makes up for this with a strong narrative that makes the whole campaign come alive.
Invading Russia doesn't seem to be a good idea. I know of three major campaigns, all ending in disaster: Charles XII of Sweden (against Peter the Great), Napoleon, and Hitler. Charles XII and Hitler were mediocre generals at best, but Napoleon--how could he blunder so grotesquely in strategy and tactics? Riehn's book does an excellent job of explaining it. The lack of maps, as the other reviewer noted, is definitely a problem in following the details of logistics and battles. My paperback edition has one map, but it's lousy. However, Riehn makes up for this with a strong narrative that makes the whole campaign come alive.
My father found a great book years ago--»Retreat from Moscow«, by Bourgogne (?) long out of print. It's the memoirs of a French officer who miraculously survived the retreat. If you can find it, read it!
Where are the maps? 
Richard Riehn has written a great book that is rendered almost unreadable by the complete lack of maps. His book features very detailed descriptions of troop movements and I was unable to fully appreciate and follow his obviously well researched book. It will always continue to amaze me why many authors fail to put maps in their books to allow the reader to follow the troop movements. I don't think I should have to have my world atlas on my lap while I read a book. Maybe future editions will add maps?
Richard Riehn has written a great book that is rendered almost unreadable by the complete lack of maps. His book features very detailed descriptions of troop movements and I was unable to fully appreciate and follow his obviously well researched book. It will always continue to amaze me why many authors fail to put maps in their books to allow the reader to follow the troop movements. I don't think I should have to have my world atlas on my lap while I read a book. Maybe future editions will add maps?
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