Product Description

In August 1793, revolutionary France was in a precarious position, surrounded by enemies. In Toulon, a coup had handed over the entire French fleet to the British navy. For France to survive, Toulon had to be retaken, and France's saviour materialised in the shape of Napoleon Bonaparte. He organised guns and batteries to bombard the Allied fleet and on 17 December 1793, when the French attacked, he was able to take one of the key Allied positions. This book describes the eventual French victory at Toulon which saved the Revolution and promoted the young Napoleon Bonaparte, beginning his meteoric rise to power and catalysing the effect on Europe during the rest of the nineteenth century.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #319843 in Books
• Published on: 2005-07-10
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

About the Author
Dr Robert A Forczyk has a PhD in International Relations and National Security from the University of Maryland and a strong background in European and Asian military history. He is currently a lieutenant colonel in the US Army Reserves, and he has served 18 years as an armour officer in the US 2nd and 4th Infantry Divisions and intelligence officer in the 29th Infantry Division (Light). Adam Hook studied graphic design before beginning his career as an illustrator in 1983. He specialises in detailed historical reconstructions and has illustrated Osprey titles on the Aztecs, the Greeks, the American Civil War and the American Revolution. His work features in exhibitions and publications throughout the world.

Customer Reviews

A really good book - although with only two colour plates
It is always interesting to look at the beginnings of great people - they are frequently less than stellar. Osprey did already a good job showing the first battles of George Washington in "Monongahela" and here is an even greater general in his first real battle - Napoleon Bonaparte. And this is a great story!
The author did a really good job. The description of events is clear, it is easy to follow and pleasant to read. Illustrations are nice, maps are well done. Colour plates are nice, but there is only two of them (OK, this is not author's fault - Osprey decided to play it cheap).
The strong point of the book is the really good description of the unique features of this battle, such as the presence of political commissars in the French revolutionary army and also the unique alliance between citizens of Toulon and the British. One surprising thing is that so many of the commanders in this battle performed poorly, on both sides. Napoleon appears as military competent but finally not very sympathic character. There are clearly things to be learned from this book and anyway it is a very enjoyable read.