Product Description

A brilliant and definitive account of great military genius at work.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #345484 in Books
• Published on: 1995-09-25
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 1172 pages

Customer Reviews

Colossal work, stimulating read
First published in 1966 and weighing in at over 1100 pages, this is an astonishing piece of scholarship which combines learned enquiry with lucid exposition - it's a highly intelligent but very accessible, very readable work. Chandler is a highly respected historian who has lectured at Sandhurst and established a reputation as a military historian and specialist in the Napoleonic wars.

Chandler presents an epic study of Napoleon as military commander, following his emergence at Toulon to his final defeat in the Waterloo Campaign. Befitting such a giant of history, "The Campaigns of Napoleon" is a work on an epic scale. Chandler looks at the man as military leader, presenting a stimulating analysis of the processes and principles of warfare in the late 18th, early 19th centuries. The book is profusely illustrated with black and white illustrations, maps, diagrams, and plans of campaign and battle.

This is the sort of work which is essential reference material for anyone interested in the military history of the era. However, it is also a very readable account, and stands judgement as a quality piece of biography in its own right.

I first discovered this book in the 1960's, and it has remained one of my all time favourite studies of history: though I've never considered myself to have any great interest in the Napoleonic era, Chandler's elaboration of Napoleon's genius as military leader is thoroughly absorbing. This is a book which you can pick up to browse, casually, but which quickly transforms before your eyes into one which you must read.

An essential work for students of the period, a classic work for students of military history, but also a stimulating read for anyone who enjoys an intelligent, well-written study.

An excellent, comprehensive guide to the genius of Napoleon
David Chandler's examination of the military campaigns and tactics of Napoleon is the best one volume work on the subject. It may, in fact, be the best examination of Napoleonic Warfare, period. Employing thorough and painstakingly detailed analysis, Chandler encompasses Napoleon's entire military career in this easy to read volume. Napoleon's tactics, and those of his opponents, are carefully analyzed, allowing the reader to clearly see why they succeeded or failed. Overall, I highly recommend this volume to military enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in Napoleon. On a final note, make sure you obtain a copy of the English version, which has a much better jacket cover and book cover (the American version is dreadfully ugly).

A great, great, book.
If I could give this book six stars then I would. Well written, and an excellent introduction to the period. If you only read one book on the Napoleonic Wars then it should be this one. David stands shoulder to shoulder with Creasey and Fuller.