Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #676720 in Books
• Published on: 2002-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Synopsis
A nation's history is littered with conveniently forgotten defeats and military disasters but it is unusual for significant victories to be ignored. Richard Hopton, the up-and-coming historian, has uncovered the long overlooked defeat of Napoleon's forces by General Sir John Stuart at Maida, Southern Italy in 1806. For many years the only hint that there had been a triumph there has been the residential area of North West London that derives its name from the battle. Following Ulm and Austerlitz, Napoleon's reputation for military genius was fast becoming a morale problem for his opponents, in the same way that Rommel's prowess did some 240 years later. No small part of the significance of the Allied victory at Maida in 1806 was the proof it offered that the French under Napoleon were not invincible. The Author brilliantly describes the cast of colourful yet highly improbably characters who fate and circumstances brought together. Arguably pride of place must go to Ferdinand II, Ruler of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, whose eccentricity was only exceeded by his abject incompetence

Customer Reviews

Excellent all the way through.
Although this was a small battle by Napoleonic standards it was very significant at the time. This book details the miltary and political reasons why the battle took place and the after effects on southern Italy and Britain. The writing is clear and concise and keeps the reader captivated.

I recommended this book to anyone with interest in the Napoleonic era or in military history in general.

Excellent book.
The battle of Maida was a drop in the sea of battles won by Napoleon.A very important drop.The battle was won by the british general Stewart, in the little hamlet of Maida in Calabria,Italy(it's the region where i live!!!).The book is excellent under every aspect ,very detailed and entertaining.I hope it will be translated in italian,to rediscover a Napoleonic episode that deserves more attention.(by the way here in Calabria was executed Marshal Murat ,precisely in Pizzo Calabro, so to all napoleonic buffs like me..just visit Calabria!!!! )