Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #707484 in Books
• Published on: 2004-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 64 pages

Customer Reviews

recommended
This title would have been award five stars but for the poor artwork. However, the black and white prints make up for it and the text attempts to destroy the often believed myth that the Austrian Commanders were all incompetent old dodderers. This is achieved by the author describing the military skills and exploits of over thirty Commanders and explains why, in reality, most battles fought between the Austrians and the French were no easy affairs. However, the text does contain an element of bias, in that the author is quick to praise the Austrians while failing to criticize them. An example being the praise given to Archduke Charles and other Commanders for defeating Napoleon at Aspern, while at the same time offering no real criticism on their inability to destroy the trapped and heavily outnumbered French army, which eventually led to the Austrians being defeated a few weeks later and effectively knocked out of the war. In short, besides offering a brief but informative introduction to the various Commanders, the author inadvertently helps boost the skill of Napoleon and the French who, despite the well described abilities of the Austrians, were able to defeat them so often. A welcome addition.