What do you think?
Rate this book
Marshal Ney: The Bravest Of The Brave
A.H. Atteridge's biography of Michel Ney, Napoleon's most famous marshal, is a classic work of its kind.
He describes Ney's meteoric career in vivid detail, from his enlistment as a hussar in the army of Louis XVI, his rapid promotion through the ranks of the revolutionary armies and his long service under Napoleon. Ney's pugnacious character and his capacity for inspiring leadership come across strongly in innumerable actions across 25 years of almost constant warfare.
Particularly striking are the author's accounts of Ney's contribution to Napoleon's most famous campaigns - Ulm and Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau and Friedland and the catastrophic march on Moscow. Ney's last battle, Waterloo, and his subsequent execution by the returning Bourbons form the last chapter of this fascinating story.
He describes Ney's meteoric career in vivid detail, from his enlistment as a hussar in the army of Louis XVI, his rapid promotion through the ranks of the revolutionary armies and his long service under Napoleon. Ney's pugnacious character and his capacity for inspiring leadership come across strongly in innumerable actions across 25 years of almost constant warfare.
Particularly striking are the author's accounts of Ney's contribution to Napoleon's most famous campaigns - Ulm and Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau and Friedland and the catastrophic march on Moscow. Ney's last battle, Waterloo, and his subsequent execution by the returning Bourbons form the last chapter of this fascinating story.
388 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1912
39 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Hilliard Atteridge
52 books2 followersAndrew Hilliard Atteridge or A. Hilliard Atteridge (1844-1912).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 8, 2012
The Bravest of the Brave, Michel Ney: Marshal of France, Duke of Elchingen, Prince of the Moskowa 1769-181" by Andrew Hilliard Atteridge is a rare gem of a book. First published in 1914 this book follows the military career of one of Napoleon's greatest Marshals, `The Bravest of the Brave' - Marshal Ney.
Ney was best known for his gallant actions during the 1812 retreat from Moscow where he commanded the rearguard and helped save the remnants of the Grand Armee. This book covers that and more, from his service in the French Revolutionary Armies fighting in Germany till his final action at Waterloo. The reader can follow Ney leading his troops throughout all of Napoleon's major campaigns and battles, including Ulm and Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau and Friedland.
The account of his trial and execution is well told and very touching. Michel Ney comes across as a brave, generous and honest man who did his utmost for his country during nearly twenty-five years of almost constant combat. He was also a loving husband and father with a dedicated wife and a number of children who also made their mark in history.
This is a good book and most people who delight in reading about this period of history should enjoy this account. I would also recommend this author's biography of another Napoleonic marshal; Marshal Murat King of Naples which is another spellbinding account of great battles and interesting times.
by A.H. Atteridge
Ney was best known for his gallant actions during the 1812 retreat from Moscow where he commanded the rearguard and helped save the remnants of the Grand Armee. This book covers that and more, from his service in the French Revolutionary Armies fighting in Germany till his final action at Waterloo. The reader can follow Ney leading his troops throughout all of Napoleon's major campaigns and battles, including Ulm and Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau and Friedland.
The account of his trial and execution is well told and very touching. Michel Ney comes across as a brave, generous and honest man who did his utmost for his country during nearly twenty-five years of almost constant combat. He was also a loving husband and father with a dedicated wife and a number of children who also made their mark in history.
This is a good book and most people who delight in reading about this period of history should enjoy this account. I would also recommend this author's biography of another Napoleonic marshal; Marshal Murat King of Naples which is another spellbinding account of great battles and interesting times.
by A.H. Atteridge
October 28, 2021
Michel Ney was one of Napoleon's 26 Marshals, and arguably the most famous. Known as 'the bravest of the brave' in his lifetime, he died in front of a firing squad six months after Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo. A fighting general but not a politican, he achieved great honors, fortune and fame in a short time because of his prowess on the battlefield, but he was also a loving family man.
Atteridge's book tells about his life in great detail, especially the battles. There are no pictures or maps, just information about a man dedicated to war, and his adulthood was a time of war. From the French Revolution to Waterloo, France sent its men to fight and die on many battlefields. Gaining recognition for his courage and staying power, Ney eventually became known as the Prince of the Moskowa in the great debacle of the retreat friom Moscow in 1812. Ironically, this was probably the highlight of his career. He could still fight, but he and what was once the Grand Army, were never the same despite some notable victories.
After Napoleon's first abdication, he swore his loyalty to Louis XVIII, only to succumb to the lure of the Corsican's 100 Day effort to retake his throne in 1815. That mistake cost Ney everything, including his life. The final chapter of the book is a sad one, describing Ney's unsucessful effort to save his life, not on a battlefield, but in a courtroom.
I might have given this book another star, but the conversion from print to electronic form was terrible. Dozens of mistakes made coherent reading nearly impossible at times, which is too bad since Michel Ney deserved better from technology and France.
Atteridge's book tells about his life in great detail, especially the battles. There are no pictures or maps, just information about a man dedicated to war, and his adulthood was a time of war. From the French Revolution to Waterloo, France sent its men to fight and die on many battlefields. Gaining recognition for his courage and staying power, Ney eventually became known as the Prince of the Moskowa in the great debacle of the retreat friom Moscow in 1812. Ironically, this was probably the highlight of his career. He could still fight, but he and what was once the Grand Army, were never the same despite some notable victories.
After Napoleon's first abdication, he swore his loyalty to Louis XVIII, only to succumb to the lure of the Corsican's 100 Day effort to retake his throne in 1815. That mistake cost Ney everything, including his life. The final chapter of the book is a sad one, describing Ney's unsucessful effort to save his life, not on a battlefield, but in a courtroom.
I might have given this book another star, but the conversion from print to electronic form was terrible. Dozens of mistakes made coherent reading nearly impossible at times, which is too bad since Michel Ney deserved better from technology and France.
November 4, 2019
Marshal Ney: The Bravest of the Brave tells the life story of Michel Ney, Marshal of Napoleon's Empire, from birth to death, detailing his major engagements and the trial that saw his life end.
This is a fantastic book. Over 100 years old now, Atteridge's lyrical, often-poetic writing hasn't aged at all, and elucidates key moments and interpersonal conversations fantastically throughout. He is a phenomenal story-teller, painting the details of Ney's life with such colour and style that more than any book on the Napoleonic Wars I have yet read, I felt I was living with the characters and viewing their lives.
The research, too, is perfect, with more in-depth knowledge of the conversations that took place and the minutiae of events in Ney's life than I would have thought possible. It is a fantastically-realised story, made even more readable by Atteridge's gripping sense of pacing and narrative: I remember the confusion in the snow before Eylau and the retreat from Moscow as particularly vivid, but every moment is wonderfully described.
Negative points are few. At least for the first few chapters, I felt that not enough time was spent discussing Ney's character or identity: we hear in detail the backgrounds of his birth, his actions, his words, but never really get a sense of the mind of the man. But as the book went on I forgot about this. I think in the end, we do get a sense of Ney himself, the man behind the baton: enigmatic, complex, and incredibly brave, the rare moments of inner depth we do see come from his actions, and the honour that he refused to give up, even at the end.
This really is a fantastic book, told with care and attention to detail. As others have said, there are many printing mistakes and errors; but get over those and this is one of the best books on the Napoleonic Wars I have read. I cannot wait to order Atteridge's book on Murat.
This is a fantastic book. Over 100 years old now, Atteridge's lyrical, often-poetic writing hasn't aged at all, and elucidates key moments and interpersonal conversations fantastically throughout. He is a phenomenal story-teller, painting the details of Ney's life with such colour and style that more than any book on the Napoleonic Wars I have yet read, I felt I was living with the characters and viewing their lives.
The research, too, is perfect, with more in-depth knowledge of the conversations that took place and the minutiae of events in Ney's life than I would have thought possible. It is a fantastically-realised story, made even more readable by Atteridge's gripping sense of pacing and narrative: I remember the confusion in the snow before Eylau and the retreat from Moscow as particularly vivid, but every moment is wonderfully described.
Negative points are few. At least for the first few chapters, I felt that not enough time was spent discussing Ney's character or identity: we hear in detail the backgrounds of his birth, his actions, his words, but never really get a sense of the mind of the man. But as the book went on I forgot about this. I think in the end, we do get a sense of Ney himself, the man behind the baton: enigmatic, complex, and incredibly brave, the rare moments of inner depth we do see come from his actions, and the honour that he refused to give up, even at the end.
This really is a fantastic book, told with care and attention to detail. As others have said, there are many printing mistakes and errors; but get over those and this is one of the best books on the Napoleonic Wars I have read. I cannot wait to order Atteridge's book on Murat.
April 22, 2008
I bought this book for two reasons...1)work and 2)because this man is quite frankly, one of my heroes. And this book doesn't disappoint...it can be dry in spots, and there are places where we don't get really get enough detail in some places (Such as Ney's reasons for betraying his oaths to the crown upon Napoleon's return from exile-namely because the women of the court insulted his wife)but still, a darn good biography of one of the most interesting men of this time period!
December 7, 2022
comprei por ser um livro sobre o Ney, li foi uma biografia do Napoleão
April 20, 2019
I have always been intrigued by the bravest of the brave. Atteridge provides a 19th-century style biography of Marshal Nay. While the book portrays him as a soldier and leader, it fails to cover the personal aspect of his life, his correspondence with friends and associates. According to him, Marshal Nay mattered when he was in a battle. However, beyond the battlefield, there was another Ney. For those who have used to modern biographies of military and political leaders, Atteridge's book is only the first step. I hope to find a more thorough analysis of Marshal Ney's life and career. For now, it seems this has to do. It has a great review of the military actions in which Ney participated, commanded and made an impact. It does not talk of relationships between Ney and his staff, aid de camps or soldiers. It also does not speak of Ney and his family. Ney had been a soldier, remained a soldier and died a soldier. However, there is more to him. In many ways, he symbolizes the Great Revolution and the French nation's hopes and dreams. e
December 28, 2021
An extremely fascinating person, quote "He was not of the first rank as a strategist in the direction of a campaign, but there was no better soldier than Moreau as a battle leader ..." and describing him before he meets Bonaparte, as a soldier which had not committed one dishonourable act nor enriched himself, nor having intrigued in politics. All his promotions had been because of hard fighting and good service. Not a person to charm his way forward, he is described as socially shy, and hopelessly deficient in "small talk".
Atteridge tries to save Ney's reputation in this book, and, at least partly, succeeds. He is really "the bravest of the brave" and a superb tactical leader. But something happens after the retreat from Moscow, where he manages to do some incredible feats. After that he is past the his prime, Atteridge says scarred, I am thinking PTSD.
Some very good footnotes to read, Atteridge writing is a bit dry, but if you want to read about Marshal Ney, I recommend this.
Atteridge tries to save Ney's reputation in this book, and, at least partly, succeeds. He is really "the bravest of the brave" and a superb tactical leader. But something happens after the retreat from Moscow, where he manages to do some incredible feats. After that he is past the his prime, Atteridge says scarred, I am thinking PTSD.
Some very good footnotes to read, Atteridge writing is a bit dry, but if you want to read about Marshal Ney, I recommend this.
June 7, 2020
Marshall Ney became one of my heroes after reading through several books on the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era. I was eager to read this biography.
This book changes pace often. The chapters on Ney's first battles are filled with military details. The chapters on the Russian campaign were surprisingly short. Which is strange as this was truly where Ney became the bravest of the brave. The final chapters on his trial are also very detailed.
I can't say this was truly a good book, but definitely a lot of research went into it. It's not for everyone. You should really know the main lines of the history of this era, as they are explicitly skipped in favor of Ney's role in it.
This book changes pace often. The chapters on Ney's first battles are filled with military details. The chapters on the Russian campaign were surprisingly short. Which is strange as this was truly where Ney became the bravest of the brave. The final chapters on his trial are also very detailed.
I can't say this was truly a good book, but definitely a lot of research went into it. It's not for everyone. You should really know the main lines of the history of this era, as they are explicitly skipped in favor of Ney's role in it.
August 4, 2020
Very good summary of the career of Marshal Ney. This focuses very much on the military life of the Marshal and the coverage of his early career is very good. I was left wanting to understand more about the man rather than the soldier as there was no coverage about his married life, and yet this lead directly to his alienation from the French Royalty and was behind the reason he rejoined Napoleon.
December 13, 2024
Fantastic book! Loved his adventurous story and his incorruptibility even when he became a marshal. His courage and disregard of death is absolutely inspiring. Here you have a man who refuses to give up under any circumstances, who places honor above everything else and who isn't intimidated even by the great emperor Napoleon.
Inspiring leader, just and merciful to his enemies, and above all a loving father and husband... he is a hero all men dream to be.
Inspiring leader, just and merciful to his enemies, and above all a loving father and husband... he is a hero all men dream to be.
March 24, 2020
While a good source of information concerning the life of Ney, this book was as dry as the paper it was printed on. Additionally, the publisher seems to have cut corners in order to save the cost. There were numerous typos, and the image on the front is some low-res portrait in which I can count the individual pixels.
May 1, 2022
Terribly written, lacking all narrative and detail at the same time. Riddled with typos, missing punctuation, and grammatical errors. I’ve read better 8th grade history essays.
January 2, 2022
Ney was certainly the bravest of the brave but I could also add one of the hardiest. That retreat from Moscow in 1812 might have killed lesser men but not him. As for the last years of his life, today, we would categorize him as suffering from burnout and maybe PTSD. His performance at Waterloo was dismal and lacking energy.
One contrafactual was what if Marshal Davout, not Ney, had commanded the corps at Waterloo and thus added another 50,000 Frenchmen to the mix. Davout was much more energetic even after 20 years of war. See The Iron Marshal by John Gallagher.) Nevertheless, Atteridge did write a good book on Ney.
You can also tell that Ney was unfairly made the scapegoat by the Bourbon Restoration. And yes, 38 years later, Ney was vindicated. He is buried in Pere Le Chaise, France's most famous cemetery where all of her heroes and heroines are buried.
One contrafactual was what if Marshal Davout, not Ney, had commanded the corps at Waterloo and thus added another 50,000 Frenchmen to the mix. Davout was much more energetic even after 20 years of war. See The Iron Marshal by John Gallagher.) Nevertheless, Atteridge did write a good book on Ney.
You can also tell that Ney was unfairly made the scapegoat by the Bourbon Restoration. And yes, 38 years later, Ney was vindicated. He is buried in Pere Le Chaise, France's most famous cemetery where all of her heroes and heroines are buried.
June 22, 2015
Ok-Good read, but "Trial of Marshal Ney" by Howard Kurtz the best---more than just the trial but covers life of this tragic Marshal.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews