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The Wars of the French Revolution: 1792–1801
The Wars of the French Revolution, 1792-1801 offers a comprehensive and jargon-free coverage of this turbulent period and unites political, social, military and international history in one volume.
Carefully designed for undergraduate students, through twelve chapters this book offers an introduction to the origins and international context of the French Revolution as well as an in-depth examination of the reasons why war began. Aspects unpicked within the book include how France acquired a de facto empire stretching from Holland to Naples; the impact of French conquest on the areas concerned; the spread of French ideas beyond the frontiers of the French imperium; the response of the powers of Europe to the sudden expansion in French military power; the experience of the conflicts unleashed by the French Revolution in such areas as the West Indies, Egypt and India; and the impact of war on the Revolution itself.
Offering extensive geographical coverage and challenging many preconceived ideas, The Wars of the French Revolution, 1792-1801 is the perfect resource for students of the French Revolution and international military history more broadly.
Carefully designed for undergraduate students, through twelve chapters this book offers an introduction to the origins and international context of the French Revolution as well as an in-depth examination of the reasons why war began. Aspects unpicked within the book include how France acquired a de facto empire stretching from Holland to Naples; the impact of French conquest on the areas concerned; the spread of French ideas beyond the frontiers of the French imperium; the response of the powers of Europe to the sudden expansion in French military power; the experience of the conflicts unleashed by the French Revolution in such areas as the West Indies, Egypt and India; and the impact of war on the Revolution itself.
Offering extensive geographical coverage and challenging many preconceived ideas, The Wars of the French Revolution, 1792-1801 is the perfect resource for students of the French Revolution and international military history more broadly.
- GenresHistoryFrench Revolution
344 pages, Paperback
First published August 23, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 2, 2021
Fuck me this guy hates the French Revolution and especially Napoleon. It’s hard not to agree with him though even if I do quibble on certain issues.
Definitely a recommendation from me though.
Definitely a recommendation from me though.
May 17, 2019
Having only a limited understanding of the French Revolution and recently read Charles J. Esdaile's book 'Napoleon's Wars: An International History, 1803-1815`, I was eager to read this book as soon as learnt it had been released.
Esdaile has an easily accessible style of writing, which involves detail, breath and comprehension. I found this book easy to read and immersive, balancing both international relations and domestic issues effecting the major powers during this time period. I found Esdaile's use of questions throughout his chapters to transition between events, explanations and analysis really helpful. I definitely felt that my knowledge and understanding of the wars during the period was expanded and strengthen, as was my understanding of the revolution, though it was clearly not the focus of this book to examine the latter extensively.
Esdaile is a highly critical of those who have a "positive" perspective of Napoleon, whom he often refers to as apologists. It is clear that Esdaile has firm conviction regarding Napoleon and his political ambitions , rejecting any idea that Napoleon was influenced by revolutionary ideology and was instead a consistent political opportunist throughout, from his campaign in Italy (1796-1797), through his re-organising of northern and central Italy, the campaign in Egypt (1798-1799) and his return to France to take power and become the First Consul (1799-1800). For those studying Napoleon, Esdaile's perspective might be a useful addition but one that would need to be balanced with other perspectives (in my opinion).
Esdaile has an easily accessible style of writing, which involves detail, breath and comprehension. I found this book easy to read and immersive, balancing both international relations and domestic issues effecting the major powers during this time period. I found Esdaile's use of questions throughout his chapters to transition between events, explanations and analysis really helpful. I definitely felt that my knowledge and understanding of the wars during the period was expanded and strengthen, as was my understanding of the revolution, though it was clearly not the focus of this book to examine the latter extensively.
Esdaile is a highly critical of those who have a "positive" perspective of Napoleon, whom he often refers to as apologists. It is clear that Esdaile has firm conviction regarding Napoleon and his political ambitions , rejecting any idea that Napoleon was influenced by revolutionary ideology and was instead a consistent political opportunist throughout, from his campaign in Italy (1796-1797), through his re-organising of northern and central Italy, the campaign in Egypt (1798-1799) and his return to France to take power and become the First Consul (1799-1800). For those studying Napoleon, Esdaile's perspective might be a useful addition but one that would need to be balanced with other perspectives (in my opinion).
April 15, 2022
A tough nut to crack. Hard to read walls of text, no maps or really any focus on the battles themselves, this book focused on the political side of things. Interesting stuff, but I think gets lost in details at times. Could really use a reprint that is easier on the eyes. It was refreshing to read a book that is quite critical of Napoleon and his motives. Funny how the most interesting chapter for me was the one focused not on Europe but the rest of the world (the Caribbean, Egypt etc.)
July 5, 2021
If you want a blow by blow account of the French struggle against the Allied coalition & their internal enemies this is not it. There are no detailed battle & manoeuvre descriptions here. It is instead an analytical narrative of the general themes of the conflict leavened with some fascinating diary entries of those involved. A good read to draw general conclusions from.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews