Napoleon 1812

by Nigel Nicolson

detailed description of Napoleon's 1812 campaign

Genres: History, European History, Military History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1985

Reviews

[Peter Holford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this book around 30 years ago and only this year decided to read it - mostly because it concerned a really significant episode of Russian history, not because I have a particular interest in Napoleon. It is a very readable (and evidently quite well researched) account of Napoleon's 1812 campaign to invade Russia with his Grand Army of over half a million men. I was particularly interested in the description of the Russians, their generals and soldiers, and enjoyed the links with Tolstoy's great novel, War and Peace, which are scattered throughout. Although by no means wanting to glorify the Russians, Nicolson gives a positive account of the Russian 'passionate determination' (which Napoleon seriously underestimated) and a stirring description of the Cossacks who were a constant thorn in the side of Napoleon's forces. Tsar Alexander, although admittedly no great general, comes off well: 'His strength of will in a crisis could be adamantine'. His famous words when threatened with a Napoleonic invasion are included:

I am convinced that Napoleon is the greatest general in Europe, his armies are the best trained, his lieutenants the most courageous and experienced. But space is a barrier and if, after several defeats, I withdraw, sweeping the inhabitants along with me, if I let time, deserts and climate defend Russia for me, then perhaps I shall have the last word.

He was right. Napoleon escaped Russia with less than 50,000 men. The campaign proved a disastrous turning point in his career and within 18 months, a Russian, Austrian and Prussian army entered Paris, leading to Napoleon's abdication and exile 12 days later.
Interesting asides were provided to compare Napoleon's campaign of 1812 with Hitler's in 1941. Maps of the campaign and major battles are included and, along with a good index and list of sources for further reading, were very much appreciated.

[Andrew McAuley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've had this book for about 35 years, and somehow only just got around to reading it. Nigel Nicholson doesn't rank among the popular names in Napoleonic literature, like Dr David Chandler, and Sir Charles Oman, but he certainly managed to craft a truly enthralling book on the 1812 campaign.

The author doesn't take sides; he is equally apologetic and scathing critical of choices made by both sides during the 6 months campaign. The text is peppered with anecdotal information while not dwelling too heavily on the more gruesome reports - even so, the picture painted is one of interminable suffering.

Not over long at 184 pages, the text does seem to lack some depth on the battles, concentrating on actions at corps level and above - which is fine, as with a campaign of this size perhaps its best not to get bogged down in all thr battlefield manuevres etc (the author notes the lack of strategy and tactics at Borodino and none of the battles are among Napoleon's best, so a focus on the overall armies is perhaps more efficient.

Nigel Nicholson has a wonderful writing style, and I wish he wrote more on the Napoleonic Wars. It is rare that I read a history text that doesnt become a but stodgy at points, but this was a page-turner throughout.

[Janis Durelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Challenging read as it’s very difficult to figure out which military officer is French or Russian. More maps were needed to understand where events were taking place.

[Jason Koivu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great supplemental book for those interested in studying the Napoleonic Wars. It's not a good overview, but it will color in many details you might not get in another book attempting to encompass the whole period.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written, concise, and entertaining overview of Napoleon's disastrous campaign in Russia.

[Rafael Sales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Biblioteca do 51 BIS.

[Raphael Bernardo]

Well written. Nice short book on Napoleon in 1812.

[rope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent read. I enjoyed it.