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Mémoires du général baron de Marbot #2
The Memoirs of Baron de Marbot, vol. 2
1894. The Memoirs of Baron de Marbot is considered to be one of the best written and most informative of all the memoirs to come out of the Napoleonic period. The book is an autobiographic account of Marbot's life, which begins from his birth in 1782 to this death in 1854. Marbot was a Lieutenant-General in the French Army and aide de camp to several of Napoleon's Marshals. He went on more than one mission for the Emperor himself. He fought in nearly every campaign, from 1800 through Waterloo, and was present at many of the big battles of the era, usually in a position to give insights into core level decisions. This is definitely a must read for anyone interested in Napoleonic history.
- GenresHistory
472 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1892
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About the author
Jean-Baptiste de Marbot
21 books5 followersJean Baptiste Antoine Marcellin de Marbot
City of Birth: La Riviere, France
City of Death: Paris, France
French soldier. Served as general under Napoleon during the Hundred Days.
City of Birth: La Riviere, France
City of Death: Paris, France
French soldier. Served as general under Napoleon during the Hundred Days.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 11, 2022
Not quite as entertaining a read as the first volume. It is a mixture of still amusing personal anecdotes although these become less prevalent, then illuminating analysis of campaigning when Marbot was personally involved; and finally less relevant in his jaundiced accounts of campaign theatres where he was not present. Upsetting the balance between these elements diminishes something of Marbot's charm.
In particular his long excursion into the Peninsular events are noted by the translator to have been lifted from Napier, and really add nothing. Even the part of Massena's invasion of Portugal where Marbot was theoretically present arouse my suspicions. There are far too few actual personal anecdotes - and although he was recovering from a severe wound for much of this time which might account for the absence of anything to say, there is too much 'justification' and not enough narrative of what he experienced. The impression given is that Massena really wasn't in any particular difficulty in staying outside the Lines of Torres Vedras, which is interesting - running counter what most histories tell us?!
In Russia Marbot is part of the northern thrust rather than the main effort reaching Moscow. This is indeed fortunate for him and his regiment, reducing their suffering and loss. The 23rd Chasseurs appear an outstanding regiment indeed and it would be interesting to cross reference other sources to check the truth. Here in Russia the commentary he makes is still very useful as a gauge of what the army really thought, even when Marbot is not present. However on these large sweeping campaign accounts, better maps would be helpful - reading alongside a Napoleonic atlas is necessary.
In the last campaign on retreat from Leipzig Marbot notes with sorry the pillaging of French countryside thus suggesting a tacit and uncaring acknowledgment of the ruinage of all Europe that his comrades had wrecked for so long. Perhaps Marbot was not quite the honourable, noble, professional soldier he presents himself as!?
In particular his long excursion into the Peninsular events are noted by the translator to have been lifted from Napier, and really add nothing. Even the part of Massena's invasion of Portugal where Marbot was theoretically present arouse my suspicions. There are far too few actual personal anecdotes - and although he was recovering from a severe wound for much of this time which might account for the absence of anything to say, there is too much 'justification' and not enough narrative of what he experienced. The impression given is that Massena really wasn't in any particular difficulty in staying outside the Lines of Torres Vedras, which is interesting - running counter what most histories tell us?!
In Russia Marbot is part of the northern thrust rather than the main effort reaching Moscow. This is indeed fortunate for him and his regiment, reducing their suffering and loss. The 23rd Chasseurs appear an outstanding regiment indeed and it would be interesting to cross reference other sources to check the truth. Here in Russia the commentary he makes is still very useful as a gauge of what the army really thought, even when Marbot is not present. However on these large sweeping campaign accounts, better maps would be helpful - reading alongside a Napoleonic atlas is necessary.
In the last campaign on retreat from Leipzig Marbot notes with sorry the pillaging of French countryside thus suggesting a tacit and uncaring acknowledgment of the ruinage of all Europe that his comrades had wrecked for so long. Perhaps Marbot was not quite the honourable, noble, professional soldier he presents himself as!?
January 6, 2020
Great book. Great memories.
It was awesome to read!!!! just one comment ... He should mention real names of units... for example polish troops in many occasions instead of writing ... french did it!
It was awesome to read!!!! just one comment ... He should mention real names of units... for example polish troops in many occasions instead of writing ... french did it!
September 15, 2020
Very entertaining and hugely celebratory memoir although possibly a bit of creative imagination at times.
December 12, 2020
Ditto volume 1
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews