What do you think?
Rate this book
Marshal Ney: The Romance And The Real
wonderful book.
- GenresHistory
283 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 1982
20 people want to read
About the author
Raymond Horricks
24 booksRaymond Horricks is a biographer, writer, and independent record producer.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 20, 2018
Michel Ney was not a deep-thinking, complex soldier, and yet rose to the top of his profession as one of Napoleon's 26 marshals. He was a fighter, who often went straight at the enemy, enduring several severe wounds. He is often referred to as, 'the bravest of the brave' because of his performance with the rearguard during the retreat from Moscow. After the first abdication, he tried to serve Louis XVIII, but returned to the service of Napoleon during the 100 Days. He then commanded the left wing of the French army at Quatre Bras and Waterloo at the request of Napoleon, and yet was blamed (along with Grouchy) for the loss of the battle by many, including Napoleon. With Napoleon's second abdication, Marshal Ney became a target for the 'Ultras' in the government, was accused of treason, and paid with his life.
These are some of the well-known facts about the man, who was born in the border town of Saarlouis. Today, it is part of Germany, but Ney always considered himself totally French, a hot-headed Frenchman with nerves of steel. This book describes the man as both a romantic and a realist. His humane treatment of his captured enemies, and his contempt for the corruption of some of his fellow marshals was apparent. He expected much of himself and his men, however, he was generally popular with his soldiers, who referred to him as 'Le Rougeaud' for his ruddy complexion.
Naturally, much of this book deals with his relationship with Napoleon. Napoleon needed men like Ney to fight and command in his wars. He recognized that for a man like Ney, it was 'la gloire', which drove him, that kept him loyal until it became apparent that loyalty wasn't enough. Napoleon was no longer France. Unhappily that reality set in too late for the man from Saarlouis.
I learned a great deal about Ney from this book, much of it admirable. Unfortunately, the romantic side of his nature sometimes blinded him to the realities of a world where winning battles wasn't always enough. The intrigues of Napoleonic France finally defeated him, just as the Allies had done at Waterloo.
These are some of the well-known facts about the man, who was born in the border town of Saarlouis. Today, it is part of Germany, but Ney always considered himself totally French, a hot-headed Frenchman with nerves of steel. This book describes the man as both a romantic and a realist. His humane treatment of his captured enemies, and his contempt for the corruption of some of his fellow marshals was apparent. He expected much of himself and his men, however, he was generally popular with his soldiers, who referred to him as 'Le Rougeaud' for his ruddy complexion.
Naturally, much of this book deals with his relationship with Napoleon. Napoleon needed men like Ney to fight and command in his wars. He recognized that for a man like Ney, it was 'la gloire', which drove him, that kept him loyal until it became apparent that loyalty wasn't enough. Napoleon was no longer France. Unhappily that reality set in too late for the man from Saarlouis.
I learned a great deal about Ney from this book, much of it admirable. Unfortunately, the romantic side of his nature sometimes blinded him to the realities of a world where winning battles wasn't always enough. The intrigues of Napoleonic France finally defeated him, just as the Allies had done at Waterloo.
Displaying 1 of 1 review