The Commander: A Life of Barclay de Tolly

by Michael Josselson, Diana Josselson

Coming from an émigré (Scottish) family settled in Livonia, Michael Barclay de Tolly, 1761-1818, was entered in the Russian army at six years old and went on active service at fifteen. He distinguished himself in the Turkish War of 1787, the European campaigns of 1790 onwards and, most spectacularly, in the Finnish War of 1808. As Russian Minister of War he prepared the country for Napoleon’s invasion but it was his position as field commander of the main Russian army during the first part of the 1812 campaign that brought him his greatest fame, for his judicious strategy, and disgrace in Russian eyes, for allowing Napoleon to advance so deep into Russia. Ultimately restored to favour, named Field Marshal, Commander-in-Chief, and eventually Prince of the Russian Empire, Barclay accompanied the victorious advance of the Allies across Europe, from the Russian border to the triumphal entry into Paris in 1814 and again in 1815. This is the first full-length study of Michael Barclay de Tolly.

Genres: Russia, Military History

336 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1980

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have read WAR AND PEACE, you know Tolstoy's view of how the Russians defeated their hated enemy, Napoleon. It's a great novel, but it tends to make Kutuzov the hero, and at the same time villifying any of his rivals, especially Michael Barclay de Tolly. In this book the authors try to balance the books by recounting the life of this man who was looked upon as 'not really Russian', and who had a 'French' sounding name.

I have long been an admirer of Barclay de Tolly, and this book only reinforces that. Obviously, he made mistakes, but his efforts on behalf of Russia and the Tsar were remarkable in the field and as Minister of War. Wounds and ill health seemd to be his rewards along with being called 'traitor' for asking the Russian army to retreat instead of playing into Napoleon's numerically superior hands. Alexander I did support him, but he also made it difficult for Barclay and any other Russian commander with his constant interference in the affairs of war.

I enjoyed this book, especially the segment on Borodino, although it could have used better maps. Barclay was a fine leader, and one who lived up to his motto, "Loyalty and Patience."

[Elliot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just read about Napoleon's invasion of Russia in 1812, I fount myself wanting to learn about the battles and characters of that monumental event. Of the multitude of commanders, diplomats, and monarchs, I was most drawn to Barclay de Tolly.

My interest was greatly rewarded by finding this excellent biography. The author tracks Barclay's life, starting in Livonia where his Lutheran upbringing and fosterage under his aunt shaped the man he was to be. It is Barclay's character for which he is most admirable, notwithstanding his military talents. Intensely loyal to the Russia and the Tsar, renowned for his courage and calm under fire, devoted to the care of his troops, and in possession of a pragmatic mind, Barclay stood in stark contrast to many of his contemporaries. However, his Livonian heritage and austerity often set him at odds with other Russian commanders.

This coolness boiled over to out-right animosity due to Barclay's prudent, but inglorious strategy of retreat during the 1812 campaign. His reputation soiled, Barclay nevertheless saved the day at Borodino. He eventually regained the favor of Alexander. It was Barclay who led the victorious Russian armies (among the Austrians and Prussians) in 1814 and again in 1815. Despite these contributions, Barclay's reputation remained sullied, and has never truly been redeemed even centuries after his death. While not a military genius by any means, his quality and character make him, I think, one of the more likable military men of his time.

Barclay is well-served by Josselson's biography. The writing is lively and the concise descriptions of the various campaigns Barclay fought in are very well done. These descriptions are augmented by four excellent maps.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Napoleonic Wars.