Whether as a general or a statesman; the two decades of Napoleon's maturity; from the triumphant invasion of Italy to the final defeat at Waterloo; were years of extraordinary achievement. Almost as remarkable as the victories were the disasters at Trafalgar; in the Iberian Peninsuala; in Russia and at Leipzig which the Imperial forces survived. James Marshall-Cornwall here analyzes Napoleon as military commander. Since; however; strategy and statecraft were as closely intertwined in Napoleon's career as in that of Oliver Cromwell; it is impossible to consider his generalship in complete isolation.
#553030 in Books imusti 2010-04-14 2010-04-14Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.75 x .63 x 5.07l; .45 #File Name: 0141041447224 pagesPenguin Books
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Informative and CompassionateBy Maurice WilliamsMy interest in Burma was sparked after I read Amy Tan's "Saving Fish from Drowning" in 2006. The reading of that novel resulted in a more in-depth look into the country's history; politics and peoples. During that year I set sights on Burma; somehow knowing that my passion for travel and cultural exchange would one day lead me there. As travel restrictions ease and the political situation improves an opportunity to visit the county presented itself and the need to get reacquainted with the political climate lead me to "Letters from Burma." Published in 1991; the book is a collection of letters from the country’s most visible democracy advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The collection not only provides insight to the political atmosphere under which Kyi and others pressed for democracy; but it also provides a view of the cultural and religious diversity within the country. I found the letters informative and compassionate; yet I am bereft of the experience of a country that I usually glean from fictional accounts; rendered by the creative writing of the country's contemporary authors. I've always believed that the literature from a country provides a good indication of the extent to which freedom resonates within its borders. Recommendations are welcome as I start to search for recent novels set in present-day Burma; written by Burmese (or any of its citizens). In the mean time; I can definitely recommend "Letters from Burma" for its edifying content and post colonial background.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting How Things WereBy John W. RosskopfLetters From Burma; by Aung San Suu Kyi; are an interesting expose of how things were in Burma in 1995 during one period Suu Kyi was released from house arrest; prior to 2010. Her prose rings poetic; and covers everything from customs in Burma to the trials and tribulations of the leadership of the National League for Democracy during the brutal repression. These letters are two and a half pages each; so they're very easy to read and digest. They are written; weekly for a year; by Suu Kyi; to a Japanese newspaper. They make for wonderful reading. I don't mean the subject matters always depict a rosey scene. What I mean is that they are easy to read and Suu Kyi's vocabulary reflects that of an Oxford graduate. If you are wondering what will happen in Burma in the bi-elections of 2014 and the presidential election in 2015; this is a great book to read to see how things were when elections don't go well; but also to see the vibrancy and elan of spirit of the Burmese people; who want human rights and freedom.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Bittersweet essaysBy GiI admire Aung San Suu kyi; and read many of the recent biographies written on this inspiring iron lady. "Letters from Burma" is a bunch of her essays; about life in her beloved Burma during the Junta years. Why 5 star grade? because when it comes to the lady; I'm not really obejective.But I'd add kind of a black box warning. For those of you who are new the story of the lady; and Burma; I'm not sure it's the best starting point. Because the letters don't build a cohesive plot. Consider read first books like "voice of Hope: Conversations with Alan Clements"; and then come back to the letters.
