ebooks Swords Around a Throne: Napoleon's Grande Armee [Hardcover] by JOHN R. ELTING in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. THE book on La Grande ArmeeBy Nicholas RobertsThis is the most in depth; descriptive and informative books on Napoleon's Grand Army. Everything you can think of is covered in this book. The book is divided by chapter into different types of positions in the army; usually from the highest level (Napoleon; Marshal Berthier and the immediate staff) down to cooks and even washerwomen. The book does not cover any of the campaigns fought by the Imperial army; but instead incorporates them into the writings. Different examples of how the army operated on different fronts is considered and described. In addition to Napoleon's men; his contingents; vassel states; allies; and even enemies are considered although on a smaller scale.A large section of the book is also devoted to matters such as logistics; tactics; strategy and looting. How Napoleon was able to move armies the size that he possessed across those great distances with the primitive technology that was available at the time is attempted to be answered by Elting. Overall the Grand Army is portrayed as a rough; tough; hard hitting army.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A must-buy if you have any interest at all in the Napoleonic EraBy Reviews for the Common ManIf I could recommend one book as the starting point to what has been called the 'abyss of Napoleonic history'; this would be it. This is my favorite book on the subject. The author covers it all. From the army at the time of the revolution; what it ate; how it was supplied; how it was cared for... as well as (of course) how it fought. Its all there. Plus it has the added benefit of reading lively and is very immersive.Although it mainly cover the French experience during what was later called the "Napoleonic Era" the other nations get a chapter as well. All in all a very entertaining read.59 of 60 people found the following review helpful. From Muzzle to ButtplateBy Kevin F. KileySwords Around A Throne is undoubtedly the best book yet published on the organizational history of the Grande Armee. Written by a recognized authority on the subject; who taught at West Point for 11 years of a 40 year Army career; it gives the reader; in concise; authoritative; and witty prose; the story of Napoleon's Grande Armee from its inception to its destruction and after. Col Elting covers the Grande Armee from muzzle to buttplate.Every possible subject is covered; from its commanders; all the combat arms and supporting services; strategy; tactics; and logistics; to such seldom covered topics as marches; bivouacs; awards; horses; discipline; law and order; military intelligence; and the Imperial General Staff. Based on thirty years of research; most of it from primary sources; some not used before in English; it puts the end to many myths and misconceptions (such as the Waterloo myths about the Imperial Guard); and enlightens the reader as to what made up that terrible instrument of war; the Grande Armee. A companion volume to the author's A Military History and Atlas of the Napoleonic Wars; it also stands alone as a work of immense depth; accuracy; and profound insight.Background material is also provided in the early chapters on the Royal Army of the Ancien Regime and the armies of the French Revolution. Additionally; allies; foreign troops in French service; and the Grande Armee's enemies are also given separate chapters. The book is also highly anecdotal; being peppered with stories of personages great and not so great. Keen insight into the character of the soldiers talked about is thorough and uncanny. Generals; captains; and the man in the ranks are all quoted and talked about throughout this engrossing study. As an added bonus; the final three chapters talk about the return; hasty departure; and final return of the hated Bourbons 'in the allies' baggage wagons'; and what happened to the Grande Armee and its commanders after Napoleon's final exile. If the book has a weakness; it is that it leaves the reader with a hunger for more information. Another 300 pages would have been welcome.As it is; Sword Around A Throne is an immense achievement; seldom equalled and never surpassed. It is a must for anyone interested in the Napoleonic and Revolutionary Wars in general and the Grande Armee in particular. Epic in scope; painstakingly accurate; and romantic in its sweep and understanding of the times; it at times reads like a novel; and it is amazing to realize that these people lived; and performed the deeds told inside this the covers of this volume.