In August 1793 of the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802); Republican France teetered on the brink of collapse. On every front her enemies' armies swept forward across her borders – the very survival of the Revolution itself was at stake. In Toulon; the strategically vital home port of France's Mediterranean fleet; a coup had overthrown the Republican government and handed over the city to the blockading British navy. In this; perhaps her darkest hour; France's saviour was at hand in the shape of a Captain of Artillery whose name all Europe would soon know - Napoleon Bonaparte. This title describes the Republican victory at Toulon that not only saved the Revolution but also saw the young Napoleon Bonaparte begin his meteoric rise to power.
#6525194 in Books 2001-02-22Original language:English #File Name: 1841191817512 pages
Review
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. First-Hand Accounts of CampaigningBy Kevin F. KileyThis is a compendium of first hand accounts of campaigning and fighting during the Napoleonic period. While it is only excerpts; those chosen are excellent and render a very good picture of both the soldiers and the times in which they lived and fought. While it would be best; especially doing research; to have the entire diaries or memoirs of those mentioned in this volume; works of this nature are a great help to those who don't have the time or means to secure those priceless tomes.The excerpts are either French or English; with one American memoir from the War of 1812; and include some old reliables such as Coignet; Marbot; and Mercer. However; there are some that arent' seen too often; such as Marshal MacDonald's recollection of Wagram in 1809 (not always a reliable source); as well as Lejeune's story of the Great Retreat from Moscow (somewhat more reliable). He reluctantly served as Marshal Davout's chief of staff during the Retreat; serving in his normal efficient manner; having been an aide-de-camp to the Grande Armee's chief of staff; Marshal Berthier; who didn't suffer fools gladly.On the British side there is an excerpt from William Tomkinson's excellent memoir of the war in Spain; the bloody story of the stormings of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz by William Graham of the famous Connaught Rangers; David Robertson's memoir of Egypt in 1801 and a rare glimpse of campaigning in northern Germany in 1813 by one of the few British units to participate in that campaign; the 73d Foot. As a rare treat; there is a memoir from a Kentucky militia corporal; Samuel Stubbs; who enlisted at age 63 and served at Queenstown; Lundy's Lane; Fort Erie; and at the Battle of New Orleans.Taken as a whole; this is an interesting; informative collection of memoirs and tall tales; that is as entertaining as it is valuable. It is useful for both research and entertainment; and is a must for the historian; wargamer; and researcher. The author has done us all a great service with this outstanding work. It is highly recommended
