In the centuries following the first expeditions down the great rivers of northern Russia by Viking traders and adventurers; the foundations for a new state were laid. Many influences combined in this colourful culture which grew up first around the great cities of Kiev and Novgorod – Scandinavian; Finnish; Slav; steppe Turkish; Byzantine. By the time of the Mongol invasions of the 12th century the small enclaves of the old pagan Rus'; tolerated by the Khazar Khans for their commercial usefulness; had evolved into a Christian nation. Its story is told here in fascinating detail; and illustrated with striking colour reconstructions of the warriors themselves.
#3010454 in Books Greenhill Books 1998-03Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 .96 x 5.42 x 8.49l; #File Name: 1853673137292 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy Recaredo CastilloVery interesting first hand testimony of a Napoleonic grumbler.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Personne LenteOutstanding picture of the time.13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. An 'Old Sweat' Tells His TaleBy Kevin F. KileyThis is one of the top three Napoleonic memoirs that I would recommend; the other two being Parquins Souvenirs; and In the Legions of Napoleon by Brandt. Jean-Roche Coignet started as an illiterate private; and worked his way up to Captain in the Imperial Guard; one of those loyal; ever-present; tough as nails Grumblers that marched and fought the length and breadth of Europe.Coignet distinguishes himself in his first fight at Montebello in northern Italy in 1800 and is rewarded with a loaf of bread by Berthier; Napoleon's chief of staff. He is almost killed a few days later at Marengo; one of the few who survived in his company; and getting whacked over the shoulder by an Austrian cavalryman; which does effectively cut off his qeue; which saves his life.He is one of the first recipients of the Legion of Honor in 1804; serves throughout the wars all the way to Waterloo; and kills a Prussian officer in a one-on-one contest between the lines outside of Paris. The Prussian was yelling insults and made him angry.This is a great tale; well told by a loyal; hardworking; very good soldier who did more than his assigned duty. I have a picture of Jea-Roche Coignet; a photograph taken in old age-he still looks as if he could eat nails for breakfast; and wouldn't take too kindly of insults against his Emperor. Just seeing the picture made me believe the book.
