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best books on 1812.

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by nastychestycough (U13796779) on Wednesday, 20th May 2009

  Can anyone suggest a book that gives a good overview of Napoleons Russian campaign?
  Preferably one that balances first source accounts with a not-too technical military expostion. Also one that gives equal weight to Russian/French issues.
  
  I've checked on the internet and there are dozens, all with various reviews. Could end up spending a fortune to very little end.
  
  Many thanks

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by pc1973 (U13716600) on Wednesday, 20th May 2009

  I have read 1812 by Adam Zamoyski and would highly recommend it. It really gives a sense of the true horror that was the retreat from Moscow.

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 2.

  Posted by nastychestycough (U13796779) on Thursday, 21st May 2009

  Thanks for the reply , that book was well reviewed but one criticism was that it concentrated more on the French experiences than the Russian. Can I ask if you got that impression?

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by suvorovetz (U12273591) on Thursday, 21st May 2009

  nastychestycough
  Can anyone suggest a book that gives a good overview of Napoleons Russian campaign?
  Preferably one that balances first source accounts with a not-too technical military expostion. Also one that gives equal weight to Russian/French issues.Β  Alan Schom's Napoleon Bonaparte has a superb analysis of the Russian campaign. It certainly isn't lacking details, so it may seem a bit tedious if you're looking for a quick read. But - to me - it is well worth the time. Strongly recommend.
  

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• Message 5

  , in reply to message 4.

  Posted by pc1973 (U13716600) on Thursday, 21st May 2009

  Re: Message 3.
  
  Yes I would agree with that. The majority of the book covers the retreat from Moscow. There is not for example a lot on Borrodino and I would also say it covers things more from a French prospective. Having said that still a good ( and in parts Haunting) read.

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