1812: Napoleon's fatal march on Moscow (2004)

This book was so well written this is probably down to meticlous research. For me Adam Zamoyski's expressive phrases stood out more than the events of 1912. Put it this way i'll now read anythig Zamoyski has written the subject is a side issue compared to the skillful use of language.
The following is a short paraphrase of one of the andedotes of the retreat chapter.
On a night of sub 25 degree temperture some French soldiers had to go and find some forage for their mounts. After many hours they became fatigued and some kind Russian peasants took pity on them. They were given comfortable beds and plenty of food. In early morning they heard a baby crying for its mother what amazed them was it had an undeniable French accent.
They then found out the father was a French colonel and that he and the mother had been killed one night. The girl now caring for the orpan was the wet nurse to the baby from birth. And the natural bond was far greater than any polictical nonsence. As often happened throughout this book ordinary folk respected one and another. Even the generals tried to neogoiate before going into battle.
It all proves how pointless the war was.

Magnificent work of narrative history bringing home the sweep of historical events and many individual stories of suffering and horror experienced by the members of Napoleon's multinational Grande Armee. In the end Napoleon's defeat was down to a complete mis-estimation of the logistics involved in invading Russia and his elevation of his will and self-belief over the reality of conditions there. The Russian side does not come over well either, with constant bitter rivalry between mediocre or incompetent generals, including Marshal Kutuzov, still thought of as a Russian hero today, but nowhere near as great a general or leader of men as Napoleon. Great military history that really gives a feel for the ghastly experiences endured by the common soldier and civilian especially during the infamous retreat from Moscow. ( )

Impressive account of the march to Moskou and the retreat
I hate Napoleon after this book, all the horses that died... ( )

An unforgettable and well researched account of the Grand Armée in Russia, with a valuable foot soldiers eye view. ( )

History at its best. A sweeping narrative that captures the progress of the invasion, the unfolding of the battles, the horror of the retreat, and the suffering of individual soldiers and civilians. ( )