1812

1812 reconstructs Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and the catastrophic retreat of the Grande Armée. Adam Zamoyski follows the campaign from the political breakdown between Napoleon and Alexander I through the advance into the Russian interior, the slaughter at Borodino, the occupation of Moscow and the collapse of the French army during its winter withdrawal.

Drawing heavily on first-hand accounts in several European languages, the book pays close attention to soldiers, civilians and camp followers as well as command decisions. Napoleon and Alexander I are central historical figures, while the campaign itself is treated as a continental war involving troops from across Napoleon’s empire and allies. It is nonfiction military history.