1812

Name: 1812
Rating: 4.6 (530 reviews)

by Adam Zamoyski

First published 2004

Amazon

4.6(530)

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.