Description

Immediate dispatch from Somerset. Nice book in great condition. Pages in excellent condition. No notes or highlighting. See images. Fantastic book.

About the book >.>.> Few military careers-whether considered individually or collectively – can have rivalled the drama the opportunities proffered or the penalties incurred – than those of the twenty-six senior officers who in due course formed the Napoleonic Marshalate. The men concerned came from every strata of French society including a number from the officers and non- commissioned-officers of the pre-revolutionary French Bourbon Army who may truly be said to have had their batons “… in their knapsacks”. The reasons that led to individuals being selected by the Emperor Napoleon I for this distinction were complex. A reputation for courage in action and perseverance on campaign figured high amongst the qualities desired but internal army politics played as great a part as proven ability in high command. The favoured eighteen of the original promotion of August 1804 and the eight appointed later were very much of a mixed bag. Glory-seekers feuders barely disguised (if at all) looters on the grand scale – they left their mark on the early nineteenth century which saw their exploits. Some were cultivated men; others the very reverse. Two would become kings a number more received princedoms – including Marshal Andr? Massena whose descendant – Victor Massena Prince of Essling – has provided the Foreword. Almost all received vast grants of land and sums of money from the Emperor. On the other hand three would die of wounds received in action; five more would meet violent deaths and all without exception suffered the strains of seemingly perpetual warfare involving (for many) periods of disgrace and after Waterloo persecution. Centre-stage from 1804 until 1815 was the towering genius of the Emperor Napoleon – a hard master who spared neither his chosen commanders nor himself and deliberately distanced himself from them – employing the methods of personal charisma and “divide and rule” to keep them in some form of order. (MP)