Napoleon Bonaparte, one of history’s greatest generals, dominated Europe from 1805 to 1815. His wars continue to captivate the world, with a vast range of literature available. In this article, our editors have selected the best literature on Napoleon’s life and wars, excluding the Battle of Waterloo, which has a separate collection of literature due to its profound impact.
The Napoleonic Wars by Barnes and Fisher
Osprey’s one-volume Essential Histories combines their four-volume coverage of the Napoleonic Wars. The book offers a slimmed-down history with rich illustrations. Osprey caters to those who may not prefer the depth of Chandler or West. However, some readers may desire more in-depth coverage.
How Far From Austerlitz? Napoleon 1805 – 1815 by Alistair Horne
Horne argues that Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz may have been his greatest, but it also marked a decline in his judgment. He questions how much of Napoleon’s ultimate defeat was due to his own hubris.
A Military History and Atlas of the Napoleonic Wars by V. J. Esposito
V. J. Esposito’s A Military History and Atlas of the Napoleonic Wars is an impressive tome, both in size and content. The book offers a comprehensive military narrative of the entire Napoleonic Wars, accompanied by an extensive collection of detailed maps that illustrate campaigns, battles, and troop movements. Despite using a limited color palette, the maps are far from dull and provide a wealth of information for those interested in this period of history.
An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Uniforms of the Napoleonic Wars by Digby Smith
Digby Smith’s “An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Uniforms of the Napoleonic Wars” is an excellent resource for wargamers and readers alike. The book provides a comprehensive starting point for those looking to paint their units and imagine the battles they’ve read about in other books. With detailed illustrations and descriptions of uniforms worn by soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars, this book is a must-have for anyone interested in this period of history.
The Campaigns of Napoleon by David Chandler
David Chandler’s book, The Campaigns of Napoleon, is widely considered the best single volume work on the Napoleonic Wars. The book provides a detailed examination of the battles, tactics, and events of the wars in an easy-to-read style. It contains a wealth of information, but readers may find it helpful to have an atlas handy while reading. The book’s size may also make it unsuitable for some readers.
Napoleon and His Marshals by A G Macdonell
A G Macdonell’s book delves into the intriguing and intricate lives of the Marshals, the leading commanders of Napoleon’s army. This work is a valuable addition to any general history on the subject.
Britain’s Victory Organization Against Napoleon
“Britain Against Napoleon: The Organization of Victory, 1793-1815” by Roger Knight, is an in-depth analysis of how Britain was able to remain in the fight against Napoleon’s forces for such a long time and ultimately emerge as one of the victors. The book focuses on the often-overlooked aspects of war, such as the economy, supply, and organization. It provides valuable insights into the strategies and tactics employed by the British to secure their victory.
Russia Against Napoleon: The True Story of the Campaigns of War and Peace by Dominic Lieven
Lieven’s book delves into the Russian army’s march to Paris and their significant role in Napoleon’s ultimate defeat. The book offers a wealth of insight, detail, and wit, making it a well-deserved award winner.
The Napoleonic Wars 1803-1815 by David Gates
David Gates’ book on the Napoleonic Wars provides a concise and informative introduction to the conflict. While it may not delve deeply into Napoleon’s military origins, it offers a fascinating overview of the war. The book’s only downside is its late start, but readers will likely find the subject captivating and seek out additional resources.
Weapons and Equipment of the Napoleonic Wars
This guide provides an overview of the various weapons used during the Napoleonic Wars and their impact on battles. The guide covers muskets, rifles, and other equipment used by soldiers. It also discusses tactics and supplies in a concise manner.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
War and Peace is a literary masterpiece that takes place in Russia during the Napoleonic Wars, specifically in 1812. While the novel’s length may seem daunting, it becomes more manageable after the first hundred pages. Tolstoy’s realistic battle scenes are praised for their chaotic nature, and the novel’s enlightening, atmospheric, and powerful themes make it a must-read for all literature enthusiasts.
Tactics and the Experience of Battle in the Era of Napoleon by Rory Muir
Rory Muir’s book delves into the experiences of soldiers and commanders during the Napoleonic Wars. Through the use of primary sources such as letters and diaries, Muir explores the practical implementation of orders in the midst of challenging circumstances such as mud, disease, and cannon fire. Muir’s account provides a vivid and unique perspective on the realities of warfare during this era.
Rites of Peace: The Decline of Napoleon and the Congress of Vienna by Adam Zamoyski
Zamoyski’s “Rites of Peace” offers a compelling account of the Congress of Vienna, which took place following Napoleon’s defeat. The Congress, which was part social gathering and part geopolitical strategy, played a crucial role in shaping the next century. Zamoyski’s book provides a comprehensive and engaging look at this important historical event.
1812: Napoleon’s Invasion of Russia by Paul Britten Austin
Paul Britten Austin’s book, a compilation of three volumes, recounts the story of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia in 1812. The volumes, March on Moscow, Napoleon in Moscow, and The Great Retreat, provide in-depth descriptions, analysis, and first-hand accounts of the events. It is a valuable resource for understanding the historical significance of the invasion.
Imperial Bayonets by George Nafziger
Imperial Bayonets is a guidebook that offers detailed insights into the movements, operations, and formations of military units during the wars. Written by George Nafziger, a well-known author and favorite among wargamers, this book has unfortunately gone out of print and can be quite expensive. It is a must-read for those who are truly dedicated to the subject matter.
The Spanish Ulcer: A History of the Peninsular War by David Gates
David Gates’ book, “The Spanish Ulcer,” provides a comprehensive account of the Peninsular War. It sheds light on the political and military blunders that led to the conflict, and highlights the military warnings that were ignored. This book established Gates as a prominent historian and is a must-read for those seeking to understand this pivotal moment in European history.
1812: Napoleon’s Fatal March on Moscow by Adam Zamoyski
Adam Zamoyski’s account of Napoleon’s disastrous campaign in Russia in 1812 is a shorter alternative to other books on the subject. The book is described as pacy and exhilarating, making it a top choice for those interested in the topic. Despite its affordability, the quality of the writing is not compromised. Readers need not feel obligated to opt for longer works, as Zamoyski’s book is considered top class.
Trafalgar: The Biography of a Battle by Roy Adkins
Adkins’ book on the famous naval battle is highly regarded for its cinematic quality and has been compared to the acclaimed ‘Stalingrad’. The author’s skillful storytelling makes for an engaging read.
The Napoleonic Empire by G. J. Ellis
G. J. Ellis’ book on the Napoleonic Empire delves beyond the military battles and explores the social, cultural, and political debates that surrounded the era. The book raises important questions such as whether Napoleon betrayed the French Revolutionary ideals and what long-term effects he had on France. It is an excellent resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal period in European history.
Summary
The Napoleonic Wars were a series of conflicts fought between France and various European nations from 1803 to 1815. The wars were marked by Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power and his attempts to expand the French Empire. The wars had a profound impact on Europe, leading to the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire and the rise of nationalism. The wars ended with Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.