KEYNOTE Highly illustrated history of Napoleon's principal army from 1805 The Grande Armee (French for "the Great Army" or "the Grand Army") first entered the annals of history when, in 1805, Napoleon I renamed the army he had assembled on the French coast of the English Channel for the proposed invasion of Britain. Yet, as a result of Napoleon's failure at the battle of Trafalgar, he re-deployed the army east to commence the Campaign of 1805 against Austria and Russia. Thereafter, the name was used for the principal French army. This is an in-depth and highly interesting review of La Grand Armee, beginning with a prologue detailing the conception of the army by renowned historian Ian Fletcher. Detailed descriptions of the army's units are included: lancers, line infantry, cuirassiers, hussars, mounted chasseurs, etc. Illustrated with Rousselot plates, contemporary pictures of the Napoleonic era, and previously unpublished artwork, this book belongs on the bookshelf of every Napoleonic enthusiast, historian and hobbyist. ILLUSTRATIONS colour throughout
