This is a masterly study of generalship in Napoleon's Grande Armee. Napoleon arguably had the greatest collection of military talent to ever serve one man working for him during the period 1800-15. The role of the Marshals of the Empire has been covered many times, and due credit is also given to them here; however, for the first time Kevin Kiley also examines in depth the contribution of the generals who never made that rank. Fifty-two general officers are examined using the battles they fought to illustrate just how valuable they were. From Marengo in 1800 to Ligny in 1815, both French victories and defeats are studied in meticulous detail, each chapter covering a battle fought and the generals who commanded them. Diverse source material has been consulted in the preparation of this volume, including after-action reports, memoirs and correspondence from officers including Senarmont, Eble, Drouot, Teste, Marmont, and Davout, as well as from lesser-known characters such as the artillerymen Boulart and Noel, and the Polish cavalryman Niegelewski, who led the final dash up the pass of Somosierra. Furthermore, those closest to Napoleon such as Fain and Marchand give their piece and provide invaluable information. Taken individually, this material paints a vivid picture of the Grande Armee and those who led it into fire. Taken as a whole, it provides an invaluable source and tells the story of the officers without whom Napoleon could never have achieved as much. The Author Kevin F. Kiley is a retired US Marine Corps artillery officer. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he now teaches history and mathematics. He is the author of Artillery of the Napoleonic Wars and co-author the forthcoming An Illustrates Encyclopedia of Uniforms from 1775-1783 The American Revolutionary War. He has also contributed chapters to Cold War Hot and Dixie Victorious. He lives in Jacksonville North Carolina with his wife Daisy and son Michael. Selling Points Keenly observed portraits of Napoleon's marshals and generals. Battles and campaigns described in intimate detail. Provides a fresh insight into Napoleonic strategy, tactics, and, above all, generalship.
