by Rob Hamper

(THIS IS NOT A PROFESSIONAL REVIEW)

In my readings and in discussions within the club, I had heard that this was an indispensable book. I checked it out at Amazon.com and gripped my wallet tightly when I saw the price of $US64 ($80 on the cover). However, indulging in my desire to build a Napoleonic library, I purchased it with eager though guarded optimism.
I needn't have worried, the size alone was worth my money. The hardcover book is huge by any standards; over 27 cm by 34 cm (10 1/2 by 13 inches) and 400 pages. The layout is unique in my experience with lucid, terse text on the left page and a clear map displayed in full on the right page. It's a military history reader's dream come true. Another feature I loved was the fact that towns and places that were mentioned in the text were referenced to the map by a co-ordinate system that made finding them that much easier though some towns are covered by unit markings. The maps are in colour in that the map graphics are green/brown while the French units are blue and Napoleon's enemies are in red. Standard military markings for the units are used.
To be sure, the text is not as highly detailed as those of books dedicated to singular battles or campaigns but I don't think it was meant to be so. The book is more like a highly detailed encyclopedia with all the major, and most minor, altercations being described. This format gives readers, especially those new to the study of the period, a synopsis of the vast majority of the battles of the French under Napoleon, thus encouraging them to delve a little deeper elsewhere. Indeed, after reading one section of the book, it's hard to restrain oneself from going out and buying a more specific book to learn more. I doubt this book was meant to be the singular authority on the Napoleonic wars.
Criticism has been levelled at this work for some inaccuracies in numbers and battle narratives. Again, I take the opinion that the book is a reference to give an overview of Napoleons campaigns. You can't wargame from this book, you can't even design a wargame from it. You can however get a good feel for the overall strategic and operational levels of the conflicts. When you look at the progressive maps of the Ulm campaign you can get a sinking feeling in your stomach for Mack as he wallows around blindly; slowly and unknowingly strangling himself in the noose Napoleon is setting for him. It's like watching the battle on a modern radar screen, each page an updating sweep of the beam. You can't stop reading and you can't stop looking at the maps.
If you are new to the Napoleonic Wars or if you are looking for a condensed version of them, this book is definitely for you. I have used it as a supplement when reading magazine articles or other books. If you love good maps, you will also not go wrong purchasing this book. However, if you want the "Holy Bible" of the Napoleonic Wars keep waiting and pass this by and let me or my unborn child know when it turns up.

I rate it: 5 out of 5

I hope I have been fair Mr. Elting.

Rob Hamper