LIFE IN
NAPOLEON'S ARMY |
| CONTENT: Blaze's memoirs are one of the most fascinating recollections of the Napoleonic Wars ever to be published. Written by an officer of wide experience and colourful style, the memoirs present an outstanding picture of the First Empire, providing an officer's perspective view of the character, customs and mode of operation of the French army. Its value is enriched and enlivened by anecdotes from the author's own experiences. Blaze entered the army as a youth, via the Imperial Guard Velite organisation, a path only open to those of some wealth. After gaining his commission as an officer, he served in the campaigns from Poland in 1807 to the fall of France in 1814. The wide range and extent of his service made Blaze perfectly suited to produce a record of Napoleon's army during this climactic period. KEY POINTS: • The character of army life under Napoleon • Written by a French army officer • A lively and witty overview of the French army of the period REVIEWS: '...It is a refreshing change to read an English translation of a French account of life in Napoleon's Army... Life In Napoleon's Army is a very detailed account of all aspects of French Army life during the Napoleonic Wars. It is related in a colourful style that makes for an informative and enjoyable read. ...Having read numerous books on what life was like in Wellington's Army, it makes a pleasant contrast to take the view from the other side, as it were.' - Paul Chamberlain, The Age of Napoleon '...It all rings gloriously true even 200 years after and in a different army...fascinating observations...For those with even the smallest interest in the Napoleonic Wars this is a delightful book.' - Lt Col C. M. StG Kirke, RA, Journal of the Royal Artillery '...In his introduction to this book, the latest in the Greenhill Napoleonic Library Series, Philip Haythornthwaite calls it a 'most attractive memoir'. And how right he is...This is an enjoyable memoir.' - Ian Fletcher, Military Illustrated '...The Blaze memoirs are an indispensable aide to the background history of French Imperial service.' - First Empire '...Blaze was an acute observer of human nature...these Memoirs have great charm, enhanced by the author's honesty and readiness to admit his true feelings...Greenhill Books are to be congratulated on their enterprise in producing another fine addition to their already outstanding Napoleonic Library.' - British Army Review AUTHOR NOTES: Captain Elzar Blaze served with distinction in the armies of Napoleon and saw action in Poland, Spain and Germany. He began his career as a Velite in the Imperial Guard and was later commissioned into a line infantry regiment, attaining the rank of captain in 1814.
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