Featured battle : Hollabrunn

Part of The French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars

Date : 09 July 1809

Both sides had fought and marched for five days, the Austrians retreating and the French pursuing. In spite of this the Austrians were still a significant force and in this hard fought battle they held the French to a draw.

Grouchy's Waterloo

Andrew W. Field
Very early on in this book the author endeared himself to me with two statements. On page 6 he expresses his intention not to name any places without including them on a map. As one who hates having to read with a map open by my side I applaud this notion in spite of the fact that he doesn't always succeed in mapping every place all though the book. On page 12 he refers readers elsewhere for the lead up to Waterloo stating that there is to a plethora of fine books on the subject. Again I was both surprised and pleased to find a 'Waterloo' book that did not start with Napoleon's escape from Elba.
The book is written from a factual rather than a judgmental position with many insertions of contemporary and post event quotations from reports and diaries. However the last chapter 'Analysis and Conclusions' , where he does discuss the key controversies, is particularly worthy of note.
My overall opinion is that the research has been thorough, the style of writing clear and lucid with many maps and illustrations. A book not to be put down until it is finished. Very highly recommended.
Pen & Sword Military. Pen & Sword \Books \Ltd., 2017