The Northern Coalition against Napoleon

The Northern Coalition Against Napoleon provides a new, exciting perspective on the wars against Napoleon. Initially orchestrated by former French Marshal Bernadotte, the coalition developed with British support to include all the great powers of Europe. By 1813, the coalition defeated Napoleon at Leipzig and drove him to the very gates of Paris.

The Napoleonic Wars of 1810-1815 are depicted in a way that has never been done before. Including many events previously unpublished, The Northern Coalition Against Napoleon is a must-read for anyone with an interest in European history and the Napoleonic Wars.

As sources, Patrik Björk has used letters, diaries, memoires, muster rolls, reports and journals. He has drawn upon information from documents in French, British, Swedish and Finnish archives, much of which has never been used before. Using a total of more than 500 different sources, including German, Russian, Danish, Norwegian and Italian literature, Björk presents a balanced and neutral narrative.

Björk’s multifaceted account includes the conflicts between Napoleon and Bernadotte, and the remarkable events leading up to Bernadotte being elected Crown Prince of Sweden. New light is shed on the formation of the Northern Coalition. The campaigns and battles on land and at sea are described in depth, often with emphasis on Bernadotte, the Swedes, and the British. The Northern Coalition Against Napoleon is also a testimony to the human tragedies, hardships and courage of soldiers and civilians.

"It feels good that there is now a proper investigation based on modern research on this subject. The narrative is well kept together, and is at times also very exciting. The many maps are also a definite plus." Lars Ericson Wolke, Professor Emeritus at the Swedish Defence University

"Patrik Björk has written an important book and written it very well. Although of great interest and importance, the Scandinavian aspects of the Napoleonic Wars have not received much attention in the English-language historiography, and it is a real pleasure to see this situation being remedied in so excellent a fashion." Charles Esdaile, Professor Emeritus at the University of Liverpool

"This book contains details and battle diagrams for many obscure engagements that would be ideal scenarios for tabletop wargames...A well-researched alternative perspective on the later campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars that is highly recommended." Arthur Harman, Miniature Wargames, Feb 2026

"The role of Scandinavia has been largely overlooked in Napoleonic military history. This new book fills this gap in some fifty chapters. It notably addresses the (small) Anglo-Swedish War (1810-1812), the French invasion of Swedish Pomerania, Sweden's role in the Russian (1812) and German (1813) campaigns, and more. The author—a Scandinavian—has used, among other things, previously unpublished Swedish and Finnish sources. The book is enhanced by numerous illustrations and a multitude of maps, admittedly in black and white, but very legible. A fine work on a subject little known in our country". Vae Victus Magazine No184 (translated from French)