The Russian History of the War of 1814 Volume 1

Available for the first time in English, Bogdanovich’s Russian History of the War of 1814 continues where the History of the War of 1813 left off. In describing the events of 1814, the author strives to give an accurate and balanced portrayal of one of the most important years in European history and pays tribute to the service of the Russian army in deposing Napoleon. This book covers not only the military operations by all sides, but also the diplomatic wrangling between the factions in the Coalition, arguing for or against leaving Napoleon in power in a much reduced French Empire. Although Bogdanovich had access to Russian state archives and private papers, he also makes extensive use of published German and French memoirs and histories in order to provide additional context and balance. Volume 1 covers the period from the Coalition crossing of the Rhine in January 1814 until the Treaty of Chaumont on 1 March. Volume 2 covers from Napoleon’s second offensive against Blücher to Napoleon’s abdication, journey into exile on Elba, the Treaty of Paris and the return of Russian forces to their homeland.  

"Bogdanovich’s The Russian History of the War of 1814, Volume 1 may arrive under a forbiddingly austere title, but the book itself is anything but lifeless. This is military history with real momentum: a substantial, richly detailed account that lets the reader watch the 1814 campaign unfold from the Russian perspective. Its greatest strength is strategic clarity. Bogdanovich steers confidently through complex movements without losing sight of the political pressures, fleeting opportunities and sudden reversals that shaped each decision. The result is a campaign that feels immediate. Peter Phillips’ translation deserves particular credit. As in the earlier volumes on the campaigns of 1812 and 1813, he retains the flavour of a period work while keeping the prose readable. English-language readers can therefore engage with an important Russian military history without having to hack through a thicket of antiquated phrasing. This is no breezy introduction to the campaign: it is a hefty, authoritative study for readers who enjoy operational detail and want to understand how Russian commanders viewed the road to Paris. Yet its weight is part of its appeal. For anyone interested in the Napoleonic Wars, Russian military thought or a perspective that shifts the spotlight away from the familiar French narrative, this is a rewarding and distinctive addition to the shelf." carryingsonupthedale.com Blog