Tsar Paul's War Against France in 1799 Volume 1

Available for the first time in English, Milyutin’s epic five-volume history of Tsar Paul's War Against France in 1799 has been described as ‘distinguished by an extraordinary clarity, unclouded by any prejudice, and by that simplicity that is characteristic of any significant historical work.’

The value of this translation cannot be undersold, with much of the detail applied to the exploits of Tsar Paul’s Second Coalition hitherto unknown outside Russia. Milyutin’s narration crosses Europe through Milan, Piedmont, Zurich, and Holland, outlining Russia’s involvement in the struggle against the armies of revolutionary France, with nearly 30 maps included alongside details of the pivotal battles of Trebbia and Novi, among others. Highly detailed footnotes provide further details, and primary source documents are included in extensive appendices. Volume I focuses on the causes of the war, outlining Russian naval operations in the Adriatic and North Seas, as well as land operations in Italy up to the Coalition’s capture of Milan in April 1799. Subsequent volumes will cover other theatres and campaigns.

Winning Milyutin the Demidov Prize when first published in 1853, his works have since been used by the likes of Christopher Duffy as a core reference for his book Eagles Over the Alps. The clear narrative of both strategic diplomatic developments and operations right down to the tactical level will appeal equally to students of diplomatic and military history as well as wargamers looking for less well-known scenarios.