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1812 Paperback – Import, January 1, 2005

by Adam Zamoyski (Author)

4.6 458 ratings

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Adam Zamoyski's bestselling account of Napoleon's invasion of Russia and his catastrophic retreat from Moscow, events that had a profound effect on European history. In 1812 the most powerful man in the world assembled the largest army in history and marched on Moscow with the intention of consolidating his dominion. But within months, Napoleon's invasion of Russia -- history's first example of total war -- had turned into an epic military disaster. Over 400,000 French and Allied troops perished and Napoleon was forced to retreat. Adam Zamoyski's masterful work draws on the harrowing first-hand accounts of soldiers and civilians on both sides of the conflict. The result takes the reader beyond the invasion of Russia to present both a poignant tale of the individual foot soldier and a sweeping history of a turbulent time.

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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (January 1, 2005)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 672 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0007123744
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0007123742
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.08 x 1.65 x 7.8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,661,442 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #507 in Napoleonic War History (Books)

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4.6 458 ratings

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Thomas Reiter

Like you were there

Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2017

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While I've read a bit about Napoleon and about his invasion of Russia, this book really made the war come alive...rather than simply seeing the troop movements and various casualties on the page, this author does a great job of finding a vast quantity of first-hand accounts by participants on both sides--French and Russian of course, but also many Germans (on both sides), Poles, Italians, etc. Although written more than two hundred years ago, these accounts feel very contemporary and do a great job of describing the horrors of this war in a very personal manner which sometimes made me feel like I was there--generally much to my discomfort!

Besides these excellent first-hand accounts, the author does an excellent job of describing Napoleon's dithering and misjudgments during the campaign, as well as the political infighting, disunity of command, and Kutuzov's inertia on the Russian side. The author does a commendable job of trying to answer the question "What was he thinking?" about many strange and fateful decisions by various commanders on both sides during this war.

Another point worth mentioning, even if not critical, is the bargain price of this (kindle) book: right now only $6 vs $45 and $18 for kindle versions of other books on this campaign.

Overall, a highly recommended read, especially for those thinking about invading Russia!

12 people found this helpful

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NorseWoman

This book will change you as a human being. Should be required reading for us all.

Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2021

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This book and the research which went into it thoroughly impressed me!

It was an edge-of-your seat read, especially since this is the true unvarnished story of the war of 1812, pieced together by meticulous research, including museums, historical societies, and down to the letters the soldiers on both fronts wrote to their loved ones.

It is a tale of the human psyche, of what happens when leaders are swayed by the voices of politics, or by their own egos. It is also a tale of just how indestructible we humans are. Of when faced with the ultimate, with circumstances outright gruesome, how strong our will to live is, how much we will endure; and what lengths we are willing to go to for that which we hold dearest.

And in 2021, it gives fresh understanding to what underpins our geopolitical situation.

You read this book, and it will change you as a human being. Will stay with you for the rest of your life, in the manner just a few of the classics are able.

3 people found this helpful

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Monty Mathias

Zamoyski's revelatory history of Napoleon's disastrous campaign.

Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2023

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There's nothing to dislike about the book. It is a concise and varied history of events leading up to the climactic invasion by Napoleon of Russia in 1812, supported by copious source material.

Reviewed in the United States on January 18, 2009

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One can learn many things from "Napoleon 1812." We realize once again, that: human behavior and human history tend to repeat themselves.

Author Adam Zamoyski begins with the historical background and contemporary political climate of the prelude to Napoleon's invasion of Russia. Napoleon's France was the major European superpower, and the strongest nation in Europe diplomatically, and militarily France was financially well-off due to the Continental System of trade during this period.

In the prelude to the invasion of Russia, the French mainstream media (only newspapers and flyers back then) beat a steady drum beat for war with Russia. Ubiquitous nationalism, jingoistic flag waving, and publicly showing "support" on one's sleeve. The air of optimism. As the day of departure for hundreds of thousands of troops came, nationalism increased to higher and higher levels, crescendoing into a peak of "irrational exuberance" in Paris. Sound familiar? And from Paris, the troops left on their march, marching all the way to Moscow.

The fervent and boisterous French were sure of victory, and discounted any potentially negative and dire consequences of invading Russia in the days of horse and carriage. Slowly traversing the vast Russian landscape with soldiers and food supply-lines during Spring, Summer, and in the paralyzing, deadly Russian Winters. Scarce food and firewood for warmth, icy roads, semi-frozen rivers, muddy, slippery roads, and slop, for travel.

CROSSING THE NIEMEN RIVER:

The historical and militaristic significance of crossing the Niemen river, which is, the real entrance into Russia:

After crossing the Niemen, time and time again, Napoleon's forces battled and lost their constant fight with mother nature. And, most of the casualties of the Grand Army actually occurred during the Spring and Summer due to starvation, desertion, suicide, and typhus, etc. Ill troops and high casualties depleted the ranks. In Winter, lethal temperatures, slippery roads and icy rivers, constantly bogged down this massive logistical operation.

Transportation routes and local food were sparse. And all of these circumstances were in a hostile land they had invaded. In addition to organized Russian army battles, the Russian partisans and Cossacks frequently inflicted casualties and damage by hitting and running, often waiting for Grand Army stragglers to fall behind the pack.

When The Grand Army reached Moscow they expected a welcome from Moscow's mayor and local leaders This was customary during those times. Conquerors and occupiers were treated like guests by the weaker, defeated nation. Instead, the Grand Army met the "Scorched Earth Strategy." Moscow was literally burning to the ground. Criminals and the mentally ill were released from prisons to roam the streets for the occupiers to deal with.

There was no livestock, therefore no food. All livestock animals had been taken out of the city. Animals not able to be evacuated, were killed so nothing of value would be left to the invaders. There was nobody there, but some of the Muscovite citizens who unable to get out of Moscow. And after this, these same hundreds of thousands of Grand Army men, would have to march all the way back to Central Europe. Fending off the attacking cossacks, starvation, disease, and fatal Winter, along they way.

Instance after instance, the troops, their horses, cannons/weapons, and food supplies got stuck in the mud. Even Napoleon himself, fell and slid down icy slopes. Horses drowned in icy rivers while trying to cross them.

The supply line of food became clogged as the Russian Winter set in. Lacking food and basic living supplies, soldiers fought each other over food and goods, pillaging and stealing from each other. Survival or death was at stake. Small groups would trek out on the frozen swaths of barren land to forage for food. What little they usually found was rotten. If a few soldiers found a hut to light a fire inside to escape sub-zero temperatures, other soldiers would relentlessly bombard the hut trying to enter in order to try to save their own lives.

The Decimation of Napoleon's forces was slow, steady, methodical, and brutal. The Winter, Russians, and relentless Cossacks stalked the French forces as they retreated. Always waiting for a horse's bridle to break, a wagon wheel to fall off, or a group of soldiers to fall behind the pack. Once this happened, the vulnerable and out-numbered stragglers were killed, and lifted of any valuable they had.

Many times throughout this book I was reminded of Hitler's decision to invade Russia (USSR) in "Operation Barbarossa." Hitler sent his troops in Russia on September 30th, with no Winter clothes. Like Napoleon, Hitler was so optimistic that he falsely believed he'd make it to Moscow before Winter. And, nearly 120 years later, the Winter and people fought back and won.

There are many astutely drawn diagrams detailing the movement of forces, and drawings and sketches on the same page as the written description.

Out of 690,000 of the International Grand Army soldiers (less than 50% were French) that left for Russia, less than half ever returned. Casualties were approximately 400,000. In the beginning of this campaign, there was a lust for power and domination. In the end, there was massive defeat, tragedy, and embarrassment.

This book uses historical facts, interviews, writings, and drawings by those involved.

This book was well written and well researched, and very descriptive.

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Bluey

Realism in defeat

Reviewed in Australia on March 17, 2024

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I knew this book would be interesting but nothing prepared me for how utterly compelling it turned out to be.
While Napoleon is cut down to size, the efforts of those in his military machine are justifiably exalted.
The Russian response to the French invasion is revealed as confused, cowardly, and, not least, catastrophic.
The accounts of human suffering on both sides are made real and linger long after the last page is turned.
Brilliant research is combined with great narrative skill to deliver an unforgettable read.
Masterful.

Mightymouse

Wau

Reviewed in Germany on September 17, 2013

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Was für ein Buch. Fast wie ein Krimi geschrieben, fesselt es, begeistert, macht nachdenklich und mitfühlend.

Wie schrecklich der Krieg war und was er an menschlichen Tragödien heraufbeschworen hat, finde man in diesem Buch. Durch die bildhafte Sprache und viele Zitate glaubt man dabei zu sein auf dem mörderischen Zug nach Moskau.

Historisch klasse, sprachlich und spannungstechisch erste Sahne. Eigentlich ein perfektes Buch um verfilmt zu werden.

Kaufen und lesen !!!

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Mieczyslaw Kasprzyk

An epic tale told in an epic manner.

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2012

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This book starts with a birth surrounded by all the pomp and power of an empire at its peak. in reality the book is about failure and indecision, about the useless sacrifice of thousands in a vain and pointless enterprise that somehow manages to sum up all that is wrong with man's ambition - in fact, Napoleon summed it all up when he coined his quip on reaching Warsaw, having abandoned his men; "From the sublime to the ridiculous there is but one step."
Watching the build-up to the Russian campaign is like watching a samurai preparing himself for ritual suicide... there is that sense of inevitability - that driving desire to destroy oneself. The "French" army is actually a massive coming together of forces throughout Europe; the courageous Italians, the various Germans, Austrians, Dutch, Belgians, Spaniards and, of course, the "largest non-French contingent... who numbered some 95,000", the Poles. Napoleon's arrogance towards and exploitation of his allies, his incompetence and dithering is astounding. His deception and abuse of his Polish allies, whose courage is constantly proven, is inexcusable!
The French were poorly equipped with out-of-date weaponry, poorly designed and uncomfortable uniforms and a genuine lack of logistical planning for a war to be held in an Eastern Europe that was a total contrast to the more "civilised" and comfortable conditions found in the West. "The troops (were) subjected to a rude awakening... there was an element of surprise at the exoticism and the backwardness of many of the areas east of the Oder. they marvelled at the emptiness of the landscape..." The roads were unsuitable, the villages were squalid, there was a lack of food and infrastructure that could "support" such large invading forces... even the fact that the troops had to bivouac in the field rather than be billeted in comfortable farmhouses and towns... all contributed to the great discomfort of the men and the failure of the campaign. Some of the mistakes made were so similar to Hitler's over a hundred years later... right down to the alienation of potential allies within Russian-occupied territory! "The Frenchmen came to remove our fetters," the peasants quipped, "but he took our boots too."
The Russians wore more comfortable uniforms and had superb artillery but Russian troops were conscripted for a period of twenty-five years - when they left their villages they were given a symbolic funeral since they were never expected to return. Their training and discipline was harsh and they did not lay down their arms; "Frederick the Great is alleged to have said that one first had to kill the Russian soldier and then push him over." The real tragedy is that they were lead by a gang of in-fighting incompetents that belong more in a school staffroom than on the field of battle. "Napoleon's military success in the past had rested on his capacity to make a quick appraisal of any situation and to act intelligently and decisively on its basis. Yet from the moment he set out on his (campaign) he displayed a marked inability... to act decisively...(He had) a difficulty in comprehending what his opponents were trying to achieve... The Russians had spent a year and a half deploying for an offensive, only to retreat the moment operations began. This... led Napoleon to expect a trap, and then to assume that they were avoiding battle out of fear of losing. He was not to know that most of it was the result of chaos and intrigue at Russian headquarters."
When the fighting begins cities are razed, the slaughter is immense. The agony of the wounded is heart-rending. One small fact jumped out at me - it concerned the battle of Borodino: "It had been the greatest massacre in recorded history, not to be surpassed until the first day of the Somme in 1916."
Perhaps the most surprising bit of the story is the march on Moscow. History (or is it romantic vision) concentrates on the horrors of the retreat of a failed army, in the freezing depths, harassed by Cossacks, under fire, starving. Yet the march to moscow, in the blazing heat and rain, bitten by mosquitos and dying of hunger and thirst cost the French almost a third of their forces!
In the retreat, Napoleon's concern about his loss of face meant that suitable, life-saving action was not taken prior to and during the march back. In fact constantly we see not a great leader at the head of his men but a great vacillator, a man full of indecision, skulking in his carriage or hidden away in luxury whist all about him struggle and die. When he did make decisions they were the wrong ones and had terrible consequences. His men "should have blamed Napoleon but did not because he belonged to them as much as they to him... His glory was their common property, and to diminish his reputation by denouncing him and turning away from him would have been to destroy the common fund of glory they had built over the years and which was their most prizes possession."
What I really like about this sort of book is the way it tries to tell the story of the ordinary men. We hear (and see) individual tragedies played out on this cruel stage littered with frozen bodies and abandoned booty. The terrible cold, the lack of food, the conditions... even the lice... One shudders as one watches the growing indifference to the torment of their comrades, the desperate acts they became prey to simply in order to survive. My heart went out to them. Every time they thought they'd reached safety things just got worse.
And the death toll was astounding! "...it is safe to say that all in all, between the Grande Armee's crossing of the Niemen at the end of June 1812 and the end of February 1813, about a million people dies, fairly equally divided between the two sides."
Europe was changed. The Russian Campaign set the seeds for the setting up of autocratic structures throughout, and this in the face of the desires for greater freedom the man-in-the-street (especially the Russian exposed to the greater liberties of the West) expected. Russia and Prussia became dominant powers and it is no conceit to see in Napoleon's failure the sowing of the seeds of that greater conflict to come in 1939.
That I enjoyed this book should not need stating, that it is a good read is undeniable. Zamoyski writes with an ease that encompasses us and a knowledge that gives us material to bore our friends with for a long time to come. This is an epic tale told in an epic manner.

16 people found this helpful

John M Christie

Good Referance book

Reviewed in Australia on September 8, 2018

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One gets to feel the agony, and hopelessness of the every day soldier, as they struggle to and from Moscow.

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Joerg

Sehr interessante Analyse der Vorgänge um den Napoleonischen Rußlandfeldzug 1812

Reviewed in Germany on February 28, 2014

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Für Interessierte an der Geschichte Europas im frühen 19. Jahrhundert sehr zu empfehlen. Der Autor stellt nicht nur die Geschehnisse des unmittelbaren Feldzugs sondern auch dessen Vorgeschichte im europäischen Kontext detailliert, wissensreich und spannend zu lesen dar (keineswegs langatmig).

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