Napoleon and Europe--Seminar Studies In History Series Book

This was an interesting read because it follows the Russian perspective of Napoleon's push into Russia. The book starts out with various maps and the first being the overall advance/retreat of the 1812 campaign. Other maps include a geopolitical map of 1812 Europe, the Smolensk region, the Borodino battlefield, engagements at Bautzen/Katzbach/Kulm, the Leipzig campaign, and other relative maps.

The author gives a good background of Peter the Great's Russia and leads up to Napoleon's invasion. The author gives comparison to Crimean War veteran Leo Tolstoy's perception, characters and setting, and states how "'War and Peace' has had more influence about Napoleon's defeat by Russia than all the history books ever written", pg. 525

Something I found helpful was the illustrated templates of the different combatants. A standard personal appreance picture follows for each at the rank of Private:
1. Preobrazhensky Guards Regiment
2. Finland Guards Regiment
3. Riazan Infantry Regiment
4. Field Artillery officer (Lieutenant)
5. Ekaterinoslav Cuirassier Regiment
6. Dragoon Guards Regiment (Lieutenant)
7. Sumi Hussar Regiment
8. Lithuanian Lancer Regiment

This was a readable book with lots of helpful details. Sometimes I thought it was dry and boring but overall was great. I would recommend it to anyone who wants the historical background in 'War and Peace' and the Napoleonic Wars. Thanks!