Napoleon on the Art of War

by Jay Luvaas

Book Overview

In the capstone work of his career, distinguished military historian Jay Luvaas brings together in one volume the military genius of Napoleon.
Unlike Sun Tzu or Carl von Clausewitz, Napoleon never wrote a unified essay on his military philosophy. Yet, as one of the world's great strategists and tacticians, he sprinkled wisdom throughout his many and varied writings. Jay Luvaas spent over three decades poring through the thirty-two volumes of...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684872714
• ISBN13: 9780684872711
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

How the Little Corporal Thought

There is probably no man in history that has been written about widely as Napoleon, with writings either praising him or decemating him littering bookshelves world wide. However, this selection is quite different, as it is an assortment of letters, mandates, orders etc. that Napoleon decreed or wrote for numerous purposes throughout his time. The accumulation of these letters into chapters of different broad topics makes for a read that provides more insight into the mind of Napoleon than any of thousands of other books ever kind. The reason for the insight is this cannot be biased, for it is Napoleon's own words. The portion describing military training and education is especially notable, and it would be wise reading for anyone considering the military field. Other sections describing leadership of all types, preperation, motivation etc. all show clearly why Napoleon was the man he was, and why so many millions followed him blindly. Anyone in a leadership position could do well to learn from the greatest leader of all time, and this book provides an opportunity for just that.

Understanding Napoleon

Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of the French, is one of the Great Captains of history, and ruled as a civilian head of state. He was a true lawgiver, reformer, builder, and patron of the arts. The greatest actor of the day, Talma, was Napoleon's friend. The French Civil Code, the Code Napoleon, is still in effect in France, and it still affects law in Italy, Germany, and Louisiana. Few, if any, in history have shaped an era, and posterity, as did Napoleon, and yet few ever try and find out what he was really like. Jay Luvass has made a gallant effort and largely succeeded. This little gem of a book is a must for every Napoleonic library, large or small, and it is full of the thoughts of the great French Emperor, whose terrible Grande Armee 'stabled their horses in every capitol of continental Europe.'One of the best ways to get to know historical figures is to read what they have written. Most of that for the Emperor is in the volumes of his Coreespondence. Luvaas has done us all a favor by putting some of the best of it in this volume. Only by reading what the Great Man has written can we gain insights into the 'mind and method' as well as the sense of humor, ethics, morals, and personality of one of the most intelligent, fascinating men who ever graced the world stage.

A MUST for students of military strategy.

NAPOLEON. The world has viewed him as a hungry conqueror, a man always victorious in his days, and the greatest general the world has ever known.He is popular in books and encyclopedias as the master of strategies and tactics, the God of war, a military genius,etc.etc.Then try to read this book, and you'll find that the key to his successes is only one: Never be irresolute, calculate everything prudently, move with confidence and spirit and never leave anything to Fate.In this book you'll find how he used his army from the creation of the fighting forces until the operational art to the gate of victory. He also said that military education, fortification and high morality played an important role in war.But he also made some fatal mistakes that caused his failure in battle, you can find it all in the chapter"Generalship and the art of command".If you're truly interested in military strategies and tactics, this book is certainly presented for you. Jay Luvaas has in this book reflected the mind of history's greatest conqueror.Go and get it. This masterpiece will forever change the way we view THE EMPEROR.

A Masterpiece!

this book is the missing link to the other napoleon works. I have studied the lives of great men...from Caesar to Picasso to Emerson to Machiavelli....but....this book ....left me .....speechless. Perhaps one day....I too will 'awaken' the masses. MB. (ICQ 37317778)