1812: Napoleon's Russian Campaign

by Richard K. Riehn

Release Date: 04 April, 1991

Edition: Paperback

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Super chronicle of a super debacle

Invading Russia doesn't seem to be a good idea. I know of three major campaigns, all ending in disaster: Charles XII of Sweden (against Peter the Great), Napoleon, and Hitler. Charles XII and Hitler were mediocre generals at best, but Napoleon--how could he blunder so grotesquely in strategy and tactics? Riehn's book does an excellent job of explaining it. The lack of maps, as the other reviewer noted, is definitely a problem in following the details of logistics and battles. My paperback edition has one map, but it's lousy. However, Riehn makes up for this with a strong narrative that makes the whole campaign come alive.

My father found a great book years ago--"Retreat from Moscow", by Bourgogne (?) long out of print. It's the memoirs of a French officer who miraculously survived the retreat. If you can find it, read it!

Where are the maps?

Richard Riehn has written a great book that is rendered almost unreadable by the complete lack of maps. His book features very detailed descriptions of troop movements and I was unable to fully appreciate and follow his obviously well researched book. It will always continue to amaze me why many authors fail to put maps in their books to allow the reader to follow the troop movements. I don't think I should have to have my world atlas on my lap while I read a book. Maybe future editions will add maps?