Russia Against Napoleon: The Battle for Europe, 1807 to 1814

by Dominic Lieven
Russia Against Napoleon: The Battle for Europe, 1807 to 1814 cover
Good Books rating 4.28
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 6785
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2026-04-11
  • ISBN: 9780141009353
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In the summer of 1812, Napoleon, the master of Europe, marched into Russia with the largest army ever assembled, confident of victory. Yet less than two years later, his empire lay in ruins, and Russia had triumphed. This book is the first to explore in depth Russia's crucial role in the Napoleonic Wars, plunging readers into a world of dashing dragoons and bristling moustaches, where the largest army ever assembled came to grief in the snow outside Moscow. A monumental work that radically alters our assumptions about how Napoleon was beaten, this history offers new revelations and vivid descriptions of savage battles, swashbuckling cavalrymen, and towering personalities. It is a landmark book that provides a historian's version of War and Peace, offering military history of a high order.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2026-03-11
excellent 4.10

The book is commended for its unique Russian viewpoint, shedding light on Tsar Alexander I's role and strategies. It is considered a marvellous account that enhances the understanding of the historical events.

The reviewer appreciates the book's focus on the Russian perspective, which is often overlooked in historical accounts. By highlighting Tsar Alexander I's actions and strategies, the book provides a more nuanced understanding of the Napoleonic wars. This approach is seen as a significant contribution to the historical narrative, offering readers a fresh and enlightening view of the events.

Quick quotes

    The marvellous thing about Dominic Lieven's book is the way he tells the story from a Russian point of view.

    This allows him to show that Tsar Alexander I and ...

    The book is considered a marvellous account that enhances the understanding of the historical events.

The Storygraph · 2026-03-11
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its detailed and comprehensive account of the Napoleonic era, standing out as a favorite military history. It effectively provides a Russian perspective that has been less accessible to Western readers.

This review highlights the book's exceptional detail and thoroughness, making it a standout in military history. The unique Russian perspective offered is particularly valued, as it provides insights that have not been as openly available to Western audiences. The reviewer appreciates the depth of information and the fresh viewpoint, which enriches the understanding of the Napoleonic wars.

Quick quotes

    Wonderful Napoleonic era history, up there with Peter the Great as my all time favourite military history book.

    Hits all the spots- detailed, ...

    This book is really well written and is able to provide the Russian perspectives that have no beeb openly available to Western readers int he past.

The Storygraph · 2025-12-05
informative 4.00

The book is dense but Lieven's writing style makes it engaging and easy to follow. It provides a unique perspective on the Napoleonic Wars from the Russian viewpoint.

This book is a bit of a heavy read, but Dominic Lieven's writing style makes it accessible and engaging. They highlight numerous key points while maintaining a coherent narrative. The focus on the Russian perspective offers a fresh take on the Napoleonic Wars, emphasizing the strategic and diplomatic maneuvers that led to Napoleon's downfall. The battles are described in moderate detail, providing a balanced approach that keeps the reader engaged without overwhelming them with too many specifics.

Quick quotes

    It is a heavy-going book but Lieven's writing style makes it easy to extract numerous cogent points while holding to the narrative.

    Battles are moderately described, providing a balanced approach.

    The book shows Russia embarking on its strange, central role in Europe's existence, as both threat and protector.

The Man Booker · 2011-07-18
engaging 4.50

The book provides a gripping account of the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting the strategic brilliance and resilience of the Russian forces. It offers a compelling narrative that makes history come alive.

This review highlights how Dominic Lieven brings the Napoleonic Wars to life with a gripping narrative. They emphasize the strategic brilliance and resilience of the Russian forces, which often get overshadowed in Western historical accounts. The book's focus on the Russian perspective provides a fresh and compelling narrative that makes history come alive. It's a must-read for anyone interested in military history and the complexities of war.

Quick quotes

    War makes rattling good history.

    Lieven's account of the Russian perspective is both fresh and compelling.

    The book's narrative brings the Napoleonic Wars to life.

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