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

Russia Against Napoleon: The Battle for Europe, 1807 to 1814 cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Buy online
Technical
  • ID: 6785
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
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.

London Review of Books · Geoffrey Hosking · 2009-12-03
comprehensive 4.25

Lieven offers a lucid and detailed account of Russia's role in the Napoleonic Wars, providing a comprehensive understanding of the diplomatic and administrative aspects.

Geoffrey Hosking praises Dominic Lieven for offering a lucid and detailed account of Russia's role in the Napoleonic Wars. They highlight how Lieven provides a comprehensive understanding of the diplomatic and administrative aspects that are often overlooked. Hosking appreciates the depth of research and the clarity of Lieven's writing, making it a valuable resource for both scholars and history enthusiasts. The book's focus on the Russian perspective adds a unique dimension to the existing literature on the Napoleonic Wars.


Quick quotes

    Dominic Lieven offers something that has hitherto been lacking, a lucid and detailed account of Russia's diplomatic, administrative and military efforts.

    Lieven's writing is clear and engaging, making complex historical events accessible.

    The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the Napoleonic Wars from the Russian perspective.