With Eagles to Glory: Napoleon and His German Allies in the 1809 Campaign by John H Gill

In 1809, as Napoleon's French troops were depleted after the grueling Spanish War, German soldiers stepped into the spotlight, playing a pivotal role in the heart of the battle. This groundbreaking study delves into a year of glory for these German troops, showcasing their extraordinary skill, courage, and loyalty. Their actions and contributions are meticulously examined, providing a fresh perspective on this often-overlooked chapter of history. Through vivid narratives and detailed accounts, the book brings to life the dramatic events of 1809, highlighting the strategic maneuvers and personal sacrifices that defined this period. It offers a compelling exploration of the German soldiers' experiences, their impact on the war, and their enduring legacy. This is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the untold stories of military history.

Reviews

LibraryThing · 2025-12-11

comprehensive 4.00

The book examines the military fortunes of Napoleon's German allies during the 1809 campaign. It is noted for its detailed account of the campaign.

This book examines the military fortunes of Napoleon's German allies during the 1809 campaign. The reviewer appreciates the detailed account of the campaign, highlighting the significant role played by these allies. They note that the book provides a comprehensive look at the campaign, out of the wreckage of Austerlitz and other significant battles. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable addition to the literature on Napoleon's wars, offering a unique perspective on the contributions of his German allies.

Quick quotes

John Gill's With Eagles to Glory examines the military fortunes of Napoleon's German Allies in the 1809 campaign.

Out of the wreckage of Austerlitz and other significant battles.

It is a tremendously detailed military history of the Danube campaign of 1809.

Goodreads · 2025-12-11

detailed 4.20

The book offers a very good but limited look at Napoleon's German allies. It is a detailed military history of the Danube campaign of 1809.

This book is a detailed military history of the Danube campaign of 1809. It provides a very good but limited look at Napoleon's German allies, focusing on their role and contributions during this significant campaign. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the study but notes that it is somewhat narrow in scope. They highlight the importance of the campaign in knocking the Austrians out of the war, making it a crucial period in Napoleon's military history.

Quick quotes

This is a very good, if limited look at just that.

This is a tremendously detailed military history of the Danube campaign of 1809.

This was a very important campaign because it knocked the Austrians out of the war.

Five Books · Andrew Roberts · 2019-10-28

epic 4.50

The book is a comprehensive study of the 1809 campaign, highlighting the contributions of German soldiers fighting for Napoleon. It is described as an epic work.

Andrew Roberts describes this book as an epic work that presents an unprecedented and comprehensive study of the 1809 campaign. He emphasizes the significant role played by German soldiers fighting for Napoleon, making it a crucial period in military history. Roberts appreciates the detailed account and the importance of the campaign in the broader context of Napoleon's wars. He notes that the victory at Wagram, although not a knock-out blow, was a pivotal moment in the campaign.

Quick quotes

In this epic work, John Gill presents an unprecedented and comprehensive study of this year of glory for the German soldiers fighting for Napoleon.

Victory was achieved at Wagram was not the knock-out blow he had envisaged.

This is a tremendously detailed military history of the Danube campaign of 1809.

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