Synopses & Reviews
One of the world's leading Napoleonic authorities, supported by over 100 period illustrations, tells the surprising story of what actually happened in the emperor's infantry battles as compared to what should have occurred if they'd gone by the regulation book. Descriptions of infantry weapons feature the muskets, bayonets, pikes, and swords that were so important in battle, while accounts from those who were there show how they were employed in attack and defense. Many misconceptions are clarified--including why the soldiers had such high regard for the bayonet when it inflicted few casualties. This perceptive study shows why the winning is in the details--and the proper management of all those arms.
Synopsis
Guided by an expert, supported by more than 100 illustrations, comes the surprising story of what actually happened in Napoleonand#8217;s infantry battles, as compared to what, by the book, should have occurred. Descriptions of infantry weapons feature the musket, bayonet, pikes, and swords, and show how they were used in attack and defense, as recounted by those who were there. Many misconceptions are clarified, such as why the bayonet was so highly regarded when it inflicted hardly any casualties.