Fighting the British: French Eyewitness Accounts from the Napoleonic Wars

An original insight into how French soldiers viewed their British opponents during the Napoleonic Wars

Format: Hardback
Length: 189 pages
Publication date: 17 January 2018
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The British army during the Napoleonic Wars has garnered significant attention from English sources, delving into the intricate details of their French opponents. However, the French perspective on the British has been less explored, often leading to misunderstandings. This book, comprising hundreds of letters, memoirs, and reports from French officers and soldiers who served in the Napoleonic armies, seeks to rectify this imbalance by presenting a fresh perspective on the British army from the French side of the battle line.

Each chapter in this book focuses on a specific campaign involving the French and the British, providing a comprehensive analysis of the events and circumstances. Extensive quotes from the French soldiers who witnessed these campaigns are complemented by detailed notes that shed light on the broader context of the war and the careers of the eyewitnesses. Throughout, the emphasis is placed on the voices of the lower ranks, including conscripts, non-commissioned officers, and junior officers. These individuals offer firsthand accounts of the diverse range of warfare that unfolded during the Napoleonic era, encompassing land battles, naval engagements such as the Nile and Trafalgar, and even accounts of captivity in England.

By delving into the experiences and perspectives of the French soldiers, this book offers a valuable addition to the existing literature on the Napoleonic Wars. It sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of the conflict and provides a more nuanced understanding of the British army and its interactions with its French counterparts. It is a testament to the power of personal narratives and the importance of exploring different viewpoints to gain a deeper appreciation of historical events.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 248 x 176 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781473880818