NIGEL NICOLSON - Napoleon 1812

London England, Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1985. First Edition, Binding: Cloth, Fine/Good. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall 0297787101 Hardback This stirring account of Napoleon's invasion of Russia vividly brings to life one of the most dramatic events in history.Though it occurred in only six months from June to December 1812, during that period nearly half a million men died. Why did he invade Russia? Why, in spite of his early successes and the capture of Moscow, did he fail? Napoleon himself described the battle of Borodino as the most terrible he ever fought. The author visited Russia specially for this remarkable book and has drawn on the documents and memoir of participants of both sides. He states that his purpose is to 'examine the story afresh, to consider why one of the greatest commanders in history failed and one of its least gifted succeeded, how Tolstoy misinterpreted the drama, and how Hitler, some 130 years later, failed to benefit from Napoleon's example..when he too attempted to conquer the unconquerable. And to arouse speculation, admiration and sympathy together with despair at the folly and wastage of it all.' Illustrated. Waterstain mark to inside of back of D/J.