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Austerlitz 1805 by Christopher Duffy
Draws on original manuscripts in Austrian and British archives and recently published Russian documentation to provide a detailed chronicle of the battle that resulted in a great victory for Napoleon's Grande Armee
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1977
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About the author
Christopher Duffy
47 books36 followersChristopher Duffy (born 1936) is a British military historian. Duffy read history at Balliol College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1961 with the PhD. Afterwards, he taught military history at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the college of the British General Staff. He was secretary-general of the British Commission for Military History and vice-president of the History Society of Ireland. From 1996 to 2001, he was research professor at the De Montfort University, Leicester. Today he lives and works as a freelance author.
Duffy's special interest is the military history of the European modern age, in particular the history of the German, Prussian and Austrian armed forces. He is most famous for his writings about the Seven Years' War and especially Frederick the Great, which he called self-ironically "a product of the centuries-old British obsession with that most un-British of creatures". Duffy is fluent in six languages and has published some twenty books about military history topics, whereof several were translated into German.
Duffy's special interest is the military history of the European modern age, in particular the history of the German, Prussian and Austrian armed forces. He is most famous for his writings about the Seven Years' War and especially Frederick the Great, which he called self-ironically "a product of the centuries-old British obsession with that most un-British of creatures". Duffy is fluent in six languages and has published some twenty books about military history topics, whereof several were translated into German.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 11, 2019
A somewhat short but concise history of the War of the Third Coalition, covering the perspectives of both the French and the Coalition alike.
The book starts off with descriptions of the French Grande Armee and the Russo-Austrian armies respectively, giving an overview of their tactics, situations and developments prior to the War of the Third Coalition. In addition to the overview of the tactics and conditions of the armies statistics are provided which give army sizes both in actual numbers of men (Though these stats are rounded down and are not exact.) and in the nominal number of units including battalions, squadrons and regiments.
After this introduction the actual narrative starts, describing the War of the Third Coalition itself. It should be noted that the narrative is focused almost entirely on the theatre in Germany and the Austrian Empire with other developments such as Napoleon's camp at Boulogne, the naval battles and fighting on land in theatres such as Northern Italy being given only passing mentions in the context of the wider situation relating to the German theatre.
The coverage of the Ulm Campaign is covered in a readable and clear manner, though it's a bit light on depth and details for my tastes. After that the Russian retreat through Austria and Moravia is covered in a similar fashion with most battles being only mentioned, some actions such as the French capture of Vienna and the Battle of Dürenstein are described in more detail and some moderate depth.
A great deal of attention is given to the descriptions of the strategic situation before the Battle of Austerlitz, the descriptions of the battlefield of Austerlitz itself and the battle plans of both the French and the Coalition respectively.
The Battle of Austerlitz is covered in detail and good moderate depth, described in a concise manner that is easy to follow but doesn't sacrifice too many details or accuracy. The narrative closes off with a description of the armistice after the battle and the conclusion of the War of the Third Coalition.
After the narrative ends a brief analysis of the casualties is presented, concluding in estimates of 27.000 casualties for the coalition and roughly 8.000 casualties for the French. After this the author gives his thoughts on the battle commanders, which coalition commanders were to blame for the defeat and which French units and commanders did what. At the very end, the impact of Austerlitz on history is put up and is followed by the battlefield today section, which is now somewhat outdated.
The book is written in a manner that is neither too dry nor too flowing. This works well, creating a narrative that is easy to follow but doesn't cut back on details and accuracy. Considering the book's relatively small size the fact that it's not the most in-depth history out there is to be expected, it breezes over some parts of the Ulm Campaign and the French advance into Austria a bit too quickly for my liking and I feel like it could've put in more detail. The description for Austerlitz has plenty of detail and while I wouldn't call it a ''blow-by-blow'' account of the battle it does go into some good depth.
Several maps and statistics are provided through the book, the maps are mostly clear and useful and the statistics are mostly provided in exact numbers with a few exceptions. Most numbers are not given an analysis with the notable exceptions of the casualties after Austerlitz.
All in all, this is a short but concise history of the War of the Third Coalition with decent depth and a good amount of details, while I enjoyed it I felt that it could've had a bit more detail for a book this size. Nevertheless it was a good history of the War of the Third Coalition that provided a good coverage of both sides' perspectives.
Final Rating: 7/10
The book starts off with descriptions of the French Grande Armee and the Russo-Austrian armies respectively, giving an overview of their tactics, situations and developments prior to the War of the Third Coalition. In addition to the overview of the tactics and conditions of the armies statistics are provided which give army sizes both in actual numbers of men (Though these stats are rounded down and are not exact.) and in the nominal number of units including battalions, squadrons and regiments.
After this introduction the actual narrative starts, describing the War of the Third Coalition itself. It should be noted that the narrative is focused almost entirely on the theatre in Germany and the Austrian Empire with other developments such as Napoleon's camp at Boulogne, the naval battles and fighting on land in theatres such as Northern Italy being given only passing mentions in the context of the wider situation relating to the German theatre.
The coverage of the Ulm Campaign is covered in a readable and clear manner, though it's a bit light on depth and details for my tastes. After that the Russian retreat through Austria and Moravia is covered in a similar fashion with most battles being only mentioned, some actions such as the French capture of Vienna and the Battle of Dürenstein are described in more detail and some moderate depth.
A great deal of attention is given to the descriptions of the strategic situation before the Battle of Austerlitz, the descriptions of the battlefield of Austerlitz itself and the battle plans of both the French and the Coalition respectively.
The Battle of Austerlitz is covered in detail and good moderate depth, described in a concise manner that is easy to follow but doesn't sacrifice too many details or accuracy. The narrative closes off with a description of the armistice after the battle and the conclusion of the War of the Third Coalition.
After the narrative ends a brief analysis of the casualties is presented, concluding in estimates of 27.000 casualties for the coalition and roughly 8.000 casualties for the French. After this the author gives his thoughts on the battle commanders, which coalition commanders were to blame for the defeat and which French units and commanders did what. At the very end, the impact of Austerlitz on history is put up and is followed by the battlefield today section, which is now somewhat outdated.
The book is written in a manner that is neither too dry nor too flowing. This works well, creating a narrative that is easy to follow but doesn't cut back on details and accuracy. Considering the book's relatively small size the fact that it's not the most in-depth history out there is to be expected, it breezes over some parts of the Ulm Campaign and the French advance into Austria a bit too quickly for my liking and I feel like it could've put in more detail. The description for Austerlitz has plenty of detail and while I wouldn't call it a ''blow-by-blow'' account of the battle it does go into some good depth.
Several maps and statistics are provided through the book, the maps are mostly clear and useful and the statistics are mostly provided in exact numbers with a few exceptions. Most numbers are not given an analysis with the notable exceptions of the casualties after Austerlitz.
All in all, this is a short but concise history of the War of the Third Coalition with decent depth and a good amount of details, while I enjoyed it I felt that it could've had a bit more detail for a book this size. Nevertheless it was a good history of the War of the Third Coalition that provided a good coverage of both sides' perspectives.
Final Rating: 7/10
October 17, 2021
Because so much has been said, over the years, about this particular book, I will keep it brief.
Austerlitz is one of the most decisive battles in history, it is also one of the prime examples of true military genius at work. Christopher Duffy's work in this campaign and epic battle, while concise, still stands, despite being over 40 years old, as one of the best treatments on the topic in English.
Duffy, while not a fan of Napoleon, (he is so very English in his antipathy for Napoleon), does acknowledge his genius in the art of war and military organization.
The Coalition partners of Austria and Russia come off less well, especially the Austrians, but that is to be expected as, well, they blundered badly and lost totally. The Russians do come out much better, though Duffy does excoriate the Czar for breaking apart the Coalition chain of command by his own sense of self importance and hubris.
The narrative flows smoothly, Duffy is a fantastic writer, and the book loves along at a rapid clip.
I easily finished it in three settings, could have made it two if my attention span wasn't what it is.
The narrative of the action is well done, Duffy is not a dry as dust historian, and he includes the human element in rare snippets throughout. The one that stuck out to me was when a regiment of the line of the French was retreating in some haste from the Russian Guard Cavalry, they passed by Napoleon and his Staff who were mounted on a knoll, observing.
Napoleon was rather annoyed that his men were falling back, but even he had to chuckle when, out of sheer habit, his breathless men wheezed out a chorus of: 'Vive le Empereur' as they trundled on by, Russian Guard Curiassiers not too far behind them.
This book is too brief to be an exhaustive study, but it does cover everything. From the formation of the armies, the political and strategic background, the strategizing, opening moves, the encirclement of the Austrians in and around Ulm, the eventual defeat of them there. The epic Russian rearguard action, the fall of Vienna, the Coalition concentration, and then the epic Battle of Austerlitz itself.
Very well done, highly enjoyable, the perfect introduction to one of the greatest battles and campaigns in history.
Very highly recommended.
Austerlitz is one of the most decisive battles in history, it is also one of the prime examples of true military genius at work. Christopher Duffy's work in this campaign and epic battle, while concise, still stands, despite being over 40 years old, as one of the best treatments on the topic in English.
Duffy, while not a fan of Napoleon, (he is so very English in his antipathy for Napoleon), does acknowledge his genius in the art of war and military organization.
The Coalition partners of Austria and Russia come off less well, especially the Austrians, but that is to be expected as, well, they blundered badly and lost totally. The Russians do come out much better, though Duffy does excoriate the Czar for breaking apart the Coalition chain of command by his own sense of self importance and hubris.
The narrative flows smoothly, Duffy is a fantastic writer, and the book loves along at a rapid clip.
I easily finished it in three settings, could have made it two if my attention span wasn't what it is.
The narrative of the action is well done, Duffy is not a dry as dust historian, and he includes the human element in rare snippets throughout. The one that stuck out to me was when a regiment of the line of the French was retreating in some haste from the Russian Guard Cavalry, they passed by Napoleon and his Staff who were mounted on a knoll, observing.
Napoleon was rather annoyed that his men were falling back, but even he had to chuckle when, out of sheer habit, his breathless men wheezed out a chorus of: 'Vive le Empereur' as they trundled on by, Russian Guard Curiassiers not too far behind them.
This book is too brief to be an exhaustive study, but it does cover everything. From the formation of the armies, the political and strategic background, the strategizing, opening moves, the encirclement of the Austrians in and around Ulm, the eventual defeat of them there. The epic Russian rearguard action, the fall of Vienna, the Coalition concentration, and then the epic Battle of Austerlitz itself.
Very well done, highly enjoyable, the perfect introduction to one of the greatest battles and campaigns in history.
Very highly recommended.
February 16, 2021
This little gem of a book is comparable to Duffy's equally superb and detailed battle description, ‘Borodino, Napoleon against Russia 1812’.
His technique of splitting the battlefield into zones then explaining each sub-battle in detail is a great way to unpack the struggle near Austerlitz. It is, for me at least, a much better way of delving into each mini-conflict rather than the chronological method across a whole battlefield which can get confusing. It also highlights a soldier’s battle is a small, private and brutal affair, without the peripheral knowledge of being part a grander historic event.
I also like the way he pays tribute to Tolstoy’s description of the battle in his classic novel, 'War & Peace. He compares how Tolstoy’s characters of Nicholai and Prince Andrei were threaded into the narrative of the battle, nice touch.
He also has populated the book lavishly with his own detailed and descriptive maps, an aspect which is lacking from a lot of historical accounts of the Napoleonic Wars.
Great read and highly recommend, almost gave it five stars!
His technique of splitting the battlefield into zones then explaining each sub-battle in detail is a great way to unpack the struggle near Austerlitz. It is, for me at least, a much better way of delving into each mini-conflict rather than the chronological method across a whole battlefield which can get confusing. It also highlights a soldier’s battle is a small, private and brutal affair, without the peripheral knowledge of being part a grander historic event.
I also like the way he pays tribute to Tolstoy’s description of the battle in his classic novel, 'War & Peace. He compares how Tolstoy’s characters of Nicholai and Prince Andrei were threaded into the narrative of the battle, nice touch.
He also has populated the book lavishly with his own detailed and descriptive maps, an aspect which is lacking from a lot of historical accounts of the Napoleonic Wars.
Great read and highly recommend, almost gave it five stars!
October 12, 2025
Flowed beautifully, good blend of narrative and analysis in a very short book. Definitely recommended.
April 19, 2021
Lucid and workmanlike account of Napoleon's greatest victory. The hardships of his legions as they were force-marched to the battle field almost exceeded those of the battle itself. Napoleon won because his army maneuvered better on the battlefield and fell on the right flank of the Austrian and Russian armies as they advanced to fall on the French right flank. Then it seems like the French just outfought the allies man to man, notwithstanding the valor of some of the latter's regiments. And the local Austrian population suffered more from pillaging by the ill-disciplined Russians that from the French.
November 29, 2024
Insightful and incisive.
October 5, 2024
Austerlitz 1805 by Christopher Duffy
This detailed book on one of the greatest battles of the Napoleonic era is essential reading for all military enthusiasts. The Battle of Austerlitz, fought in 1805 between the French and the Russo-Austrian armies, showcased Napoleon's military genius and granted him significant influence over the territories of Europe.
The book has detailed maps drawn by the author which explain every stage of the battle in great detail. I am sure that readers of Military history will enjoy this book a lot.
Let me know what you think of the battle in the comments.
Follow @read.to.transcend for more history!
The year is 1805. Napoleon is planning to invade Britain through the English Channel, so his Grande Armée is stationed at Boulogne. Upon learning of the gathering of enemy forces, Napoleon immediately marches south to flank them with over 19,000 troops. He is determined not to let the Austrians and Russians consolidate their forces and attack France unchallenged.
Austrian General Mack, awaiting the arrival of the Russian army under General Kutuzov, finds himself surrounded by the French at Ulm. Before the Russian forces can join him, Mack is forced to surrender his army on October 19. This marks the first significant blow to the Allies.
Now aware of the disaster at Ulm, Kutuzov orders a retreat, pursued closely by the French until he reaches Olmütz. There, he is reinforced by Emperor Alexander of Russia and Emperor Francis of Austria, who bring their armies to bolster the Allied force.
Emperor Alexander, overriding Kutuzov’s caution, decides to take the offensive. Napoleon, now stationed near the town of Austerlitz, prepares for the imminent attack from the combined Russian and Austrian forces. It is December 1, 1805.
On the early morning of December 2, 1805, the battle begins with the Allies launching the first attack. Napoleon had deliberately weakened his right flank, luring the Allies into a trap. The Allies fell for the ruse, concentrating their forces on what they perceived as a vulnerable position.
At the center of the battlefield lay the Pratzen Heights, which the French had vacated to give the illusion of a weak center. The Allies seized the heights and, believing the French right flank to be overstretched, launched an attack. However, their efforts were poorly coordinated, in part due to General Kutuzov's reluctance to commit his full forces.
Seizing the opportunity, the French launched a full-scale attack on the now-exposed Allied center. The fighting was fierce, but the French successfully recaptured the Pratzen Heights, effectively splitting the Allied forces into northern and southern groups.
In the northern sector of the battlefield, a massive cavalry engagement erupted between the regiments of Marshal Murat (France) and Prince Bagration (Russia). The Allied forces were eventually pushed back.
As a last resort, the Russian Imperial Guard, led by Grand Duke Constantine, charged the French infantry on the Pratzen Heights, managing to capture a French eagle—the only one lost by the French in this battle. However, with Napoleon now commanding from the heights, he sent his Guard cavalry to counterattack, eventually overwhelming the Russians.
As the Allied center collapsed under the strain of intense fighting, Napoleon unleashed his reserves to envelop the isolated Allied left wing. General Buxhöwden, commanding the Allied left, recognized the danger of encirclement and ordered a retreat. Many soldiers, fleeing across frozen ponds, drowned when French artillery shattered the ice.
Thus, Napoleon achieved one of his greatest victories against formidable forces, securing his place as one of history's most brilliant military commanders.
This detailed book on one of the greatest battles of the Napoleonic era is essential reading for all military enthusiasts. The Battle of Austerlitz, fought in 1805 between the French and the Russo-Austrian armies, showcased Napoleon's military genius and granted him significant influence over the territories of Europe.
The book has detailed maps drawn by the author which explain every stage of the battle in great detail. I am sure that readers of Military history will enjoy this book a lot.
Let me know what you think of the battle in the comments.
Follow @read.to.transcend for more history!
The year is 1805. Napoleon is planning to invade Britain through the English Channel, so his Grande Armée is stationed at Boulogne. Upon learning of the gathering of enemy forces, Napoleon immediately marches south to flank them with over 19,000 troops. He is determined not to let the Austrians and Russians consolidate their forces and attack France unchallenged.
Austrian General Mack, awaiting the arrival of the Russian army under General Kutuzov, finds himself surrounded by the French at Ulm. Before the Russian forces can join him, Mack is forced to surrender his army on October 19. This marks the first significant blow to the Allies.
Now aware of the disaster at Ulm, Kutuzov orders a retreat, pursued closely by the French until he reaches Olmütz. There, he is reinforced by Emperor Alexander of Russia and Emperor Francis of Austria, who bring their armies to bolster the Allied force.
Emperor Alexander, overriding Kutuzov’s caution, decides to take the offensive. Napoleon, now stationed near the town of Austerlitz, prepares for the imminent attack from the combined Russian and Austrian forces. It is December 1, 1805.
On the early morning of December 2, 1805, the battle begins with the Allies launching the first attack. Napoleon had deliberately weakened his right flank, luring the Allies into a trap. The Allies fell for the ruse, concentrating their forces on what they perceived as a vulnerable position.
At the center of the battlefield lay the Pratzen Heights, which the French had vacated to give the illusion of a weak center. The Allies seized the heights and, believing the French right flank to be overstretched, launched an attack. However, their efforts were poorly coordinated, in part due to General Kutuzov's reluctance to commit his full forces.
Seizing the opportunity, the French launched a full-scale attack on the now-exposed Allied center. The fighting was fierce, but the French successfully recaptured the Pratzen Heights, effectively splitting the Allied forces into northern and southern groups.
In the northern sector of the battlefield, a massive cavalry engagement erupted between the regiments of Marshal Murat (France) and Prince Bagration (Russia). The Allied forces were eventually pushed back.
As a last resort, the Russian Imperial Guard, led by Grand Duke Constantine, charged the French infantry on the Pratzen Heights, managing to capture a French eagle—the only one lost by the French in this battle. However, with Napoleon now commanding from the heights, he sent his Guard cavalry to counterattack, eventually overwhelming the Russians.
As the Allied center collapsed under the strain of intense fighting, Napoleon unleashed his reserves to envelop the isolated Allied left wing. General Buxhöwden, commanding the Allied left, recognized the danger of encirclement and ordered a retreat. Many soldiers, fleeing across frozen ponds, drowned when French artillery shattered the ice.
Thus, Napoleon achieved one of his greatest victories against formidable forces, securing his place as one of history's most brilliant military commanders.
January 26, 2014
Muy buen libro. No sólo se queda en la descripción detallada de la batalla misma sino que muestra de forma concisa todas las maniobras previas de la Campaña de Ulm. Salpicado de extractos sacados de la Guerra y Paz de Tolstói, cartas de generales e incluso de soldados, logra darle un toque casi novelesco y documental a una obra esencialmente técnica. Recomiendo el libro a cualquier persona interesada no sólo en la batalla de Austerlitz, sino a cualquiera que desee comprender por qué Napoleón y su Grand Armée lograron dominar durante años la escena bélica europea.
April 29, 2017
A short concise history from both sides.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews