What do you think?
Rate this book
The Military Maxims of Napoleon
An essential volume of Napoleon’s wisdom on the art of war.
Nearly two hundred years after his death, Napoleon remains widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders of all time. Here, in one volume, is the essence of Napoleon’s knowledge and wisdom, the fruit of his practical experience, and his study of the great empire-builders from Alexander to Frederick the Great. Working from the best among previous editions of Napoleon’s maxims, including the work produced in 1901 by William E. Cairnes, noted Napoleonic historian David G. Chandler has contributed commentary that examines Napoleon’s work from the twentieth-century perspective of the two world wars, Vietnam, and other conflicts, and analyzes the ways in which commanders have observed or failed to observe Napoleon’s teachings.
The Military Maxims of Napoleon is a unique collection of tenets on the art of war. They reveal the principles on which his military, diplomatic, and political triumphs were built. Now every military student and enthusiast can benefit from the brilliance of Napoleonic insight and wisdom.
“ The Military Maxims of Napoleon provides a most valuable insight into the Napoleonic art of war . . . David G. Chandler is the foremost modern authority on the subject, which makes this work essential reading.” —Philip J. Haythornthwaite, author of Invincible Generals
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
Nearly two hundred years after his death, Napoleon remains widely regarded as one of the greatest military commanders of all time. Here, in one volume, is the essence of Napoleon’s knowledge and wisdom, the fruit of his practical experience, and his study of the great empire-builders from Alexander to Frederick the Great. Working from the best among previous editions of Napoleon’s maxims, including the work produced in 1901 by William E. Cairnes, noted Napoleonic historian David G. Chandler has contributed commentary that examines Napoleon’s work from the twentieth-century perspective of the two world wars, Vietnam, and other conflicts, and analyzes the ways in which commanders have observed or failed to observe Napoleon’s teachings.
The Military Maxims of Napoleon is a unique collection of tenets on the art of war. They reveal the principles on which his military, diplomatic, and political triumphs were built. Now every military student and enthusiast can benefit from the brilliance of Napoleonic insight and wisdom.
“ The Military Maxims of Napoleon provides a most valuable insight into the Napoleonic art of war . . . David G. Chandler is the foremost modern authority on the subject, which makes this work essential reading.” —Philip J. Haythornthwaite, author of Invincible Generals
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 23, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book, and certainly learned a bit more on the art of war. While a little bit of a "So I Hear You Want To Make War..." advice book, I cannot really argue with the points that Napoleon spells out, or the commentary provided giving some detailed thought to each of those points. There is much wisdom in the advice, but be warned it may be a bit "dated".
That said, this isn't going to make you a Genghis Khan overnight. Chandler is a first rate military historian and does an excellent job putting polish on the maxims, so the concepts are fairly easy to understand. Still, it assumes the reader is already well versed in military tactics and strategies. No problem for me, but a novice will not get the full value without a lot more homework. I'd recommend some background reading done first, before leaping into the "secret sauce" that these maxims disclose. Without this background, the modern reader will be unable to appreciate the concepts presented as they will be lost in old terms no longer applicable today (yet extremely relevant with the proper homework).
An example might be the Maxims on usage of cavalry (maxims L and LI). No one uses horse cavalry today, but mobile warfare usage of tanks and vehicles is directly relatable.
I won't say there are no clunkers provided by Napoleon, such as his advice on tents and that it is impossible to count camp fires. These reside solely in the "opinion" world and may not even be accurate. I'm not saying he is way off, but I am not seeing military brilliance in making guys sleep on the ground "with their feet to the fire".
Anyhow... this was a high quality read and I do strongly recommend any of you military minded readers to give this a look. I give it a solid 4 Stars.
That said, this isn't going to make you a Genghis Khan overnight. Chandler is a first rate military historian and does an excellent job putting polish on the maxims, so the concepts are fairly easy to understand. Still, it assumes the reader is already well versed in military tactics and strategies. No problem for me, but a novice will not get the full value without a lot more homework. I'd recommend some background reading done first, before leaping into the "secret sauce" that these maxims disclose. Without this background, the modern reader will be unable to appreciate the concepts presented as they will be lost in old terms no longer applicable today (yet extremely relevant with the proper homework).
An example might be the Maxims on usage of cavalry (maxims L and LI). No one uses horse cavalry today, but mobile warfare usage of tanks and vehicles is directly relatable.
I won't say there are no clunkers provided by Napoleon, such as his advice on tents and that it is impossible to count camp fires. These reside solely in the "opinion" world and may not even be accurate. I'm not saying he is way off, but I am not seeing military brilliance in making guys sleep on the ground "with their feet to the fire".
Anyhow... this was a high quality read and I do strongly recommend any of you military minded readers to give this a look. I give it a solid 4 Stars.
June 17, 2024
মহামহিম নেপোলিয়ন সেনাপতি হিসেবে ছিলেন জগদ্বিখ্যাত। তার লেখা চিঠিপত্র ও অন্যান্য রচনা থেকে রণকৌশল নিয়ে নেপোলিয়নের নিজস্ব ভাবনা জানা যায়। নেপোলিয়নের এমনই কিছু বাণীর সংকলন ও ব্যাখা নিয়েই বইটি।
কিছু প্রিয় ম্যাক্সিম তুলে ধরলাম:
Of all these obstacles to the march of an army, the most difficult to overcome is the desert;
IN forming the plan of a campaign, it is requisite to foresee everything the enemy may do, and to be prepared with the necessary means to counteract it.
ALL wars should be governed by certain principles, for every war should have a definite object, and be conducted according to the rules of art.
a retreat will always weaken the moral of an army, because in losing the chances of success, these last are transferred to the enemy. Besides, retreats cost always more men and matériel than the most bloody engagements, with this difference, that in a battle the enemy’s loss is nearly equal to your own, whereas in a retreat the loss is on your side only.
A general-in-chief should ask himself frequently in the day, What should I do if the enemy’s army appeared now in my front, or on my right, or on my left? If he have any difficulty in answering these questions he is ill posted, and should seek to remedy it.
IT is an approved maxim in war, never to do what the enemy wishes you to do, for this reason alone, that he desires it.
মধ্যযুগে রণকৌশলে আকাশপথের কোনো ভূমিকা ছিল না। তাই নেপোলিয়ন নৌ ও স্থলশক্তিকে মাথায় রেখেই যুদ্ধপরিকল্পনা সাজিয়েছেন। বর্তমানে আকাশশক্তির দাপটের যুগে নৌ ও স্থলশক্তির সামর্থ্য আগের মতো নেই। নেপোলিয়নের অনেক কৌশলই এখন পরিত্যাক্ত হয়ে গেছে। তবুও শেখার আছে এই কৌশলগুলো থেকে।
কিছু প্রিয় ম্যাক্সিম তুলে ধরলাম:
Of all these obstacles to the march of an army, the most difficult to overcome is the desert;
IN forming the plan of a campaign, it is requisite to foresee everything the enemy may do, and to be prepared with the necessary means to counteract it.
ALL wars should be governed by certain principles, for every war should have a definite object, and be conducted according to the rules of art.
a retreat will always weaken the moral of an army, because in losing the chances of success, these last are transferred to the enemy. Besides, retreats cost always more men and matériel than the most bloody engagements, with this difference, that in a battle the enemy’s loss is nearly equal to your own, whereas in a retreat the loss is on your side only.
A general-in-chief should ask himself frequently in the day, What should I do if the enemy’s army appeared now in my front, or on my right, or on my left? If he have any difficulty in answering these questions he is ill posted, and should seek to remedy it.
IT is an approved maxim in war, never to do what the enemy wishes you to do, for this reason alone, that he desires it.
মধ্যযুগে রণকৌশলে আকাশপথের কোনো ভূমিকা ছিল না। তাই নেপোলিয়ন নৌ ও স্থলশক্তিকে মাথায় রেখেই যুদ্ধপরিকল্পনা সাজিয়েছেন। বর্তমানে আকাশশক্তির দাপটের যুগে নৌ ও স্থলশক্তির সামর্থ্য আগের মতো নেই। নেপোলিয়নের অনেক কৌশলই এখন পরিত্যাক্ত হয়ে গেছে। তবুও শেখার আছে এই কৌশলগুলো থেকে।
March 15, 2016
Only about 40 pages are actually written by Napoleon. The rest are analyses by several individuals explaining the maxims further.
It's alright. But if you've already read a decent amount about Napoleon then it's not really that fantastic.
It's alright. But if you've already read a decent amount about Napoleon then it's not really that fantastic.
June 21, 2022
This book for dozens of pages covers the Maxims of Napoleon and the rest is full of analysis and context provided by Cairnes and Chandler. For those not intimately familiar with military strategy, the annotations by Cairnes and Chandler do a great job of providing examples and contextualizing Napoleon's instructions. However, one thing you will find from the maxims and the annotations is that Napoleon was quite willing to disobey and break his own maxims if needed. Here are some of the few maxims I enjoyed and found interesting:
Maxim II: "In forming the plan of a campaign, it is requisite to foresee everything the enemy may do, and to be prepared with the necessary means to counteract it."(p. 55)
Maxim XIX: "The transition from the defensive to the offensive is one of the most delicate operations in war."(p.62) I found this particularly relevant today as people discuss whether a Ukrainian counteroffensive is possible and if they would able to retake the rest of the Donbas or Kherson.
Maxim XXIX: "When you have resolved to fight a battle, collect your whole force. Dispense with nothing. A single battalion sometimes decides the day."(p.64)
Many of the other maxims you'll find are more specific military tactics/organization in certain scenarios than the broad ones I listed above.
Maxim II: "In forming the plan of a campaign, it is requisite to foresee everything the enemy may do, and to be prepared with the necessary means to counteract it."(p. 55)
Maxim XIX: "The transition from the defensive to the offensive is one of the most delicate operations in war."(p.62) I found this particularly relevant today as people discuss whether a Ukrainian counteroffensive is possible and if they would able to retake the rest of the Donbas or Kherson.
Maxim XXIX: "When you have resolved to fight a battle, collect your whole force. Dispense with nothing. A single battalion sometimes decides the day."(p.64)
Many of the other maxims you'll find are more specific military tactics/organization in certain scenarios than the broad ones I listed above.
October 16, 2025
A classic read that gets better with Chandler's commentary (one might say it would be useless without it!). I can go out on a limb and say that this book made me realize how focused Napoleon was, or rather how he had adopted soldiering as his career, lifestyle and mindset. The book has many sections where the author can deviate and philosophize on their view of life and history etc. but Bonaparte stays the course and remains committed to military. It is more Maurice's Strategikon than Tzu's Art of war.
Overall, a short and sweet read, akin to a vacation down the memory lane after reading Chandler's Napoleonic wars.
I would not suggest picking up this book if you are a casual reader; to me, it is more like a military historian's guide to Napoleon's brain.
Overall, a short and sweet read, akin to a vacation down the memory lane after reading Chandler's Napoleonic wars.
I would not suggest picking up this book if you are a casual reader; to me, it is more like a military historian's guide to Napoleon's brain.
March 27, 2026
Packed with insights into the art of war but the man himself, every military commander or armchair general should have this on their bedside table. This fascinating book guides you through how to wage a war in 78 military maxims from one of history's greatest military commanders. Napoleon's success on the battlefield was built upon practical experience combined with his own study of classical warfare and his natural grasp of the key principles of war. David Chandler, one of Britain's greatest military historians, explains his thinking and offers fresh insights into the Napoleonic wars.
September 17, 2024
In summary, the book has insights into leadership and what defines a great soldier. The lessons it offers are highly relevant to business and life. A quote that encapsulates its essence is: "In forming a plan for a campaign, it is crucial to anticipate everything the enemy might do and be prepared with the necessary means to counteract it."
May 15, 2025
I am reading the translation version. The book explain more on the quotes and war strategy of Napoleon.
June 12, 2021
“Read again and again the campaigns of Hannibal, Cæsar, Gustavus Adolphus, Turenne, Eugene, and Frederick. Model yourself upon them.” Maxim LXXVIII
This maxim of Napoleon, “that unrivalled master of the art of war”, applies at least as much to his own campaigns. Napoleon led France in a range of wars – the eponymous Napoleonic Wars - against a series of coalitions in the early 19th century. His success in these campaigns earned him a reputation as one of the greatest military commanders in history.
In this edition Chandler brings together 78 of Napoleon’s maxims, the comments of the editor of the 1901 edition and Chandler’s own supplementary, and explanatory commentary from 1987.
Chandler’s comments apply a useful contemporary context to maxims written for the early 19th century. However in many cases Chandler’s commentary is too brief to provide deep insight. Notwithstanding this, Chandler’s collection of Napoleon’s maxims is informative and engaging.
As Chandler concludes, Who reads learns, and who learns understands. Napoleon’s maxims “have as great a validity as stimuli to thought...as they ever did...”.
This maxim of Napoleon, “that unrivalled master of the art of war”, applies at least as much to his own campaigns. Napoleon led France in a range of wars – the eponymous Napoleonic Wars - against a series of coalitions in the early 19th century. His success in these campaigns earned him a reputation as one of the greatest military commanders in history.
In this edition Chandler brings together 78 of Napoleon’s maxims, the comments of the editor of the 1901 edition and Chandler’s own supplementary, and explanatory commentary from 1987.
Chandler’s comments apply a useful contemporary context to maxims written for the early 19th century. However in many cases Chandler’s commentary is too brief to provide deep insight. Notwithstanding this, Chandler’s collection of Napoleon’s maxims is informative and engaging.
As Chandler concludes, Who reads learns, and who learns understands. Napoleon’s maxims “have as great a validity as stimuli to thought...as they ever did...”.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews