The Exploits of Baron de Marbot

by Jean-Baptiste de Marbot, Christopher Summerville (Editor)

Both the inspiration and the sourcebook for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Brigadier Gerard stories, this hugely entertaining account of the Napoleonic Wars was written by a young officer about the action he saw, the adventures he experienced, the battles he fought, and the escapes he engineered in the campaigns that brought Napoleon and his armies to Waterloo. A vital and vibrant tale packed with bravado, duels, deceptions, and no lack of derring-do, it recounts in authentic detail and with compelling immediacy the careers that Napoleonic soldiers made of military perils, personal risks, and tactical maneuvers in the service of an imperial France. Originally published in France as a two-volume set under the title The Adventures of Baron de Marbot, the exploits of the man who was promoted to the rank of general on the eve of Waterloo appear here for the first time in a one-volume English edition. Not only has this classic soldier's memoir been discreetly edited to heighten the narrative of de Marbot's colorfully picaresque and anecdotal tale, but also expert commentary and essential background materials have been added to make the book's lively history more accessible, and the fascinating biography more illuminative for contemporary readers. "The first of all soldier books in the world - which gives us the best picture by far of the Napoleonic soldiers." - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Genres: History, War, Biography

320 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2000

About the author

Jean Baptiste Antoine Marcellin de Marbot

City of Birth: La Riviere, France
City of Death: Paris, France

French soldier. Served as general under Napoleon during the Hundred Days.

Reviews

[KOMET · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reads like a daredevil's tale and will leave the reader breathless.

[John Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating account by an aide de camp in the Napoleonic wars. Brave, lucky, idealistic, this man had a hell of an experience in practically every significant Napoleonic campaign. The account is quite amusing at times, anecdotal and interesting. A good read for any history buff.

[Paithan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but I felt like the author had left out some of the more interesting tidbits of Marbot's life. He mentions at one point the 16 year old captured a set of Austrian cannons. Why didn't we get to read about that?

Also the ending (1814 and 1815) felt very rushed. I get that it was a dark time and everyone felt doomed, but I felt like the author found this uninteresting and assumed the reader would as well.

[Commander Law · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't get too much of Marbot's character from this, but it was abridged. The man certainly saw some action.

[Peter Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting abridgement of the well known memoirs of Baron de Marbot which covers his involvement in the key events with enough additional material to fill the gaps not directly described.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story of about 13 years of almost continuous engagement during the Napoleonic wars. Marbot goes from enlistee to Colonel and serves in many capacities and in almost every theater. An outstanding officer wounded numerous times showing remarkable courage and tenacity.