1813 Leipzig: Napoleon and the Battle of the Nations

by Digby Smith

The crucial three-day battle of Leipzig, known to posterity as the Battle of the Nations, was the biggest battle of the Napoleonic Wars. It was also one of Napoleon's worst defeats - Leipzig sealed the fate of Napoleon's empire. Now, in this superbly narrated account of the battle, Digby Smith describes the events of 16, 17, 18 and 19 October 1813, and stresses both the significance of the battle and the brutality of the fighting. At the height of the battle Napoleon fielded more than 200,000 men against an Allied force - which included contingents from Russia, Austria, Prussia and Sweden - of some 360,000 soldiers. Cornered against the River Estler, Napoleon, outnumbered and suffering heavily from the fire of 1,400 Allied guns, was soundly defeated, had to relinquish control of Germany and was forced back into France. Digby Smith's evocative account of Leipzig concentrates on the ferocious fighting, charts the fortunes of the three day struggle and underlines the incredible human cost of the battle. Using a wealth of first-hand accounts, many of them previously unpublished in English, he brings the dramatic struggle to life and demonstrates just what it was like for the average French, German, Russian, Prussian, Austrian or Swedish soldier to take part in the Battle of the Nations.

Genres: History

288 pages, Hardcover

First published February 19, 2006

Reviews

[David Longstreth · Rating 2 out of 5]

This issue is many readers may wish to read one book and get the idea what occurred. For this objective I recommenced the Osprey book. They have great maps, etc.

The author from the beginning offers a Summary of events prior to the Battle of Leipzig. However, even if he uses different names for location he leaves out some very relevant events. He leaves out Lutzen and Bautzen He misplaces the battle of Dresden he leaves out the battle of Kulm. Even without details the fact that these events lead up to the battle of Leipzig are very relevant.

As well while describing the battle . .. Information is left out, the reader does not have a proper understanding of the Allies, especially the Russians.

I would recommend for any reader is objective is a better understanding of the battle to begin with an understanding of the time fame.

I recommend two books:
Russian Against Napoleon by Dominic Lieven
Napoleon and Berlin by Michael V. Leggiere.
You may wish to include the Osprey book on the subject. They do have the best maps. Why after all these years maps such as they present are not standard, cost perhaps.

Mr. D. Smith incorrectly states that the British Rockets had no effect, yet Mr. Leggiere provides a specific reference from Boyen commenting on how effective they were
Smith comments how brilliant how great Napoleon's position was. Mr. Leiien based information from Friederish details why the position east of the Pleisse was poor. As well Smith uses a different name perhaps for Gossa. Smith glosses over the cavalry action where the French were routed. Leiven referring to Cathcart describes how the Prussian and Russian Light cavalry rout the French and why. As well how the Russian artillery played a vital role. This is also completely ignored by Smith.
Leggier describes the Prussian effort, clarifies the Saxon defection and it's effect. As well as detailed information on the participation of the Army of the North.

Point is, this book will leave the reader with a partial understanding. For a best view read books with details on the participants and the Osprey book for a best overview and the great maps.

['Aussie Rick' · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had great expectations when I started reading this book. As soon as I saw the cover I knew that I had to read it, since there have been so few decent accounts of this pivotal battle. At long last a new book on the 1813 battle of Leipzig, the 'Battle of Nations'.

Alas it was not as good as I hoped. Although I found the research excellent and the first hand accounts very interesting the book was missing something. What it lacked, for me anyhow, was a story. The narrative was dry with lots of detail but it didn't seem to flow, to get you involved, as a good story should. I know the author is not writing a novel but a book that is just full of facts and details will lose its audience if its too dry to keep the reader awake.

I found the maps to be OK but I still found times when the author mentioned a place and I failed to locate it. This book will be of great benefit to the war-gamers and hardcore Napoleonic War readers. However for a person who is looking for a free flowing account that just pulls you into the story and at the same time gives you the facts required to understand what happened and why this book may be a hard slog.

[Robert Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an exciting narrative of the Battle of Nations, with gripping first person sources. However, it lacks analysis and has narrow insight into the larger story of the Battle. It does have an impressive bibliography, but no notes, so does not make an excellent reference book. Nevertheless, it is an easy, yet exhilarating read, and I recommend it for people new to Napoleonic history, but not enthusiasts.

[Heinz Reinhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review forthcoming.

[Diego Pagura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Books feels more like a collection of first hand memories than the story of the battle. Although most comments are great, the book does not feel to be telling a flow of combat. The author does minimal analysis of the overall picture.