Austerlitz. Śmiertelne zmagania Francji z Europą i Rosją

by Oleg Sokolov

Austerlitz to nie tylko jedna z najświetniejszych batalii, symbol wojskowego geniuszu Napoleona, męstwa i poświęcenia Wielkiej Armii; nie tylko starcie, które jednym uderzeniem zakończyło wojnę Trzeciej Koalicji przeciwko Francji. Austerlitz i wojna 1805 roku to także jeden z ważniejszych epizodów w dziejach Europy. Wojna ta zapoczątkowała szereg konfliktów zbrojnych, które wstrząsały światem w początkach XIX wieku, przechodząc do historii pod nazwą wojen napoleońskich. Co więcej, walka Napoleona z Trzecią Koalicją zrodziła całą serię ostrych sprzeczności, które narastały potem niczym kula śniegowa. To właśnie wojna 1805 roku w wielu aspektach zdeterminowała europejską politykę na kolejne dziesięć lat. Nie zbadawszy genezy tego konfliktu, nie sposób wprost zrozumieć historię Europy XIX wieku. Przedstawione w niniejszej pracy wydarzenia polityczne zostały przeanalizowane na podstawie ogromnej liczby dokumentów – francuskich, rosyjskich, austriackich, a rezultaty tych bezstronnych i uczciwych badań będą zapewne dla wielu zaskakujące.

606 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Oleg Valeryevich Sokolov is a Russian Napoleonic era historian and convicted murderer. He is a Candidate of Historical Sciences and was a Docent of the Department of Modern History, Faculty of History of Saint Petersburg State University.

Reviews

[Bry]

This book is marvelous! It's an exceptional work of historical scholarship, combining rigorous research with a compelling narrative style. The author’s writing is remarkably clear and engaging, making it feel less like a dense academic study and more like a well-crafted novel. Despite the complex subject matter—the Napoleonic Wars—this book is incredibly accessible, thanks to the author’s ability to present intricate historical events in a way that is both informative and enjoyable to read.

One of the most impressive aspects of the book is its wealth of detail and anecdotes. The author draws heavily on primary sources, including documents and diaries from French, Russian, and Austrian archives. The sheer volume of these sources is astounding, and it is clear that a tremendous amount of effort went into locating and incorporating them into the narrative. These firsthand accounts provide a vivid, multi-dimensional view of the period, helping the reader to understand not only the major events but also the personal experiences and perspectives of those involved.

The book excels in its objectivity, which is largely due to the author’s meticulous use of these documents. The story of the Napoleonic Wars is told without the biases that often creep into historical accounts, and the author does an excellent job of debunking many popular myths and false legends that have been perpetuated in other works. It is a refreshing approach, as it allows readers to gain a more accurate and nuanced understanding of the wars and their impact on Europe.

While the title of the book suggests a focus on the Battle of Austerlitz, it is far more comprehensive than that. The author takes us back to the origins of the conflict, starting with the French Revolution, the rise of the Republic, and the eventual establishment of Napoleon’s Empire. He also provides valuable insights into the political landscape of Russia after the death of Catherine the Great, including the assassination of Tsar Paul I. This broader context helps to explain the chain of events that eventually led to the Napoleonic Wars and offers a deeper understanding of the forces at play.

The book is not just a valuable resource for those interested in the history of early 19th-century Europe; it is also an enlightening read on the conduct of war and the nature of military strategy. The author’s analysis of battles, campaigns, and military leadership provides useful lessons that transcend the specific historical context.

If you want to learn something interesting and have fun at the same time - read it.
PS: Write to me, if any other book had such an impact on you please. I love recommendations.