Customer Reviews

Alexander of Russia: Napoleon's Conqueror

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Henri Troyat's "Alexander of Russia" stands as one of the best accounts of the life of the man who beat Napoleon and helped restore peace to Europe. In the Early 19th century Alexander was rivaled only Napoleon in terms of esteem yet today men like the Prussian general Blucher Furst von Metternich and lord Wellington seem to get far more recognition in our modern histories. Perhaps this is because Alexander was a Russian but perhaps it is because we don't know exactly how to feel about this sovereign who wavered between enlightened despot ruling by divine right, religious man and liberal thinker. These things all seem incongruous for a single man let alone a ruler of the largest country of Europe. Troyat's work helps illustrate the man and also helps us to reconcile the man who helped to define 19th century politics and geography.

The book reads much like the life of Alexander. In the early part of the book it is centered around how Catherine the Great felt about her grandson and the political climate during her reign and the reign of her son Paul. This portion is rather dull from a literary standpoint although necessary to understanding the man. In these years he is taught by French enlightenment thinker Laharpe who helps mold Alexander's liveral sentiments. In 1801 when Paul is murdered to the period of the Congress of Vienna the book takes a much more active tone and is written brilliantly. Alexander naturally fel some amount of shame for his fathers murder although he only had implied responsibility for it. Alexander's interaction with Napoleon at Tilsit is very interesting and the account of Napoleon's Russian campaign is very well done. Further the Allied advance on Paris, led by an Alexander who felt that god was impelling him to act, too is great. Troyat uses just the correct amount of quotes to make the work scholarly and yet readable. After the Congress of Vienna, Alexander becomes even more religious and the book takes a less enjoyable style during these later years.

Overall I found this work to be highly useful and very enjoyable. It provides a great insight into the Napoleonic era from the Russian perspective which is relatively rare. Troyat writes in a straight forward manner and is able to cover a very eventful life in only 300 pages. Highly recommended.

Ted Murena

Henri Troyat's "Alexander of Russia" (1980)serves as a nice sequel to his "Catherine the Great" (1977). Alexander I, Emporer of all the Russias (1801-1825) succeeded Catherine the Great (1762-1796) to the throne of the Russian Empire separated only by the brief reign of Alexander's father, Paul (1796-1801). Troyat's presentation of Alexander is a wonderful, vivid portrait of man known to history as the "enigmatic Tsar." Alexander had been provided an "enlightenment education" by his grandmother Catherine the Great. He had a fondness for liberty and a hatred of despotism and serfdom. Yet Alexander was frustrated in his hopes for reform of the Russian nation throughout the entirety of his reign.

Napoleon came to power in France and proceeded to conquer much of Europe. Suddenly, France, the traditional ally of the Russian Empire was an enemy. Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812 but was defeated. Alexander then played a major role in the restoration of Europe following the Napoleonic Wars. Meanwhile, reform was postponed.

Troyat has a lively writing style that holds the interests of the reader all way to the end of the book.

This is a book you can get totally into. The author has the ability to insert conversations into a historically authentic narative that are not only believable but are probably remarkably close to what was actually said. I have immersed myself into different passages over and over, it is that good. You will not only learn history from the Russian perspective, and about Czar Alexander, you will better understand modern politics. I believe the czar spoke for many politicians when he said a leader must do many things that the heart condemns. As a bonus, you get an excellent take on Napolean as well. The author, Henri Troyat, has yet another winner

in his long string of books. I also recommend Catherine the Great (Alexander's grandmother) and Peter the Great. Especially Peter the Great. Prepare to be shocked and amazed by Peter. He may have been the first "Communist", because he believed in putting the state first before the individual with a vengeance. Eminent Domain could have been started by this guy.

This has been around for a while now and that is very good, given the paucity of good books in English about this fascinating Tsar.

Having said that, I it seemed to me that this is a bit lighter than it could be. Maybe it is due to a more popular style of message or maybe just due to the translation. In any event, this is highly worthwhile.

This was a great addition to my library that consists of so many of the great Russian authors and the history of Russia that I have been reading

about for 30+ years. So much to read to 'fill in the dots' so to speak. Like my other books all are a real 'treasure' to have and learn from with

ever greater understanding ! CDW

I have read every one of Henri Troyat's biographies. I love how he creates a very personal portrait of a character, which really helps you understand why the characters do what they did. This book reads like a novel, and is hard to put down. Highly recommended!

Am currently reading this; a chapter at a time. I find it interesting but it's not as exiting as other Czarist bio's I've read. Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great, and Catherine the Great were more interesting. Overall it's not a bad book and worth the money. Will certainly finish it.