Who Was Who In The Napoleonic Wars [Hardcover]

Philip J. Haythornthwaite (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 31, 1998

The French Revolution is one of the most exciting periods in history, but even the most devoted history buff has a hard time keeping up with the personalities who helped create the modern world. Now a comprehensive biographical dictionary profiles more than 500 of the most important figures in the Napoleonic Wars, the War of 1812, and other conflicts of the period. Besides covering hundreds of the most prominent military leaders, entries feature political leaders, scientists, and engineers who developed new weapons and other relevant inventions, and even composers of the most popular marching songs. 320 pages, 250 b/w illus., 7 1/2 x 9 3/4.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Haythornthwaite is a prolific author of military history with many titles of English, American, and especially Napoleonic interest to his credit. This latest monograph surveys approximately 888 individuals who were important during the period of the French Revolution through the Napoleonic reign. An occasional entry will survey more than one person; for example, the entry for poet AndreChenier also includes information on his brother, Marie-Joseph-Blaise Chenier. Included within this survey is the War of 1812, involving the U.S. and many American figures, such as Andrew Jackson, John Jay, and Francis Scott Key. The majority of the subjects surveyed are military figures, but prominent politicians and some cultural luminaries are covered, as well as a few women. Arrangement is alphabetical by name. Appropriately placed throughout the text are about 306 black-and-white portraits and pictures of individuals. Also, approximately 25 half-tone pictures of historical events are scattered throughout the volume, adding mood to the entries but little else.

A typical entry provides the person's name in bold letters with birth and death years. More specific death dates are frequently cited within the text. Most entries are about one-third page in length. A random survey determined that about half of the entries have a short bibliographic citation at the end referring to predominantly English-language works. There are only a few citations to periodicals. At the front of the book is a Footnote References page providing bibliographic information for citations within the text.

There are few comparable books. One excellent resource is Dictionary of the Napoleonic Wars by David G. Chandler (Macmillan, 1979). With approximately 1,200 entries, Chandler's title covers battles as well as persons, and has nine in-depth essay entries of 2,000 to 7,000 words in length, as well as an extensive bibliography. For academic and large public libraries that do not own Chandler, Who Was Who in the Napoleonic Wars is worth considering.

About the Author

Philip J Haythornthwaite is known to all followers of matters Napoleonic as a prolific and knowledgeable source of original research. A one time bookseller, he has an extensive private collection of Napoleonic material and is the a

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (December 31, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1854093916
• ISBN-13: 978-1854093912
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,240,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent shelf companion to 'Napoleonic Source Book', August 23, 1998

By 

sylvanus7 (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who Was Who In The Napoleonic Wars (Hardcover)

Haythornthwaite's 'Naploleonic Source Book' contains a small biographical section which I had always wished to see expanded. This is it! I have been able to find entries for even the most obscure bit-part players. The author has even given spaces for significant historians and artists of the period (not necessarily living during that period either!) I think this is an imaginative and necessary inclusion. Readers interested in the War of 1812 will not, I think, be disappointed, as there is a generous spread of entries for participants from both sides of that conflict.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A handy reference of the "Whos" in Napoleon's time., August 31, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Who Was Who In The Napoleonic Wars (Hardcover)

A handy reference, of the "whos" of the French Revolution and Napoleonic eras, I find myself reaching for again and again. A must companion for Haythornthwaite's Napoleonic Encyclopedia, or for your library in general.