Only a handful of biographies of the "lesser" generals of Napoleon's army are available in English, making this study a welcomed addition to any Napoleonic library. Edward Ryan, whose previous Napoleon book was Napoleon's Elite Cavalry (Greenhill, 1999), was a former naval officer. Ryan has used a wide array of contemporary memoirs, the French archives, public and private, as well as the assistance of Daumesnil's own family, primarily in the person of Henri de Clairval (author of an earlier biography of Daumesnil in French) to tell is tale.

The Napoleon Series

General Daumesnil was a loyal and courageous follower of Napoleon who enlisted as a private soldier and rose to become a much decorated Baron of the Empire. First published in 2003 and now again in 2015, this book tells the story of Daumesnil’s repeated displays of courage and inspired leadership at Marengo, Austerlitz and Eylau, all of which brought him increasing honours and awards from Napoleon. His twentieth wound, the loss of a leg at Wagram, seemed to be destined to bring his career to an end. Instead it led to even greater distinction when – as governor of the fortress of Vincennes – he refused to surrender to the Allies in both 1814 and 1815.

This biography of an amazing officer will surely appeal to those interested in Napoleon’s elite cavalry and the Napoleonic wars generally. Included are eight colour plates, plus16 in monochrome, five annexes, a bibliography and an index of persons.

Stuart Asquith, Author

As mentioned, despite its title and despite Daumesnil’s devotion to Napoleon, the best reason to buy this book is for the many interesting details in the passages which take place when the two men aren’t in close proximity to each other. The author is to be commended for avoiding the temptation to simply rehash previously available material under a different viewpoint, instead providing the reader with fresh or at least less well known information on the period and some of the people that helped to shape it.

1/72 Scale Plastic Napoleonic