Napoleon's entry into Moscow can be described as the apex of his life. From that point on, everything went wrong, despite his heroic efforts to reverse the tide. Mikaberidze's book is therefore an important book, covering that critical moment. It's also a fascinating book. Not for the first time, Alexander Mikaberidze has written a book that you must read.

The Napoleonic Historical Society

A number of good titles have been published in recent years that deal with Napoleon's disastrous campaign against Russia in 1812. However, few have considered in any great detail the conflagration that engulfed Moscow, all but destroying what was one of Europe's greatest cities of the time. Indeed most historians concentrate on the following destruction of the Grand Army, as it desperately attempted to retreat through the harrowing Russian winter while under almost constant harassment from the enemy. Thankfully Dr Alexander Mikaberidze, Professor of History at Louisiana State University, Shreveport, has now filled this glaring gap with one of the most extensive and interesting studies in recent decades.

Although authored by an academic, this book is written in an easy to read style without recourse to the overly academic language that can so often bore the reader. It is obvious throughout the work that Mikaberidze has extensively researched his subject, and can quite rightly claim to b an authority on the subject. The book does not cover the campaign before the capture of Moscow in any detail, nor does it examine the terrifying retreat that consumed so much of the Grand Army afterwards. However, this is in itself a strength since it allows the author to properly examine the actual events of the great fire, which is exactly what the book set out to do. Overall this title wholeheartedly deserves a five out of five star rating, and should occupy a space in the library of anyone interested in the Napoleonic Wars.

Mark Simner

This book provides a detailed account of the burning of Moscow...a work of scholarship written in a lively style.

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