Description

Available for the first time in English, Bogdanovich's Russian History of the War of 1814 continues where the History of the War of 1813 left off. In describing the events of 1814, the author strives to give an accurate and balanced portrayal of one of the most important years in European history and pays tribute to the service of the Russian army in deposing Napoleon. This book covers not only the military operations by all sides, but also the diplomatic wrangling between the factions in the Coalition, arguing for or against leaving Napoleon in power in a much reduced French Empire. Although Bogdanovich had access to Russian state archives and private papers, he also made extensive use of published German and French memoirs and histories in order to provide additional context and balance. Volume 1 covered the period from the Coalition crossing of the Rhine in January 1814 until the Treaty of Chaumont on 1 March. Volume 2 covers the perod from Napoleon's second offensive against Blücher to Napoleon's abdication, journey into exile on Elba, the Treaty of Paris, and the return of Russian forces to their homeland.