How Far from Austerlitz?: Napoleon 1805-1815
by By Horne, Alistair
Category: History , Europe , France

A London Sunday Times Book of the YearA Daily Telegraph Book of the YearThe Battle of Austerlitz was Napoleon's greatest victory, the culmination of one of the greatest military campaigns of all time. It was also the last battle the "Father of Modern Warfare" would leave in absolute triumph, for, though he did not know it, Austerlitz marked the beginning of Napoleon's downfall. His triumph was too complete and his conquest too brutal to last. Like Hitler, he came to believe he was invincible, that no force could halt his bloody march across Europe. Like Hitler, he paid dearly for his hubris, climaxing in bitter defeat at Waterloo in 1815. In a matter of years, he had fallen from grace. Alistair Horne explores the theme of military success and failure inHow Far From Austerlitz? He chronicles Napoleon's rise and fall, drawing parallels with other great leaders of the modern era.