Osprey Men-at-Arms 87 : Napoleon's Marshals

The rank of Marshal of France was first introduced in 1047 and ran continuously until the Convention, when it was abolished in 1793 thanks to popular feeling that the status inherent in the rank went against the grain of Republicanism. However the next ten years saw the rise to power of Napoleon Bonaparte, who on 19 May 1804, the day following his proclamation of Empire, resurrected the title in the guise of Maréchal de l'Empire. Much has been made of Napoleon's Marshals' personal rivalries, jealousies, greed and lust for power. They had every soldier's vices and virtues; the were glory-seeking, self-aggrandising and envious of social status. Napoleon's method of command was such that he expected his marshals to obey, not initiate, and he slowly set out to ensure that his senior officers became merely blind agents who executed his orders without hesitation, discussion or personal opinion. Emir Bukhari presents an account of these soldiers who, whilst far from brilliant strategists, nevertheless performed a vital role and were exceptional leaders of men. This book includes comprehensive war records for all the marshals and a section detailing their uniforms and accessories. There are fine illustrations throughout, with eight full page colour plates by Chris Warner.

Contents

• The Marshals
• Biographies
• Uniforms and Accessories
• The Plates