Gathers selections from Napoleon's letters and writings to depict his views on war preparations, military education, generalship, army organization, strategy, fortification, and field operations Napoleon Bonaparte not only dominated Europe militarily for 20 years in the early 19th century but his concept of war and its right conduct has fascinated historians and guided military leaders for almost 200 years. Noted military historian Luvaas now presents a succinct volume of Napoleon's thoughts on the art of war as seen by the greatest soldier of his era. Luvaas has worked on this book for 30 years, translating and editing the 32 volumes of Napoleon's own writings and correspondence and offering in essay form the key elements of Napoleon's wisdom on war. Subjects include tactics, operational art, strategy, logistics, training, diplomacy, intelligence, leadership, combined arms, morale, and discipline. The best chapters are Napoleon's analysis of the "Great Captains" (Alexander, Caesar, Gustavus Adolphus, Frederick the Great) and his candid evaluations of his own French generals' strengths and weaknesses. This is a short, clear, and very readable treatise on the art of war, a much better product than 1998's dismal pretender, Napoleon: How To Make War by Yann Cloarec (Ediciones La Calavera). Luvaas's book is recommended for public, academic, and military libraries.ACol. William D. Bushnell, USMC (ret.), Brunswick, ME Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. Whatever his political failings, Napoleon's reputation as a military genius remains undiminished. His broad strategies and battlefield tactics are still studied at military colleges around the world. Given his ignominious end in exile, it is understandable that Napoleon never penned his "definitive" memoirs. However, his genius is revealed in the massive volume of his personal letters and military correspondence. Luvaas, a military historian, has arranged Napoleon's essays and correspondence into a coherent exposition of his attitudes and beliefs regarding warfare. Napoleon reveals his great psychological insight, his mastery of organization, and his unceasing faith in an aggressive style of warfare. Perhaps inadvertently, he also reveals his egotism and belief in his own destiny, which would lead to his downfall. While military buffs will find special delight here, there is much in this work that can appeal to the well-informed general reader. Jay Freeman Used Book in Good Condition