Early Modern Books (up to and including WWI)

The thread to comment on/review books one has read on the period 1500-~1917.

 

Prince Eugen of Savoy; by Nicholas Henderson, ~ 292 pages not including appendix.  A biography of the famous french general, turned down by Louis XIV, (who seemed to have a personal grudge against Eugen) who served the Habsburgs loyally for decades.  The book remarks on the various campaigns of Eugen, (including his close relationship with Marlborough and the infamous battle of blenheim) as well as giving a description of his personality and reputation for patronage. 

 

Spain and its World: 1500-1700; by J.H. Elliott, ~ 286 pages.  Collection of essays relating to Spain during its rise, plateau and decline.  The author is an expert and the essays are quite thought provoking.  A joy to read.

 

The Exploits of the Baron De Marbot; Jean-Baptiste de Marbot, ~ 270 pages.  A shortened, translated version of the Baron's memoirs.  A truly personable, readable account of Marbots career during the revolutionary and Napoleonic wars.  A remarkable time and remarkable individual. 

 

Napoleon as Military Commander; by James Marshall-Cornwall, ~ 281 pages.  A book in the Penguin Military History series, the author is an expert who knows his subject well and brings an objective approach to Napoleon, examining in detail his various battles and campaigns.  Informative and interesting to read the authors reasons for his opinions.

 

Napoleon and the Hundred Days; by Stephen Coote, ~ 289 pages.  A book that covers Napoleons second stint as ruler of France.  The author uses an interesting style, using quotes to almost give the impression of a novel or memoir.  Detailed, do not necessarily agree with the authors opinion on Napoleon, (a little anti-Napoleon for my liking) but a quality book nonetheless.

 

The Rise and Fall of Napoleon Bonaparte; by Robert Asprey, two volumes, just under 1000 pages combined.  Volume one is titled, The Rise and volume two, The Fall.  The author uses Napoleons victory at Austerlitz as the apex of his power, the decline starting shortly afterward.  The author takes an objective, reasonably unbiased view of Napoleon and goes into great detail chronicling Napoleons life from birth to death.  An excellent two volume biography of Napoleon.  The best I've come across on him so far. 

 

The First World War; by John Keegan, ~ 427 pages.  Keegan's book on the great war is second to none.  He provides an introduction to the situation in europe leading up to the war and then gives a breakdown and explanation of exactly what happened during the chaotic period leading up to and commencing with mobilization and declarations of war, as well as keeping a human element to it.  Just a fantastic book, best I've come across on WWI.

 

The Man who would be King: The Life of Philippe D'Orleans, Regent of France; by Christine Pevitt, ~ 323 pages.  This is a biography of Phillipe D'Orleans, nephew of Louis XIV and his life.  The author enjoys writing about the subject and it shows, the book is enjoyable to read.  The author goes into detail about Phillipes personality and exploits as well as his regency for the minor Louis XV.  Intriguing book, the subject is an interesting figure, well worth reading.