First published in 1966 and weighing in at over 1100 pages, this is an astonishing piece of scholarship which combines learned enquiry with lucid exposition - it's a highly intelligent but very accessible, very readable work. Chandler is a highly respected historian who has lectured at Sandhurst and established a reputation as a military historian and specialist in the Napoleonic wars.
Chandler presents an epic study of Napoleon as military commander, following his emergence at Toulon to his final defeat in the Waterloo Campaign. Befitting such a giant of history, "The Campaigns of Napoleon" is a work on an epic scale. Chandler looks at the man as military leader, presenting a stimulating analysis of the processes and principles of warfare in the late 18th, early 19th centuries. The book is profusely illustrated with black and white illustrations, maps, diagrams, and plans of campaign and battle.
This is the sort of work which is essential reference material for anyone interested in the military history of the era. However, it is also a very readable account, and stands judgement as a quality piece of biography in its own right.
I first discovered this book in the 1960's, and it has remained one of my all time favourite studies of history: though I've never considered myself to have any great interest in the Napoleonic era, Chandler's elaboration of Napoleon's genius as military leader is thoroughly absorbing. This is a book which you can pick up to browse, casually, but which quickly transforms before your eyes into one which you must read.
An essential work for students of the period, a classic work for students of military history, but also a stimulating read for anyone who enjoys an intelligent, well-written study.