The Reading Warehouse

The book provides a perspective of the 1812 campaign from one of the key Russian participants and is a vital source for historians studying Napoleon's invasion of Russia. This is one of the few Russian war memoirs of the 1812 campaign and serves as a fascinating read for those interested in Russian military history and the intrigue that characterizes European armies of this period.

Highlights the malign influence on high command by the swarm of self-serving courtiers and "political' generals whose factions leaked distorted sit reps and character smears to Petersburg. Same as today, one observes inept elites whose priority is prestige & clinging to unmerited power, extracting a heavy price amongst troops and the general public.