Historydude18 | 11 May 2020 3:31 p.m. PST |
I've had a lot of time to catch up on reading due to COVID-19 and I've mostly read Napoleonics in that time. I'm considering getting the series, but especially the second book on Aspern-Essling because I'm really interested in that battle and there are no other books on it. The price isn't an issue for me just the content so does anyone here own the second volume and is it worth getting for someone interested in the Battle of Aspern-Essling or the 1809 war in general? |
Desert Rat | 11 May 2020 3:56 p.m. PST |
YES!! One of the most comprehensive and best written pieces of prose that I've read. I didn't have much interest in the 1809 campaign when I first got into Napoleonics but now it is right up there – I've even walked some of the battlefields. The whole set is excellent to see the whole campaign as it unfolded but you really should get Volume 2. After reading it, I wouldn't be surprised if you got the rest as well! |
Wargamorium | 11 May 2020 4:03 p.m. PST |
Agree completely with Desert Rat |
Saber6 | 11 May 2020 4:04 p.m. PST |
What? You don't have it already? |
Ed von HesseFedora | 11 May 2020 4:13 p.m. PST |
|
SHaT1984 | 11 May 2020 4:37 p.m. PST |
>> there are no other books on it. HArdly, theres been many- Bowdens published way back in 80s was a godsend to those desperate for Austrian data. However it is a campaign beyond my specific interests now, even if playable at any moment, so I do not have to book. Best of luck, davew |
Pete L | 11 May 2020 4:41 p.m. PST |
|
dbf1676 | 11 May 2020 4:42 p.m. PST |
|
McKinstry | 11 May 2020 4:42 p.m. PST |
I have it and heartily recommend it if you have an interest. |
Bede19002 | 11 May 2020 4:48 p.m. PST |
|
15th Hussar | 11 May 2020 5:01 p.m. PST |
|
Historydude18 | 11 May 2020 5:04 p.m. PST |
I meant there are no books on the specific battles alone, except for one on Wagram titled the Emperor's Last Victory which I own. My interest in the 1809 campaign is largely on the battles of Wagram and Aspern-Essling. However, I'd happily read about the other battles of the campaign so I'd still want Thunder on the Danube. |
rustymusket | 11 May 2020 5:22 p.m. PST |
Definitely worth getting if you like the 1809 campaign. I have not gotten the 3rd volume which is Wagram, and I regret it. Of course, I also like Robert R. Arnold's 2 volumes on the 1809 campaign. Not quite the detail of Thunder but very readable. Nothing has the detail of Thunder, that I have seen, of course. |
MSU John | 11 May 2020 5:32 p.m. PST |
|
nsolomon99 | 11 May 2020 5:36 p.m. PST |
No question, it is THE definitive 3 volumes on the entire 1809 Campaign and volume 2 is the best and most detailed account, in English, we have of the battle of Aspern-Essling. I have the Bowden work from the 1980's and I have the James Arnold Crisis on the Danube 2 volume work, both are good but Jack Gill takes it to a whole new level. They follow on from his earlier work specifically on the Confed of the Rhine involvement in the 1809 Campaign. |
Saber6 | 11 May 2020 6:22 p.m. PST |
toss in "with Eagles to Glory" and you have the German Allies too |
Kevin in Albuquerque | 11 May 2020 8:38 p.m. PST |
Yes, buy these books. The text is very well written and not dry and dusty. The maps are well done, a necessity in my opinion. But the real treasures are the orders of battle (yes there are multiple OB's for the period) at the end of the text, before the well research appendix. |
AussieAndy | 11 May 2020 10:03 p.m. PST |
If you have any interest in the campaign, just buy all three. I have the other books referred to as well, but Gill's trilogy is way out in front. |
setsuko | 11 May 2020 10:43 p.m. PST |
Just buy all three (Naval & Military Press has a huge discount on the trilogy set right now), you won't regret it. They are indeed some of the best campaign books I've read, period. Made me want to get an Austrian army goddammit. :P |
Artilleryman | 12 May 2020 1:20 a.m. PST |
No. Do not bother it is all ill-researched rubbish…… Just joking. It is one of the best Napoleonic history books I have read. Even if you are not 'in to' the 1809 campaign, it should be on your bookshelf. |
Supreme Littleness Designs | 12 May 2020 3:29 a.m. PST |
Aspern-Essling reference: link |
Brechtel198 | 12 May 2020 4:32 a.m. PST |
The now three volume study is excellent and should be had by anyone interested and studying the period. Along with those get the same author's With Eagles to Glory regarding the Confederation of the Rhine in the 1809 campaign. |
Garryowen | 12 May 2020 8:24 a.m. PST |
Does the bear sleep in the woods? |
138SquadronRAF | 12 May 2020 8:47 a.m. PST |
|
BillyNM | 12 May 2020 9:10 a.m. PST |
I can't understand why no one has advised against getting them… I suppose it's because they're the best there I,s that must be why. |
Decebalus | 12 May 2020 9:29 a.m. PST |
And another one. I could read it as bedtime lecture … so thumps up. |
Brechtel198 | 12 May 2020 10:23 a.m. PST |
I can't understand why no one has advised against getting them… Perhaps because they are, in fact, excellent books? |
olicana | 12 May 2020 11:04 a.m. PST |
Buy 'em. Buy more than one set and give one to a friend. |
Prince of Essling | 12 May 2020 1:11 p.m. PST |
A definite must buy – my copies along with Eagles to Glory are well thumbed. |
Historydude18 | 12 May 2020 1:42 p.m. PST |
Thanks for the comments. I'm convinced and will get the second volume. I also own the Gilles Boue French book on Aspern-Essling and although I enjoy it I really wish it was more detailed. Has anybody read both this book and the second volume to compare the details on the battle? Is there more information on it in the second volume? |
mysteron | 12 May 2020 6:14 p.m. PST |
I have them and like them but I don't for some reason find them easy reading .I am currently reading "With Eagles to Glory "by the same author of which I would also recommend. |
grecian1959 | 14 May 2020 7:59 a.m. PST |
Excellent … must buys for that campaign |