A few weeks ago I posted about Jon's Anniversary blog contest. Well, it is hard for me to recall the last time I won anything of value, but this time I hit the jackpot! Not long after the notification appeared on Jon's blog that I had won, and my "prize" was my to be first choice as well, the book arrived at my doorstep. Thank you so much, Jon!
This is a beautiful hardcover book, and I started reading it almost immediately. I am now up to page 82 (out of 270). This is a very well written engaging book featuring names that "grognards" are familiar with, but rarely get to see in action without (then general) Bonaparte stealing the stage... names like Melas, Chasteler, Radetsky, Bagration, Constantine, Scherer, Moreau, Grenier, Victor, Serurier, and of course.... Surovov!
It is well provided with excellent maps, and good quality illustrations as well as modern photographs of some of the key points. The interactions, positive and negative, between the Austrians and their Russian allies are well covered. I found it interesting that Duffy felt that Surovov's military treatise, conventionally translated as the rather old school title "The Art of Victory", would be more accurately translated as the very modern sounding "How to Win". Not only that, but in the book's conclusion, Duffy opines that had Surovov survived to face First Consul Bonaparte in 1800, he would likely have been the victor! we'll have to see if I am convinced of that by the book's end, but I expect to run ore than one of the battles form this book on the tabletop, even if the uniforms will be those of the 1809 French, Italians, Poles and Austrians with 1812 Russians! A most welcome addition to my Napoleonic library. Thank you again, Jon!
Some Autumn color at Taugahannock Falls, near Ithaca, NY, about 2 weeks ago. This picture fails to give you an adequate impression of the height of this spectacular waterfall - at 215 feet, it is the tallest single drop waterfall in North America East of the Rockies!
Trick or Treat? Our new Golden Retriever puppy, Zoe, age 3 months, on Halloween!
Peter, pleased to see the Duffy book arrived quickly and in good condition. Duffy did produce a fine study of the 1799 campaign, didn't he? I found the book quite interesting and agree with your assessment that Duffy holds Suvorov in high regard. Details on a number of battles that I would someday enjoy refighting too. I have been slowly building opposing forces for such a venture.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the book!
Thanks again, Jon. Definite fodder for the tabletop in there, as well as a mini campaign!
DeleteIt's really an excellent book, and I think Jon and I may be able to refight some of the battles soon!
ReplyDeleteThat would be great to see, Scott!
DeleteThat'd be a great score dude! I find Christopher Duffy a very readable as well as meticulous historiographer. I'd love to get hold of a book like this.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I read a biography of Alex Suvorov, and was impressed with his pugnacious style of leadership. I found the contemporary Cruickshank (?) cartoons - depicting a brutish, overweight ogre - in amusing contrast with the frail-looking wispy reality.
That a match-up between Bonaparte and Suvorov might not have gone the First Consul's way, I can well accept. Suvorov seems to have been a very able as well as charismatic commander, and likely to take the fight to his opponent. One of those fascinating 'mighta-beens.'
Indeed. He was definitely an aggressive commander, and not easily intimidated, and clearly quite charismatic, if not m ore than a bit eccentric as well!
DeleteCongratulations. Will this result in some scenario suggestions? Zoe looks like a wonderful addition to the family.
ReplyDeleteYes, most likely it will, David. And yes, she is. She has many features reminding us of our Cricket, who we lost back in July. If she takes to the water and jumps into the pool the way she did, we'll know that she is back with us! :-)
DeleteSounds superb Peter! And great pic.
ReplyDeleteNothing better than a great book that spurs you to "take it to the table!"
DeleteGlad to hear you're enjoying this book. Always good to find a book with enough detail to help produce scenarios.
ReplyDeleteThat's a cute puppy.
Exactly, Mike.
DeleteShe is very cute, very smart, and... very independent - gonna be trouble as a "teenager!".
Looks like you got a good one (book) to read in the mail! Nice waterfall, too.
ReplyDeleteThe book is great so far. The size of the waterfall is best appreciated by the fact that that the picture is taken from the overlook 1/2 mile away!
DeleteA most well-deserved 'win' too Peter. Jon/fate or both also know that by having you win that book we will all 'win' by seeing some well-designed, great -looking games of the campaign!
ReplyDeleteSuvorov defeat the First Consul? Only a wargamers 'test' will be able to determine that one!
Well, hopefully so! The first phase of the campaign calls to mind the scenario I did for Eugene's "Battle on the Piave".
DeleteThe setup is definitely one ripe for a mini-campaign.
... forgot to add. Lovely pic of the waterfall and of Zoe. You can't have too many pics of dogs in my book! I might have to post some of Monty and Rex and even our departed friends, to 'keep up with the Andersons' ha ha!!
ReplyDeleteWe'e a decidedly doggie family, even having lost two in the past few months. My newly wed daughter has a new Beagle puppy the same age as Zoe.
DeleteThe reason for the Waterfall picture was visiting my younger daughter (2nd year Cornell Veterinary School). She's itching to get another dog to keep Rory company.
One find on Lake Cayuga, which is graced by multiple vineyards, is a pretty decent red table wine called "Marechal Foch", LOL!