An overview of Napoleon's rise and fall, drawing parallels with other great leaders of the modern era.
A London Sunday Times Book of the Year
A Daily Telegraph Book of the Year
“The new volume shows Mr. Horne doing what he does best: writing lively, interesting, anecdote-enriched, and scholarly popular history. How Far from Austerlitz? is what popular history should be, fascinating and edifying, a rattling yet also sobering good story.” —The New York Times
The Battle of Austerlitz was Napoleon's greatest victory, the culmination of one of the greatest military campaigns of all time. It was also the last battle the “Father of Modern Warfare” would leave in absolute triumph, for, though he did not know it, Austerlitz marked the beginning of Napoleon's downfall. His triumph was too complete and his conquest too brutal to last. Like Hitler, he came to believe he was invincible, that no force could halt his bloody march across Europe. Like Hitler, he paid dearly for his hubris, climaxing in bitter defeat at Waterloo in 1815. In a matter of years, he had fallen from grace.
“It is a compelling tale, and Mr. Horne tells it all superbly.” —Bernard Cornwell, The Wall Street Journal
“An engrossing work by a master historian.” —William F. Buckley, Jr., The National Review
«Concise and vivid . . . Mr. Horne's skill as a writer keeps the story fresh and intriguing.» —The Washington Times
“A delight.” —The Los Angeles Times
