Description
For over 70 years, from 1643 to 1715, Louis?XIV fought a series of increasingly bitter wars?with the Dutch, the Spanish, the British and?the Austrians. During his long reign France?was the foremost power in Europe and the king?used his military and economic strength to?expand French territory to the north into the?Low Countries, to the Rhine, and south to the?Pyrenees. To enable this expansion, and defend?it against the powerful armies that combined?to oppose him, he depended on a select group?of exceptional commanders - remarkable men?close to the throne, who held the prestigious?title of Marshal of France. These are the?distinguished soldiers James Falkner focuses on?in this perceptive and original study, and their?colourful careers and long-reaching campaigns?give us a fascinating insight into the European?warfare of the period and into their relationship?with their master, the Sun King.?Among them are Turenne, the pre-eminent?commander of the early years of Louis's?reign; Luxembourg who never lost a battle;?elegant Villeroi who confronted the Duke?of Marlborough at the Battle of Ramillies;?Boufflers, famous for his defence of Lille; Villars?who remarkably outwitted and defeated Prince?Eugene; Tallard, who endured catastrophe and?capture at the Battle of Blenheim; Berwick,?James II's illegitimate son, the English Marshal;?and brawling Vend?me who, though defeated at?Oudenarde, later triumphed against the British?and Austrians in Spain. Their skill as commanders and their qualities?of leadership during a turbulent era in European?history are a primary focus of James Falkner's?absorbing book, but he also looks at them?as remarkable and varied individuals who?expressed the military spirit of their age.
Binding: Hardback
Binding: Hardback