Description
“This is one of the most compelling works to date on the early and ongoing development of a professional US Army… For these reasons, and despite the flaws of its overall thesis, I highly recommend Under the Shadow of Napoleon. Studies of the intellectual history of the US Army are few and far between, and Bonura’s thorough, well-written account of tactical level developments can be placed alongside the strategic studies by Russell Weigley and Brian Linn. That’s not bad company.” Thomas A. Bruscino Jr., US Army School of Advanced Military Studies, Michigan War Studies Review (MiWSR.com)
“As an active serving officer and a trained historian, Michael Bonura has written an excellent volume analyzing the French method and Napoleonic system of war as it applied to the American method of warfare during the formative years. Tracing the impact of this system upon the education of cadets and officers trained at West Point and the other military schools, on the army administration, its publications and military exercises as well as in the actual wars fought by America, Bonura has produced in invaluable study in understanding the evolution of America’s method of war.”-Donald D. Horward,Founding Director. Institute on Napoleon and the French Revolution
“The debate over the existence of an ‘American way of war’ continues, and never has it had more urgency than it does today. Now, active duty officer Michael Bonura reminds us of the crucial role played by French Revolutionary and Napoleonic methods. As he argues convincingly, admiration for the ‘French combat method’ first took hold at West Point, spread throughout the army in the 19th century, and remained its lodestar until the very eve of World War II. Bonura presents an army that talked constantly of change and transformation, but remained largely consistent in its methods over time. This thought-provoking and well researched book is essential for anyone interested in the U.S. Army, the evolution of military doctrine, and, above all, the role that West Point has played in the army’s development.”-Robert Citino,Military History Center, University of North Texas
“Bonura makes a provocative argument for the primacy of French and Napoleonic military thinking on American tactical development prior to World War II. His research provides convincing evidence of both the intellectual conservatism and the fixation on battle that have shaped the Army’s way of war.
Approximate size of book and weight. All books with be shipped Media Mail, but
we still need to know if it is oversized or extremely heavy.
Dimensions: 6.1 x 0.9 x 9.1 inches Weight: 1.15 pounds
