Aspern & Wagram 1809

An account of the origins, events and outcome of the Battle of Wagram in 1809, one of the hardest fought of all Napoleon's victories. It took place against an Austrian army, eager for revenge, that left the battlefield without a rout despite having to admit defeat.

A detailed, compact volume examining the 1809 campaign on the Danube, which was to break the spell of Napoleon's invincibility.

Wagram – the largest battle in history at the time – was Napoleon's revenge for his first personal defeat on the battlefield, at Aspern–Essling. In gaining this revenge the French commander was not wholly successful. Although the French won the battle as the Austrians eventually quit the field, the victory was an extremely hollow one.

Both these epic battles are expertly described by Ian Castle, chronicling the many changes of fortune as each side captured, lost, then recaptured key positions.