Histoire du Consulat et de l'Empire, (Vol. 14 / 20)

This volume offers a meticulous look at the early stages of Napoleon’s 1812 Russian campaign, beginning with his preparation to seize Wilna. The narrative follows the French army’s march through Lithuania, detailing the logistical hurdles, the establishment of supply depots, and the uneasy diplomatic contacts with Russian emissaries such as de Balachoff. Readers are drawn into the strategic calculations of both Napoleon and the Russian high command as each side gauges the other's intentions.

The author brings the battlefield to life through vivid descriptions of Marshal Davout’s operations on the right flank and the first clashes with Prince Bagration’s forces. Alongside the military maneuvers, the text explores the political undercurrents, including the Polish uprising and the cautious dialogue between French officials and Russian leaders. By focusing on these initial movements and decisions, the work paints a compelling picture of a campaign at its most ambitious and uncertain.