Enrico Acerbi Boeken

Austria was one of the five major players of the Napoleonic Wars. In early 19th century, the Austrian army (Kaiserliche-KöniglicheHeer) was the third largest and one of the best-trained armies in the world.The individual regimentsperformed well and were considered solid. However, hampered by the inherent conservatism of the hierarchy, the Austrians had to face the most modern army in Europe. Despite the many defeats suffered, the Austrian soldiers performed with discipline and played a central role in the coalitions against France, from the campaigns in 1790s, to the Austerlitz campaign of 1805, the closely-balanced battles of 1809, and the final victorious campaigns of 1813-1814. Austrian cavalry, in particular, was considered one of the best in Europe by allies as well as enemies. For the first time, this topic is introduced starting from the first campaign against France.The book includesthe regimental histories of each unit after the original sources, unpublished iconography, and is completed by detailed illustrations depicting uniforms and equipment of the mounted ‘kaiserlich’ white coats.

Austerlitz again? Yes, Austerlitz again! By now everything has been said and told about that famous battle of December, 2, 1805, which represents one of the zenith of Bonaparte's "genius". The battle of Austerlitz has been emphasized as the battle of the Three Emperors, the last of which, considered in Europe a "parvenu", was Napoleon himself. It was one of the battles that had the honor of giving its name to one of the most important railway stations in Paris, Gare de Austerlitz, as well as giving its name to a bridge over the Seine, opened in 1807, iron and toll. Already these trivial considerations are reality witnesses of how the new emperor was pleased with the Campaign of 1805 and its final outcome.

Frederick the Great was one of the most important figures in European history. He was, in the 18th century, the monarch of a German state, Prussia, which had few advantages and many small territories scattered from the east (East Prussia) to the west on the Rhine (Duchy of Kleve). His was a relatively small nation surrounded by France, Austria, Sweden and Russia, all hostile to Prussian interests. These two volumes discuss the beginnings of Frederick II's reign and the development he further brought to the army. Having succeeded his father on 31 May 1740, he was able to take advantage of the difficult position in which Austria found itself, due to the thwarted succession of Maria Theresa, and went to war with his new army, intending to take possession of Silesia. With the Treaty of Breslau (11 June 1742) he obtained sovereignty over almost all of Silesia and the county of Glatz.

Focusing on the crucial role of infantry during the Napoleonic period, this book explores how these soldiers embodied revolutionary ideals while enduring the hardships of war. It highlights the evolution of French infantry units from 1792 to 1815, emphasizing their experiences, including the spirit of volunteerism and the harsh realities of conscription and disease. Through a synthesis of key events and lesser-known facts, the narrative celebrates the significance of infantry beyond the more glamorous aspects of cavalry in shaping European battlefields.

Focusing on the early years of Maria Theresa's reign from 1740 to 1748, this work examines her unexpected rise to military leadership during the Theresian period of the Austrian imperial army. Initially inexperienced in warfare, Maria Theresa faced extraordinary challenges that forced her to embrace her father's legacy. Over time, her dedication to the military grew, culminating in a profound attachment that persisted even after her husband's death, highlighting her unique role as a female leader in a tumultuous era. A second volume will address additional topics and bibliography.

Focusing on the early years of Maria Theresa's reign from 1740 to 1748, the narrative highlights her unexpected rise to military leadership during the 'Eight Years' War.' Initially inexperienced in warfare, she faced extraordinary challenges in preserving her father's legacy. As she navigated these trials, Maria Theresa developed a deep commitment to her army, ultimately expressing her passion for military affairs over other state matters. The exploration of her unique role in shaping the Austrian imperial army sets the stage for further developments in the subsequent volume.

Focusing on the pivotal role of infantry during the Napoleonic period, the book explores how these soldiers embodied revolutionary values and faced the harsh realities of war. It highlights their experiences from 1792 to 1815, including the spirit of volunteerism, the struggles of conscription, and the impact of disease and defeat, particularly at Waterloo. While not exhaustive, it synthesizes key events and offers intriguing insights into the often-overlooked aspects of French infantry units during this tumultuous era.

Der letzte Teil der Trilogie über die österreichische Armee von 1805 bis 1809 beleuchtet die Kavallerie, Artillerie und das Pionierkorps sowie seltenere Truppengattungen wie den Generalquartiermeisterstab und die Marine. Ein Kapitel widmet sich der Zusammensetzung der Grenadierbataillone im Feldzug von 1809 und ergänzt somit den ersten Teil der Reihe. Zudem wird der Tiroler Aufstand von 1809 behandelt, einschließlich der Organisationsstruktur und Uniformierungen der Aufständischen. Wie in den vorherigen Bänden werden die einzelnen Einheiten mit ihrer Entwicklung und Formationsgeschichte vorgestellt, wobei der Fokus auf den Einsätzen im Krieg von 1809 liegt. Die Kavallerie, insbesondere die leichte Kavallerie wie Husaren und Ulanen, hatte im habsburgischen Vielvölkerreich eine lange Tradition. Auch Artillerie und Pionierkorps erlebten während der Revolutions- und Napoleonischen Kriege bedeutende Veränderungen, die umfassend dargestellt werden. Der Band wurde von einem Fachlektorat begleitet, das den aktuellen Kenntnisstand zur Geschichte der österreichischen Armee berücksichtigt. Die deutsche Übersetzung enthält zahlreiche bisher unbekannte Darstellungen, die dem Leser einen anschaulichen Eindruck der Truppenteile vermitteln. Mit diesem Abschluss steht deutschsprachigen Lesern eine detailreiche Grundlage zur Erforschung der österreichischen Armee an der Schwelle zu den „Massenheeren“ der späten Napoleonischen Zeit zur Verfügung