1809 Thunder on the Danube

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In this concluding volume, John H. Gill wraps up his comprehensive examination of the 1809 conflict between Napoleonic France and Habsburg Austria. The narrative opens with both armies recuperating along the Danube, while significant actions unfold in distant theaters: Eugene's forces achieve a vital victory in Hungary, Poniatowski's Poles outmaneuver an Austrian archduke along the Vistula, and Marmont drives an Austrian contingent from Dalmatia to reinforce Napoleon in Vienna. These campaigns set the stage for the decisive Battle of Wagram, a monumental clash involving over 320,000 troops and 900 artillery pieces, culminating in an Austrian retreat. Despite this defeat, Napoleon had to engage the Austrians once more before Charles would agree to a ceasefire, leading to the lesser-known battle at Znaim, which resulted in an extended armistice and a peace treaty signed in Vienna by October. Gill utilizes a wealth of sources to deliver a vivid account that spans the diplomatic maneuvers of emperors to the hardships faced by common soldiers. Enhanced with rare illustrations, over 40 custom maps, and detailed orders of battle, this work completes an unparalleled English language study of Napoleon's last victorious war.