The Campaign of Marengo, With Comments

"The Campaign of Marengo" by Herbert H. Sargent is a late 19th-century historical exploration that unravels the strategic complexities of the Battle of Marengo during the Napoleonic Wars. The story keenly examines the tactical dance between the French and Austrian forces, led by Bonaparte and Melas respectively, and reveals the profound impact their decisions had on the shaping of nations. As the story begins, Bonaparte returns from Egypt to a vulnerable France, surrounded by enemies, where Sargent highlights the daunting state of the French against the powerful Austrian armies, presenting Bonaparte’s need to unite his forces and devise a winning plan against almost impossible circumstances. The book carefully introduces the detailed analysis of military maneuvers and the heavy burdens of war, exploring entwined themes of personal ambition and national fate as the characters prepare for the looming battle.