The marshals of Napoleon I … constituted what is probably the most brilliant array of military genius the world has ever seen. All Europe was prostrate before them. Any book which sheds light upon their personalities and accomplishments is a genuine contribution to French history….Boston Transcript. Thoroughly documented, a work of really immense scholarship, this book is also the treatise of an experienced and seasoned military man.Independent. [Phipps'] criticism of strategy and tactics is always intelligent and to the point, so that he contributes something new to the campaigns with which he deals even though his main interest in them is with the careers of the future marshals.Times [London] Literary Supplement