The Campaign of 1812 in Russia

London: J Murray, 1843. First English Language Edition. Contemporary paneled calf; gilt compartments. Prize binding.. Near fine; small tear at the margin of the folding map.. 8vo, xxxiv, [2], [1] - 260 pp. + large folding map.

The book offered here is volume seven of the von Clausewitz's collected papers; his early death allowed for the fact that all of his written work, except a brief essay, were issued posthumously. The Russian Campaign was partially written in 1814 and completed in 1824. It is an account in which the author participated in the events. von Clausewitz, at the outset an assistant to the Prussian Scharnhorst, refused to be impressed into the service of the French and joined the Russian Army becoming chief of staff for the Russo-German legion. He was readmitted to the Prussian Army after the first Peace of Paris. The translation, " ... is sometimes dismissed as a mere recounting of its author's experiences ... In fact, however, it is a useful demonstration of Clausewitz's critical approach to the writing of military history and contains an assessment of Napoleon's 1812 strategy more extensive in some respects than that given in On War. ... A great many other aspects of Clausewitz's analysis of the dynamics of war also appear, particularly his concept of the 'culminating point' of the offensive (Bassford p. 45)." An important book. Bassford, Clausewitz in English ....; Earle, Makers of Modern Strategy, chapter 5; see PMM #297.