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Bruno Colson is professor at the Universite de Namur, Belgium. He has published numerous books on strategy and military history, most recently Clausewitz (Perrin, 2016), a biography of the great military theorist. He originally worked in the field of strategic studies before going back to his first interest in military history, specializing both in the history of military thought and the Napoleonic wars. His current teaching includes the history of war and strategy (1792-1945) and the history of modern and contemporary international relations.
`Colson's work is a great illumination on a highly nuanced, complex and strikingly modern character that changed the nature of warfare. It is a mustread for military historians, theorists and, of course, soldiers.' Tom Garner, History of Royals `Napoleon on War is certainly a book from which one can learn a great deal: it is, indeed, one of the most instructive works on Napoleon that the author has read for many years.' Charles J. Esdaile, French History `Colson has been assiduous in collection Napoleon's views from a wide variety of sources over the course of his career... [He] has arranged the material on the same plan as Clausewitz's unfinished masterpiece On War and expertly draws out the parallels and contrasts between the French emperors and the Prussian soldier's views on the nature of military conflict... This is an exceptionally stimulating book for anyone with a serious interest in military history and it provides ample evidence of the cool, cynical pragmatism that complemented the raging ego of one of history's greatest generals.' Literary Review, Rory Muir `A superbly researched work of reference.' History of War `This comprehensive book deals with everything from the Theory of War and the Engagement of Defence, Attack and Military Forces and almost puts the reader alongside the Emperor on the battlefield. It is an acheivement and victory he would have been proud to claim as his own.' Northern Echo, Steve Craggs `Napoleon always intended to write such a piece himself, but never had the chance. If Colson's attempt would have received Napoleon's posthumous approval remains unanswered but the likelihood is very high' Clausewitz Magazine `Bruno Colson, one of the leading writers on the history of military thought at work today, has produced a book which operates on two levels: as a history designed to illuminate Napoleon's understanding of war, and as study of the phenomenon of strategy, which - like Clausewitz's - works across time. This is a major achievement, both in conception and in scale.' Sir Hew Strachan, Chichele Professor of the History of War, University of Oxford `Colson has produced a fine book for the Napoleonic historian or the student of military theory.' European History Quarterly
