A Hundred Years Ago : Ultn, Trafalgar, Austerlitz. By Colonel
G. A. Fame, C.B. (W. Clowes and Sons. 10s.)—Only an expert could adequately appreciate this book ; a reader, however, does not need special knowledge to understand it up to a certain point, and to find great interest in it. Colonel Purse com- mences by reviewing the political situation at the beginning of 1805. He does not believe that Napoleon was sincere in his professions of desiring peace with England. At the same time, he attributes to him a belief in the probable success of an invasion of the country, which other writers deny. That his gigantic preparations were an elaborate feint seems, indeed, hard to believe. From these preliminary topics Colonel Purse proceeds to the consideration of the three great battles which form his immediate subject. The contrast is as significant as any contrast could be The helplessness and imbecility of Napoleon's antagonists at Ulm and Austerlitz show up with singular vividness against the energy and skill of his great opponent at Trafalgar. Besides the narrative of the three great battles we have some interesting anecdotes a Napoleon's savoir fairs. He thought little of /a tactique, much of /a morale. This quality in his troops he cultivated by methods which have a certain appearance of charlatanry, but may be said to be justified by their success. He used, for instance, to be carefully coached in personal details about some of his soldiers, and would air the knowledge thus acquired as if it was a recollection evoked at the moment. We may also note a specially instructive passage in which the great Change in the conditions of warfare as it was a century ago and as it is now is lucidly set forth.
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