History of the Expedition to Russia is Count Philip de Ségur's dramatic eyewitness account of Napoleon's catastrophic 1812 campaign, from the Grande Armée's confident advance into the Russian interior to the burning of Moscow and the annihilating retreat through winter and famine. Written in a vivid, almost epic prose style, the work blends military narrative, psychological portraiture, and moral reflection. It stands within the post-Napoleonic tradition of memoir-history, seeking not merely to record events but to interpret the imperial project at its moment of ruin. Ségur was uniquely positioned to write such a book. An aristocrat, soldier, and diplomat, he served as an aide-de-camp to Napoleon and witnessed the Russian expedition from within the imperial headquarters. His proximity to command, combined with the disillusionment that followed Napoleon's fall, gave his narrative both authority and tension: admiration for genius is repeatedly measured against the consequences of ambition, miscalculation, and human suffering. This book is recommended to readers interested in Napoleonic history, military catastrophe, and the literature of eyewitness testimony. It offers more than campaign detail; it is a penetrating study of leadership, endurance, and the fragility of glory.

This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

Count Philip de Segur (1780-1873) was a French general and a historian. During his first retirement between 1818 and 1830 he wrote his History of the Napoleon's Expedition to Russia which ran through numerous editions, and was translated into several languages. The unfavorable portrait of Napoleon given in this book provoked representations from General Gourgaud, and eventually a duel, in which Ségur was wounded.