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About this book:
The “military machine” by which Napoleon and his indispensable chief of staff Marshal Berthier commanded and controlled his huge armies on campaign numbered some 1,500 officers and men, organized in the different bureaux of his military and civilian “households” and the army general headquarters. This essential tool of the Emperor’s power was designed to provide him, even in a tented front-line camp, with all the information, technical support and comfort that he enjoyed in his French palaces. This fascinating study details the entourage whose service enabled Napoleon to move hundreds of thousands of troops right across Europe – from the geographers of his “topographical office” to the aides who rode with him carrying everything from maps to brandy flasks.