The Cockade in the Sand

Two fine accounts of the British at war with Napoleon's French Army in Egypt While there can be no doubt as to the colossal stature of Napoleon Bonaparte in world history, it is equally certain that, despite his genius as a strategist and military tactician, he was a fundamentally flawed character given to embarking on seemingly illogical endeavours-often with disastrous consequences in loss of life-for no realistically achievable gain. His 'adventure' into the Middle East and Egypt (a strategic cul-de-sac) with his 'Armee d'Orient' must rank in the forefront of those debacles. Nevertheless, Britain was at war with France and wherever the enemy was to be found it had to be engaged. Indeed, Nelson was able to inflict a decisive naval defeat on the French navy at the Battle of the Nile in 1798, and in 1801 a British force stormed ashore at Abukir Bay to engage French troops in Egypt. On the burning North African sands this force fought the by now abandoned French force (Napoleon had returned to France) inflicting a decisive defeat at Abukir itself, Mandora and finally at Alexandria-though with the loss of General Ralph Abercrombie who was killed in the final battle. This unique Leonaur book contains two essential works on the campaigns in Egypt. The principal piece is an outstanding history and first hand account of this little reported Napoleonic campaign, and the second is an illustrated historical overview by regarded military historian Colonel W. W. Knollys. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.