1796–1797: From the Bridge of Arcole to the Battle of Rivoli

In fewer than twelve months, he destroyed four Austrian armies, seized part of Piedmont, founded two republics, conquered northern Italy and, on 7 October 1797, signed the Treaty of Campo Formio with Austria. Napoleon Bonaparte had achieved glory.

From the Battle of Arcole the legend would be born… From the Battle of Rivoli the Hero of an entire people would emerge…
This work reveals the key aspects of those final months of the campaign. The opening chapters focus on accounts of battles and manoeuvres, examining both the tactical implications of the victories and the strategic significance of Bonaparte's vision. The second part addresses the technical and uniformological components of the units on both sides.
The third and final part, turning to the "spoils" amassed by the young general, examines the cultural, economic and political dimensions of Bonaparte's first victorious campaign.

Throughout his narrative, the author emphasises the day-to-day reality of the "barefoot soldiers" of the Army of Italy and their essential role in forging the myth.

With this first work recounting one of the most extraordinary campaigns of the future Emperor of the French, Éditions Heimdal sketches the opening strokes of the Napoleonic legend.