Summary of David A. Bell's The First Total War

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

Sample Book Insights:

#1 Lauzun, while having a reputation as a notorious rake, would also become one of France’s most famous soldiers. His courage under fire in Corsica would lead to the command of a prestigious regiment. In 1779, he would command an expedition that briefly captured Senegal for France.

#2 The military culture of Lauzun’s Europe was very different from our own. It was an aristocratic culture, and soldiers were expected to show the same grace, coolness, and splendor in each arena.

#3 While soldiers were usually busy campaigning, they also had a lot of free time on their hands. This was especially true for officers, who were often overmanned. They would spend this time writing books or playing music.

#4 The ranks of French soldier-authors also included the Marquis de Sade, who wrote poetry and philosophical treatises. Outside France, many other famous names crossed the military-literary divide, including Frederick the Great of Prussia, who wrote philosophical treatises and verse.