Radetzky'S Marches: The Campaigns of 1848 and 1849 in Upper Italy (Hardback)

In the Spring of 1848, revolution threatened to sweep away the old order throughout Europe. In the Austrian-occupied north of Italy, newly nurtured nationalism, further fuelled by economic issues, prompted open revolt in Lombardy and Venetia. The Austrian army in Italy, commanded by 82-year-old Field Marshal Radetzky, soon saw itself under further threat from the Kingdom of Sardinia-Piedmont, that of Naples, and the Papal States, as well as thousands of volunteers, all determined to rid Italy of the occupier.. Seemingly under attack from all sides, the Austrian Army was forced to concentrate in the famous 'Quadrilateral', formed by the fortress cities of Peschiera, Mantua, Legnago, and Verona, losing deserters by the thousand, to prepare for war, a war that would continue into the following year. This volume narrates the remarkable actions of one old general who quite possibly saved an empire. With iron will, the great personal affection of his men, and some luck, Radetzky maintained his army, and finally defeated his opponents. Such was the impact of the 1848 campaign that Johann Strauss the Elder wrote the 'Radetzky March', in his honour. Radetzky's Marches is profusely illustrated in both colour and black-and-white, and is accompanied by maps (some colour), charts, diagrams and extensive orders-of-battle. Continuing Helion's successful series of 19th-century European campaign studies, this book will be produced in a limited-edition hardback printing of 750 copies (all individually numbered and signed by the author).