The Northern Coalition against Napoleon

The Northern Coalition provides a new, exciting perspective on the wars against Napoleon. Initially orchestrated by former French Marshal Bernadotte, the coalition developed with British support to include all the great powers of Europe. By 1813, the coalition defeated Napoleon at Leipzig and drove him to the very gates of Paris.

The Napoleonic Wars of 1810–1815 are depicted in a way that has never been done before. Including many events previously unpublished, The Northern Coalition is a must-read for anyone with an interest in European history and the Napoleonic Wars.

As sources, Patrik Björk has used letters, diaries, memoires, muster rolls, reports and journals. He has drawn upon information from documents in French, British, Swedish and Finnish archives, much of which has never been used before. Using a total of more than 500 different sources, including German, Russian, Danish, Norwegian and Italian literature, Björk presents a balanced and neutral narrative.

Björk’s multifaceted account includes the conflicts between Napoleon and Bernadotte, and the remarkable events leading up to Bernadotte being elected Crown Prince of Sweden. New light is shed on the formation of the Northern Coalition. The campaigns and battles on land and at sea are described in depth, often with emphasis on Bernadotte and the Swedes. The Northern Coalition is also a testimony to the human tragedies, hardships and courage of soldiers and civilians.