Blaze's memoirs are one of the most fascinating recollections of the Napoleonic Wars ever to be published. Written by an officer of wide experience and colourful style, this memoir presents an outstanding picture of the First Empire, providing an officer's perspective of the character, customs and mode of operation of the French army. Its value is enriched and enlivened by anecdotes from the authors own experiences. Blaze entered the army as a youth, via the Imperial Guard elite organisation, a path only open to those of some wealth. After gaining his commission as an officer, he served in the campaigns from Poland in 1807 to the fall of France in 1814. The wide range and extent of his service made Blaze perfectly suited to produce a record of Napoleon's army during this climactic period.