of all the books I've got/read on the Nepoleonic period that's the one I'd most recommend as a starter to someone just setting out to gain some knowledge of the period.
Hello Ant1815,
I agree with you when you state it is an excellent starter for beginners
Philip Haythornthwaite is a prolific author with a deep interest in the Napoleonic Wars ( and military history.....) and a practical sense to explain and vividly demonstrate what it was , how and why
As such, he is one of the best friends for wargamers and deserves our gratefulness
My only quibble is with some publishers who never mind of saling books ( not usually cheap ) with almost the same text and illustrations, minor changes and a new cover.......
This is not specific to P.H. ( idem for many D.Featherstone, etc ...) and when money is scarse* -specially for youngsters starting their library- warning from seasonned gamers may help
*and don't forget to watch second hand and softcover editions for good savings....