Book Review - Russia Against Napolean

Finished reading Russia Against Napoleon by Dominic Lieven a Professor of History at the London School of Economics. The writing is a bit professorial at times but his research pays off in a tremendously detailed account of Napoleon’s invasion of Russia and the allies subsequent defeat of Napoleon in Paris. The conditions (e.g., winter, lack of food, disease, etc.) under which these armies fought and the tremendous loss of life (hundreds of thousands) is almost unimaginable especially in today's wars (e.g., Iraq and Afghanistan). This book provides interesting background to understanding modern Russia, France, and Europe; I gained a new respect for Russia's Alexander I and maybe a understanding bit of why Putin acts the way he does towards Ukraine. 

When reading this and other history books, I feel soft; men and women back then, and even as recent as my parents generation, were tough and resilient people. I wouldn't want to go back to live in the past, but for me, history books like this clearly demarcate the difference between wants and needs. Don't get me wrong - I love my comforts. For example, when I see people camping in tents, especially in cold, windy weather, I am very grateful for my Airstream:) On the other hand, while I miss my Miele dishwasher, refrigerator, clothes washer, and dryer, I'm getting along just fine without them.