Le général Jomini

What are the author's conclusions on Jomini and his writings?

Sounds very interesting, but in German, who is reading it, in case it isn't English books are usually ignored.

Quite expensive though, 133 Euro!

Is this the paragraph to which you refer?

‘Napoleon, despite his faults and failures, remains the Great Captain. His swift, deadly campaigns, designed to force the enemy army into battle under every possible disadvantage, mark him a master of strategy. His tactics-when impatience and plentiful cannon fodder did not make him careless-combined audacity, simplicity, and a sure instinct for the jugular. His grasp of military organization and logistics was amazing. But he left no easy, comprehensive description of his system of war. Nineteenth century American officers who desired to study Napoleon’s campaigns had to turn to his disciples.’

Perhaps you could help the forum understand what you're trying to 'explain' here?

What should also be taken into account regarding Jomini are the facts that he was never a French colonel (even though he presented himself as such), which indicates service with troops, but an adjutant commandant, which is a staff rank. They are equivalent in grade, but not in function.

Jomini was a staff officer, and in that capacity he was a failure as a corps chief of staff twice and twice as a military governor.

Combine those facts with the fact that he was also a deserter and a renegade, and you find little to admire in the character of Jomini.

Two allied officers, one English and one Russian, rendered opinions about Jomini that were not flattering. The Englishman, General Stewart, was a representative at Schwarzenberg's headquarters and 'considered Jomini an unnecessary nuisance.' He succinctly stated that 'The presence of Jomini...complicated and hindered everything.' The Russian officer, General Toll, described Jomini as 'not fit to serve in war.'