(A biography of a prominent Russian general chieftan Alexa...)
A biography of a prominent Russian general chieftan Alexander Vasilievich Suvorov (1730 - 1800) told by the man himself through his life-long correspondence and personal documents. Academic edition in the series "Literary Memorials" ("Literaturnye pamiatniki"), with extensive academic apparatus, plates with illustrations/photos; oversize format.
Correspondenz des Kais. Russ. Generalissimus, Fürsten Italiisky, Grafen Alexander Wassiljewitsch Suworoff-Rimniksky Über die Russisch-Oestreichische ... auf Kaiserl (German Edition)
(Excerpt from Correspondenz des Kais. Russ. Generalissimus...)
Excerpt from Correspondenz des Kais. Russ. Generalissimus, Fürsten Italiisky, Grafen Alexander Wassiljewitsch Suworoff-Rimniksky Über die Russisch-Oestreichische Kampagne im Jahre 1799, Vol. 1: Aus Officiellen Quellen und Original-Akten Zusammengestellt, auf Kaiserlich Russischen Befehl
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Aleksandr Vasilyevich Suvorov, Count Rimniksky was a Russian military commander notable for his achievements in the Russo-Turkish War of 1787–91 and in the French Revolutionary Wars. In 1789 he was created a Russian count and a count of the Holy Roman Empire; in 1799 he was created a Russian prince.
Background
Alexander Suvorov was born on November 24, 1729 into a noble family originating from Novgorod at the Moscow mansion of his maternal grandfather Fedosey Manukov. His father, Vasiliy Suvorov, was a general-in-chief and a senator in the Governing Senate, and was credited with translating Vauban's works into Russian. His paternal ancestors had emigrated from Sweden in 1622. His mother, Avdotya Fyodorovna née Manukova, was the daughter of Fedosey Manukov. The name Manukov might be a russified version of the Armenian name Manukian. Still Armenian heritage of Suvorov is considered an unproven legend.
Education
He proved to be an excellent learner, avidly studying mathematics, literature, philosophy, and geography, learning to read French, German, Polish, and Italian, and with his father's vast library devoted himself to intense study of military history, strategy, tactics, and several military authors including Plutarch, Quintus Curtius, Cornelius Nepos, Julius Caesar, and Charles XII. This also helped him develop a good understanding of engineering, siege warfare, artillery, and fortification.
Career
In January 1748 he entered the Semenovsky Guards Regiment, where he first served in the ranks. As a military commander he distinguished himself by bravery and military insight during the Seven Years' War against Prussia (1758 - 1761) and in the first Polish war (1770 - 1772). During the first Turkish war of Catherine II, Suvorov won victories at Turtukai (1773) and Kozludzhi (1774). In the second Turkish war, at the head of Russo-Austrian allied troops, he defeated the Turks at Fokshani (1789) and Rymnik (1789). In 1790 he took Izmail, the strongest Turkish fortress, and forced Turkey to conclude peace at Iassy (1791). During the second Polish war he stormed the Warsaw suburb of Praga, thus forcing the surrender of the city. Throughout his career, which he finished as field marshal and commander in chief of the Russian army, Suvorov emphasized the training and education of the troops in patriotism, bravery, self-confidence, and endurance. His manual, The Science of Victory (1795 - 1796), stressed offensive tactics, rapid troop movements, and bayonet charges. When Catherine was succeeded by the capricious and extravagant Paul, Suvorov openly derided the military "reforms" of the new czar which included Prussian uniforms and Prussian ceremonial drill and in February 1797 he was dismissed. In February 1799, however, at the request of the Austrian government, Suvorov was made commander of Austro-Russian troops and sent to fight French troops occupying Italy. During the summer of 1799 he defeated the French on the Adda and Trebbia rivers and at Novi and conquered Lombardy and Piedmont. He planned an invasion of France, but Austria did not support this bold strategy and Suvorov was ordered to move with an army of 20, 000 into Switzerland against vastly larger French forces. In unspeakably difficult mountain warfare, attacking and repulsing numerically superior enemy troops, he retreated across the Alps and assured his army's safe return to Russia. Tired, sick, and in disgrace, Suvorov died in St. Petersburg on May 17, 1800.
Achievements
Suvorov is considered one of the greatest Russian commanders. He was awarded numerous medals, titles, and honors by Russia, as well as by other countries. Suvorov secured Russia expanded borders, renewed military prestige, and a legacy of theories on warfare. He was famed for his military manual The Science of Victory and noted for several of his sayings. Several military academies, monuments, villages, museums, and orders are dedicated to him. He never lost a single major battle he had commanded.
(Excerpt from Correspondenz des Kais. Russ. Generalissimus...)
Views
Quotations:
"One minute can decide the outcome of the battle, one hour - the outcome of the campaign, and one day - the fate of the country. "
"A strong pursuit, give no time for the enemy to think, take advantage of victory, uproot him, cut off his escape route. "
"As long as the enemy fights he must be beaten relentlessly, but a defeated enemy and especially the civilian population must be treated generously. "
"When the enemy is driven back, we have failed, and when he is cut off, encircled and dispersed, we have succeeded. "
Personality
As a boy, Suvorov was a sickly child and his father assumed he would work in civil service as an adult.
Connections
Suvorov was married to Varvara Ivanovna Prozorovskaya of the Golitsyn family and had a son and daughter, but his family life was not happy and he had an unpleasant relationship with his wife due to her infidelity.
