Železný maršál Louis Nicolas Davout – Šťovíček Michal (2019)

Louis Nicolas Davout was the most talented of Napoleon's marshals and the only one who matched him in tactics. He participated in many of Napoleon's famous battles, played a lion's share in the victory at Austerlitz, and his titles Duke of Auerstedt and Prince of Eckmühl recall two other great victorious battles he fought independently. He earned the nickname Iron Marshal mainly for the unwavering decisiveness, courage, and consistent methodicalness with which he led his soldiers, and because of these qualities, he was never defeated. He also proved to be a very capable organizer and administrator. He had the military theory and practice of the time at his fingertips and, according to contemporary terminology, a managerial sense and style even in matters outside the battlefield: training, logistics, intelligence, military psychology... At the same time, he always unwaveringly advocated what he considered right, adhering to strict moral principles. Even his opponents could not deny his honesty, selflessness, and incorruptibility. Duty was everything to him; he followed it first and foremost himself and therefore uncompromisingly and harshly demanded its fulfillment from others as well. With his controversial nature, lack of kindness, and leniency, this military leader unnecessarily made many enemies around him, which is why he remains a marshal...