529 ARMIES OF THE GREAT NORTHERN WAR: 1700-1720

The Great Northern War began with a series of astonishing Swedish victories lead by King Charles XII over Russia, from Denmark to Poland and deep into Germany. But Peter the Great of Russia showed steadfast determination, and Charles overreached himself when he invaded Russia in 1708; the Russians adopted classic 'scorched earth' tactics until they could destroy the Swedish army at Poltava in 1709, one of the most overwhelming victories in history. Nevertheless, Sweden continued to fight, and frequently win, in Germany, Denmark and Norway, until Charles's death in battle in 1718, though the war itself did not conclude until 1721. Contains accurate full-color artwork.