Beginning his military career as an artillery cadet, Napoleon made it the centerpiece of his strategies, using cannons with unprecedented effectiveness. The Napoleonic era, more than any other, was one of fascinating artillery maneuvers and critical actions that changed the course of many key battles. This truly comprehensive, illustrated dictionary takes stock of the artillery arms of the French and their foes, as well as the important battles and sieges, significant memoirs and documents, and the individuals—soldiers, scientist, and innovators—who contributed to this early arms race.