Nadezhda Andreevna Durova's literary and military careers are closely linked, for the latter gave rise to her most successful literary persona, that of the female officer. Although she published for only four years (1836-1840) before retiring to relative obscurity, Durova made a significant mark on Russian literature. Her military memoirs are an unusual achievement in any literature, for while many women have fought in wars, few have recounted their experiences. These journals are among the first published autobiographies in Russia; Durova was also one of the first Russian women to publish a substantial body of prose fiction.

Disguised as a man, using the name Aleksandr Vasil'evich Sokolov (according to her service records), Durova joined the military on 17 September 1806. She served in the cavalry throughout the Napoleonic Wars (including the Battle of Borodino) and saw combat in 1807 and 1812-1814. Durova was the only Russian woman until the twentieth century...