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Wellington: A Personal History
A brilliant general, remembered most for his defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo, Wellington was also a politician of commanding presence. Elected Prime Minister in 1827, he was an influential adviser to kings and queens, and became deeply involved in all the major scandals of the time, delighting in mixing himself up in other people's affairs. Celebrated for his sardonic humor and savage rages which alternated with irresistible charm, he concealed a deep humanity behind a veneer of aloofness that gained him the sobriquet, “the Iron Duke.” Filled with fresh insights on aspects of Wellington's life and character, Christopher Hibbert has shown once again why he is one of our finest popular historians.
480 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
15 people are currently reading
407 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Hibbert
145 books320 followersChristopher Hibbert, MC, FRSL, FRGS (5 March 1924 - 21 December 2008) was an English writer, historian and biographer. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the author of many books, including Disraeli, Edward VII, George IV, The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici, and Cavaliers and Roundheads.
Described by Professor Sir John Plumb as "a writer of the highest ability and in the New Statesman as "a pearl of biographers," he established himself as a leading popular historian/biographer whose works reflected meticulous scholarship.
Described by Professor Sir John Plumb as "a writer of the highest ability and in the New Statesman as "a pearl of biographers," he established himself as a leading popular historian/biographer whose works reflected meticulous scholarship.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 18, 2023
Guessing What’s on the Other Side of the Page
Christopher Hibbert’s thirty third book can be summarised as ‘sporadic but entertaining’. It is a look at personal side of the 1st Duke of Wellington, therefore steers away from military or political matters even though they are covered. The reason for this is that the subject of the Iron Duke it a path well trodden, especially in the United Kingdom where he is a national hero. The question that Hibbert wants to answer is, ‘what was he really like behind the façade of a war hero?’ As a result, I felt that this book should be read alongside other biographies of the great man to give the full story. Both Rory Muir’s and Elizabeth Longford’s biographies extend across two volumes, such a huge subject clearly is tackled in detail.
For that reason I found it slow to pick up, at the military side is what we know more about in his early life, with more about who he was behind closed doors coming to life in later years. I have the book three starts as at times the topics dart about from chapter to chapter, which is hard for me to follow, but this is only my personal opinion. Hibbert does an excellent job of showing you the personality and habits of the Duke, what he liked and how he behaved. However I would have loved to have read more about his relationship with his two sons and his friends especially with this he fought with. One important relationship is mentioned, that with Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, Wellington’s debonair cavalry commander who lost a leg at Waterloo. They had an often estranged relationship, Anglesey ran off with one of Wellingtons brother’s wives, he was more liberal and enjoyed life more than the Duke which may have stoked some jealously, however Wellington effectively sacked him as Governor General in Dublin. However in old age the two became closer and had a happier friendship with them consoling each other at the end. But what about the other greats who must have attended the multiple Waterloo dinners, such as Viscount Hill, Baron Seaton etc.?
He did like children and was very close with his grandchildren. Even more than this he liked the ladies and kept up an almost exhaustible list of young and pretty female companions, mistresses and friends throughout his life. Part of this was that he did not like his wife, Kitty, daughter of the Earl of Longford. Before he fought in India, Wellington was considered not good enough for her, though he vowed to marry her on his return. He kept his word, but they had both changed. He now had status and was a war hero, she although still acting like a young girl, had physically changed. He maintained Kitty in a comfortable lifestyle until her death in 1831 and was by her side when she died but it was a difficult relationship for them both.
Importantly I learnt things I didn’t know, which is ultimately one of the most important things when reading history. The book flows with knowledge and anecdotes which made the book hard to put down in places. Hibbert’s writing as with his other books I have read flows, if sporadic from chapter to chapter. It feels as though this book was written over a short period, with Hibbert simply spilling his thoughts onto a page, using his talents as a writer to plaster over the editing this book does require. This is the take of a man who has covered a vast amount of topics during his time of writing, time is always limited and Hibbert is talented. However, he had chosen the path of quality over quantity, he can never really say he has connected or filled committed to his subject matter. This is a criticism of a man who has delivered so much history. On another note, in the end, I am sure Wellington was a hero and a great leader, but I am yet to really be sure if he was a nice man. Is this important in the end? I would suggest ‘yes’ as I like to know who people really were. In spite of this, I do recommend the book as it is not a hard read and has plenty to offer.
Christopher Hibbert’s thirty third book can be summarised as ‘sporadic but entertaining’. It is a look at personal side of the 1st Duke of Wellington, therefore steers away from military or political matters even though they are covered. The reason for this is that the subject of the Iron Duke it a path well trodden, especially in the United Kingdom where he is a national hero. The question that Hibbert wants to answer is, ‘what was he really like behind the façade of a war hero?’ As a result, I felt that this book should be read alongside other biographies of the great man to give the full story. Both Rory Muir’s and Elizabeth Longford’s biographies extend across two volumes, such a huge subject clearly is tackled in detail.
For that reason I found it slow to pick up, at the military side is what we know more about in his early life, with more about who he was behind closed doors coming to life in later years. I have the book three starts as at times the topics dart about from chapter to chapter, which is hard for me to follow, but this is only my personal opinion. Hibbert does an excellent job of showing you the personality and habits of the Duke, what he liked and how he behaved. However I would have loved to have read more about his relationship with his two sons and his friends especially with this he fought with. One important relationship is mentioned, that with Henry Paget, 1st Marquess of Anglesey, Wellington’s debonair cavalry commander who lost a leg at Waterloo. They had an often estranged relationship, Anglesey ran off with one of Wellingtons brother’s wives, he was more liberal and enjoyed life more than the Duke which may have stoked some jealously, however Wellington effectively sacked him as Governor General in Dublin. However in old age the two became closer and had a happier friendship with them consoling each other at the end. But what about the other greats who must have attended the multiple Waterloo dinners, such as Viscount Hill, Baron Seaton etc.?
He did like children and was very close with his grandchildren. Even more than this he liked the ladies and kept up an almost exhaustible list of young and pretty female companions, mistresses and friends throughout his life. Part of this was that he did not like his wife, Kitty, daughter of the Earl of Longford. Before he fought in India, Wellington was considered not good enough for her, though he vowed to marry her on his return. He kept his word, but they had both changed. He now had status and was a war hero, she although still acting like a young girl, had physically changed. He maintained Kitty in a comfortable lifestyle until her death in 1831 and was by her side when she died but it was a difficult relationship for them both.
Importantly I learnt things I didn’t know, which is ultimately one of the most important things when reading history. The book flows with knowledge and anecdotes which made the book hard to put down in places. Hibbert’s writing as with his other books I have read flows, if sporadic from chapter to chapter. It feels as though this book was written over a short period, with Hibbert simply spilling his thoughts onto a page, using his talents as a writer to plaster over the editing this book does require. This is the take of a man who has covered a vast amount of topics during his time of writing, time is always limited and Hibbert is talented. However, he had chosen the path of quality over quantity, he can never really say he has connected or filled committed to his subject matter. This is a criticism of a man who has delivered so much history. On another note, in the end, I am sure Wellington was a hero and a great leader, but I am yet to really be sure if he was a nice man. Is this important in the end? I would suggest ‘yes’ as I like to know who people really were. In spite of this, I do recommend the book as it is not a hard read and has plenty to offer.
September 30, 2018
Britain has produced few outstanding generals.
The late eighteenth century and early nineteenth were no exceptions. In fact, British policy tended to focus on sea power and, when it came to war on land, use its money to pay other people to provide armies to do the fighting for us.
That makes it all the more remarkable that in one man, Wellington, Britain produced an unusually successful general, one who never lost a battle.
That statement needs qualifying, however. He came extremely close – perilously close – to losing one, the biggest of his career: Waterloo. As he admitted himself, ’ it has been a damned nice thing — the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life’. Some extraordinary mistakes by Napoleon, and poor leadership by subordinates on the field itself, combined with the sheer determination of the Prussians to get there in time to play a decisive role, turned what might have been calamitous defeat into a victory that gave Wellington the glorious reputation that he has held ever since.
In any case, his military career was by no means his only career. Christopher Hibbert does an excellent job of tracing Wellington’s continued endeavours, first as a diplomat as the victorious powers decided the fate and map of Europe for at least the next generation, and then as a politician, culminating in his taking office as British Prime Minister.
What emerges is a man firmly stuck with the ideas and outlook of the environment in which he grew up, in which only the elite in society was qualified for leadership and power, whether in government or the military. Wellington looked after his men, but only insofar as it was necessary to maintain them as an effective fighting force; as people he never disguised his contempt for them.
And they responded in kind, for instance by behaving with vicious brutality in many of the cities they captured in Spain.
In later life, as a politician he continued with this dismissive attitude towards the common people, resisting any move to extend their rights and reacting with violence to action to advance their interests or threaten the privileges of the class to which he belonged.
He was, despite that, much loved and revered. Indeed, he often displayed generosity, especially towards children. Sometimes, however, he could be hard and unjust. His wife discovered that in the most painful way: while Wellington loved many women, even taking over a mistress or two of Napoleon’s, he quickly fell out of love with his own wife, whom he treated badly.
In other words, he was a mixture of many parts. Often brilliant, generous, even endearing, he could also be insufferably superior, harsh and ruthless. A man of many sides, soldier, diplomat or politician, generous, loving, kind and cruel, he emerges from this fine biography painted with all the complexity he deserves. All that Christopher Hibbert captures well.
On the other hand, there were moments when I could have done with a little less. Hibbert makes it clear that his book is a ‘personal history’, but I felt there was more than enough – for my taste – on such matters as Wellington’s portraits and his views of the men who painted them. That, however, is my taste and others might well particularly enjoy this more private side of the life of a public man.
In any case, overall I found the biography absorbing and informative.
The late eighteenth century and early nineteenth were no exceptions. In fact, British policy tended to focus on sea power and, when it came to war on land, use its money to pay other people to provide armies to do the fighting for us.
That makes it all the more remarkable that in one man, Wellington, Britain produced an unusually successful general, one who never lost a battle.
That statement needs qualifying, however. He came extremely close – perilously close – to losing one, the biggest of his career: Waterloo. As he admitted himself, ’ it has been a damned nice thing — the nearest run thing you ever saw in your life’. Some extraordinary mistakes by Napoleon, and poor leadership by subordinates on the field itself, combined with the sheer determination of the Prussians to get there in time to play a decisive role, turned what might have been calamitous defeat into a victory that gave Wellington the glorious reputation that he has held ever since.
In any case, his military career was by no means his only career. Christopher Hibbert does an excellent job of tracing Wellington’s continued endeavours, first as a diplomat as the victorious powers decided the fate and map of Europe for at least the next generation, and then as a politician, culminating in his taking office as British Prime Minister.
What emerges is a man firmly stuck with the ideas and outlook of the environment in which he grew up, in which only the elite in society was qualified for leadership and power, whether in government or the military. Wellington looked after his men, but only insofar as it was necessary to maintain them as an effective fighting force; as people he never disguised his contempt for them.
And they responded in kind, for instance by behaving with vicious brutality in many of the cities they captured in Spain.
In later life, as a politician he continued with this dismissive attitude towards the common people, resisting any move to extend their rights and reacting with violence to action to advance their interests or threaten the privileges of the class to which he belonged.
He was, despite that, much loved and revered. Indeed, he often displayed generosity, especially towards children. Sometimes, however, he could be hard and unjust. His wife discovered that in the most painful way: while Wellington loved many women, even taking over a mistress or two of Napoleon’s, he quickly fell out of love with his own wife, whom he treated badly.
In other words, he was a mixture of many parts. Often brilliant, generous, even endearing, he could also be insufferably superior, harsh and ruthless. A man of many sides, soldier, diplomat or politician, generous, loving, kind and cruel, he emerges from this fine biography painted with all the complexity he deserves. All that Christopher Hibbert captures well.
On the other hand, there were moments when I could have done with a little less. Hibbert makes it clear that his book is a ‘personal history’, but I felt there was more than enough – for my taste – on such matters as Wellington’s portraits and his views of the men who painted them. That, however, is my taste and others might well particularly enjoy this more private side of the life of a public man.
In any case, overall I found the biography absorbing and informative.
June 24, 2017
This biography of the Duke of Wellington is very readable. As its title suggests, it does concentrate on describing the Duke's personality. So, if you are looking for detailed descriptions of battles (which I was NOT), then this book might disappoint. Hibbert's book gives a brilliant overview of the life of a man, who was both Britain's hero, and, occasionally, anti-hero. He was regarded as being the saviour of Europe having helped to defeat Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo, along with his allies the Prussians. Although a highly significant victory, it was a nail-bitingly close thing. What Wellington achieved at Waterloo was to make him a national hero - a man whose opinions in many aspects of British political life were both sought and often followed.
With conservative (small 'C') political views, Wellington played a major part in British politics (under several monarchs) until his death.
Like Napoleon, he was popular with women (but maybe in a less physical way), many of whom became his close confidantes. The one woman, whom he did not usually consider a great blessing in his life, was his adoring, faithful wife.
Much of this well-documented biography of Wellington is based on what his contemporaries wrote about him. Their views were often very perceptive. Hibbert makes excellent use of these sources and many others to paint a very colourful portrait of a man, who often posed for portrait artists and was at least as much a hero as Winston Churchill was to become. The resulting biography is both a good intoduction to the life of Wellington and a joy to read.
With conservative (small 'C') political views, Wellington played a major part in British politics (under several monarchs) until his death.
Like Napoleon, he was popular with women (but maybe in a less physical way), many of whom became his close confidantes. The one woman, whom he did not usually consider a great blessing in his life, was his adoring, faithful wife.
Much of this well-documented biography of Wellington is based on what his contemporaries wrote about him. Their views were often very perceptive. Hibbert makes excellent use of these sources and many others to paint a very colourful portrait of a man, who often posed for portrait artists and was at least as much a hero as Winston Churchill was to become. The resulting biography is both a good intoduction to the life of Wellington and a joy to read.
February 25, 2019
An interesting book that explores the personal side of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. If you are looking for details of his military actions, or even a detailed account of his political life, find another biography.
There are many interesting sides to the life of this extraordinary man: his disastrous marriage, which he stayed in, his preference for the company and conversation of intelligent women, his wonderful report with children, his at times ridiculous generosity in time and money, his inability to apologise, which he compensated later by an act of kindness; these and so much more. Unlike other biographies I have on Wellington, which give more details of his public actions, after reading this I feel I have really got to know the man behind the public mask.
As Queen Victoria wrote: “He was the GREATEST man this country ever produced, and the most devoted and loyal subject, and the staunchest supporter the Crown ever had.” (her capitals and italics).
A recommended read.
There are many interesting sides to the life of this extraordinary man: his disastrous marriage, which he stayed in, his preference for the company and conversation of intelligent women, his wonderful report with children, his at times ridiculous generosity in time and money, his inability to apologise, which he compensated later by an act of kindness; these and so much more. Unlike other biographies I have on Wellington, which give more details of his public actions, after reading this I feel I have really got to know the man behind the public mask.
As Queen Victoria wrote: “He was the GREATEST man this country ever produced, and the most devoted and loyal subject, and the staunchest supporter the Crown ever had.” (her capitals and italics).
A recommended read.
January 18, 2025
The man who gave the British Soldier his name, ‘Thomas Atkins.’
A masterful description of Wellingtons personal life. I would have liked to have read more about his relationship with his wife Kitty which Hibbert states was always strained at best. Despite affable contemporary views of Wellington, in my opinion these do not, I would endeavour to say, do not transfer to present day standards. There are plenty of examples of him bring anything but friendly to practically anyone regardless of standing or position. Of course they were different times but one perspective of his life shines through for me; he was lucky, extremely lucky. Never wounded and lived to old age in an age when few lived to their middle age. An interesting read but forgettable, hence 4 stars.
A masterful description of Wellingtons personal life. I would have liked to have read more about his relationship with his wife Kitty which Hibbert states was always strained at best. Despite affable contemporary views of Wellington, in my opinion these do not, I would endeavour to say, do not transfer to present day standards. There are plenty of examples of him bring anything but friendly to practically anyone regardless of standing or position. Of course they were different times but one perspective of his life shines through for me; he was lucky, extremely lucky. Never wounded and lived to old age in an age when few lived to their middle age. An interesting read but forgettable, hence 4 stars.
August 10, 2025
As a biography, this work is OK. As a history of the Peninsular Campaign, it is a poor job. As a history of Wellingtons time in England's political scene it is well done, but average. As a gossip sheet or Page Three of the Daily Mail, it's a five. Hibbert has written a work that takes more time with the gossip mongers of women, lower ranks in the Peninsula, dinner conversations as remembered by the participants, drawing room talk in the salons of London, well you get the idea. These last groups of people make for great information as to the why decisions were made, by the various government's that Wellington was a member of or the P.M. And for that reason i didn't give the work a 1.5 or one.
October 9, 2020
This book was an enjoyable read about the 1st Duke of Wellington, the hero of Waterloo. It started from his childhood until his funeral. The author broke the story into small chapters, totalled 50 of them. If you want to read about his military or political careers you will be disapointed with this book for the author only gave the readers bare minimal account of it, but if you want to know his character, you won’t be disapointed. The author included many first hand account pertaining to the Duke, which I found amusing. The Duke’s witty and sarcastic persona shone in this book. It made me see him as a person instead of a mere historical figure.
August 6, 2024
A brilliant book from Christopher Hibbert. I didn't appreciate the significance of Wellington on British history until reading this book. He was a confidante to several monarchs, always eager to serve his nation, supported across party govs, he served in many different fronts from India, Carribbean, Iberia and Belgium. Whilst he was a man of his time he did bring stability to the UK in difficult times. Although he was a bit socially awkward he did have a charm about him and was regarded as a sort of grandfather of the nation
July 13, 2023
I learnt a lot about his character - an improvement on tainted sharpe history of him.
A workaholic who did what HE thought was right for this country no matter what.
We might yet never know his true feelings and rambunctious with women and why he kept so little fo their company other than periodic friendly? paternal? flings.
A workaholic who did what HE thought was right for this country no matter what.
We might yet never know his true feelings and rambunctious with women and why he kept so little fo their company other than periodic friendly? paternal? flings.
November 29, 2025
This is a very good bio of the Duke of Wellington, gossipy and provides much better insight into his character than volumes that are regularly assigned like Keegan's 'The Mask of Command.' It contains some inaccurate details about the Second Battle of Porto and intentionally avoids extensive treatment of some policy disputes that you can study in more depth elsewhere, but that can be forgiven.
August 1, 2019
A really first rate scholarly fascinating personalised account of this great general and great Irish Englishman . I loved it and as a result I rather love Wellington himself
My first Hibbert whom along with Andrew Roberts I enjoy tremendously
My first Hibbert whom along with Andrew Roberts I enjoy tremendously
September 7, 2020
The book was wonderful up until he defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo, then the Duke became something of a bore. With the exception of his duel and counter revolutionary activities, there was nothing much to comment upon.
September 21, 2017
Did not do a good job with this - wasn't fun to read and didn't have anything to say.
November 23, 2021
Anything by Hibbert is worth reading
July 4, 2024
Another excellent bio by Hibbert. My first about Wellington. Lots of quotes from sources, and wonderful anecdotes about the Duke.
June 2, 2025
Not the most riveting biography I've ever read, but an interesting read about the man who defeated Napolean at Waterloo and later became prime minister of the UK.
December 10, 2025
Really good
July 6, 2015
In this 200th year since the battle of Waterloo, many people in the UK certainly, and probably in other countries. will have been reminded of the protagonists and something of what the battle was about, and most of those would already be aware that the man who came out on top was the Duke of Wellington. I would advise that anyone wanting further details of the battle itself shouldn't bank on this book providing them as there is comparatively very little coverage in this book. The reason is that there is so much more to get through in the life of Wellington. The book is by no means a particularly sympathetic account of his life, it is a bit Cromwell-ish - warts and all. As I made my very enjoyable progress through it though, I found that there was so much more to him than I, for one, thought. We follow him through childhood, a quite privileged one, and like quite a few other household heroic names, he does not show particular promise at school. Once into adulthood though, things quickly start to get going for him, with a rapid rise through the ranks of the army - in amongst an entry into public life - leading to something else I didn't know, that he was a member of parliament as well as the commander of forces at Waterloo. In domestic life, he seems to have married the woman he did for some reason best known to himself, and the author, as it is far from a match made in heaven. He seems to be ashamed of his wife, and is rather brutal in her treatment of her, not physically but he seems to view her as a rather inefficient subordinate. She must have been aware of the numerous lady friends and confidantes that he gathers over the years, in the same way that their husbands must have been, but this seems to have been accepted by all concerned. As mentioned already, the military aspect of his life doesn't seem to last long in terms of this book, and we accompany Wellington as he is transformed into a National Treasure, the 'go to' person for any and all emergency or situation in the country in the early and mid 1800's. He applies himself fully to this role, spending more years on senior roles in government, including that of Prime Minister. All the while, his esteem grows, and we can still see the results today, wherever who might be reading this piece lives, it's a fair bet that there is a Wellington Road, Street or place not so far away. In the meantime, his wife passes away before him and he becomes more reclusive, and of course more old and frail. Deafness probably prevented an even longer career in public life and works than the one he had, but there is no escape from the public adulation, almost to the end - he fends off invites and solicitations with letters sent to most of the people concerned that are polite but direct in his refusal to take part, or subscribe to whatever they want of him. We hear though that he carries a supply of coins and ribbons to give to the many people, notably old soldiers who 'remember him from the old days'. On the face of it this book might be viewed as of interest to historians only, but I found it to be one that demonstrated how little we really know about historic figures - and well worth a read.
June 24, 2012
The 25-pages I read were excruciating. Terribly confusing with little context. More descriptive than analytical. Assumes reader has knowledge of time period and events that probably should be explained, though I assume a British audience was intended, so maybe they would have the requisite knowledge. Overly concerned with "scandalous" anecdotes of Wellington's upper class world while the writer had this annoying proclivity to inject wholly unnecessary descriptions of minor characters, along the lines of "Person A, who was this noble and knew this other person who did this particular thing, described Wellington's appearance as...," into the narrative.
August 9, 2011
This will probably appeal to Brits more than others, but what a fascinating and well researched book. I knew nothing of Wellington's life, his victories, his diplomacy, and not least, his political career. My next visit to London will definitely include Apsley House on the corner of Hyde Park. Highly recommended.
January 16, 2014
Really interesting chronicle of an entire life, not just the "important & interesting bits". Says a lot about the man and his times. Helps if you have some basic historical contest, though.
November 4, 2014
A well-researched enjoyable read; gives a good account of an interesting and enigmatic man.
August 14, 2020
I genuinely had tears in my eyes when Wellington passed away. Felt like I knew the man reading this book. Very good.
Birds. War. Catholic Emancipation
In that order
Birds. War. Catholic Emancipation
In that order
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews