The Battle of Waterloo: Europe in the Balance

by Rupert Matthews

The Battle of Waterloo was one of the most dramatic and decisive battles ever fought. It marked the bloody end of the long struggle between the new ideals of the French Revolution and the established orders that had begun in 1793, and ushered in a century of peace in Europe. For such a massively important battle, Waterloo is all too often misunderstood, probably because the combatants have concentrated on the role of their own troops. Going back to the original sources, the author looks at the day of battle as a whole, delving behind the headline events to reveal why the battle unfolded as it did.Gives context to the battle, beginning with Napoleon s banishment to Elbe and his remarkable return to power. Looks at every aspect of the battle: the movements, the skirmishes between the protagonists; why certain positions were taken; why Napoleon behaved with uncharacteristic lack of subtlety and Wellington was so determined to stand his ground. Includes battle maps and illustrations."

Genres: History

192 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Asa Everett · Rating 4 out of 5]

For non European reader like me, there are places that hard to understand because the writer expect the reader would know where it is. As I confuse to places as if its in France or Dutch and another places that have been taken part in the war. But the papers of the book are high quality, it's so thick than general books. The short story of some important people in the war make it more unique as if I see them right in front of my eyes. Even though, the story take so fast but I still managed to enjoyed reading it.

[Paul Pryce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great. I WAS worried about the maps, it could have used one or two more for the actual battle, certainly the opening stages. But the later stages of the battle are covered sufficiently (for me). It was really at just the right level for me, not school boy but not boffin level either. I’d certainly read another of Rupert’s battle books. Only blocked from 5 stars by the map point.

[Craig Reges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this and the only real problem is that the book has maps ànd illustrations you can't get in an audio book. I went and borrowed the book from my library and got those. I would still recommend this book in either format. Very well written and informative.

[Jorge Schumacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Um bom livro sobre a batalha decisiva, mas que também acompanha o antes e o depois da mesma. Possui alguns problemas de revisão, mas nada que atrapalhe a leitura.

[Ricardo Portella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good summary of the campaign. Rupert describes the whole campaign from the escape of Isle of Elba to the surrender to the English. Full of illustrations and short bios of the main commanders, the book gives a wonderful overview of Waterloo campaign. The only flaw of the book is the lack of maps.
Note: I read the Brazilian edition in Portuguese.