Wellington at Waterloo

Wellington at... #1

by Jac Weller

A classic account of one of the world's most famous battles is now available for the first time in paperback. The armies of the period are brought to life and the battles recreated from the viewpoint of both Wellington and Napoleon. Of value to both historian and general reader, this study bring out the drama and tragedy of battle. 58 photos. 9 map.

Genres: History, Military History, Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1967

Reviews

[Bill Pentland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Weller's book goes into depth describing the Duke of Wellington's motivations and tactics used at the Battle of Waterloo. In 2023, I was lucky enough to visit that battlefield. At the Lion's Mound, which was a huge mound, 226 steps, commemorating the battle, there is a way interesting Cyclorama and an excellent museum. The museum contains actual uniforms, weapons, depictions of this immense, world-changing battle. The Cyclorama, through the use of modern technology puts you right in the middle of the cavalry charges. Very realistic. Unfortunately, there is much of the battlefield that is not available today.
Weller's book, written several years ago, explains a lot of the changes from then to now. He breaks down all the parts of this battle, which took place on one day. He analyzes each leadership decision and the results of those decisions. He looks at nature of the men making these historic decisions and tells us why they worked and why they didn't. If military tactics bore you, then this book is not for you. But, if you like to read about combat, you will find this very interesting.

[Chas Bayfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is just as excellent as Weller's 'Wellington in the Peninsular. A very thorough account that uses contemporary accounts to bring the battle vividly to life. At times there is information overload - I want to see more maps and diagrams of battle formations as there is only so much information of the locations of roads and farm buildings that I can keep in my head at once. I liked the end chapters about the mistakes made (or not made) by all parties involved and the conclusion seems to be that if you have enough troops, weapons and experience, and you don't make any mistakes, it takes a supreme military genius to beat you. Sadly for Napoleon, he didn't have the chops on the day and England went on to rule much of the world that France would have liked to have got its teeth into.

[Rob Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasthe first book I ever read on Waterloo and therefore occupies a special p,ace for me. Dated now but still a great read.

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now of course this is hero worship and therefore not critical history but it is a good read and it is a nice balance against all the over the top Napoleon worship

[Droocoo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sycophantic garbage, worse than its Indian prequel