The Eagle's Last Triumph: Napoleon's Victory at Ligny, June 1815

by Andrew Uffindell, Andrew Roberts (Foreword)

Napoleon won his final victory on June 16th, 1815 at Ligny, shortly before suffering a crushing defeat at Waterloo. Facing two enemy armies ? Wellington’s Anglo-Allied and Bluecher’s Prussian ? he aimed his main attack against Bluecher at Ligny and diverted Wellington’s attention by engaging his forward elements at Quatre Bras. The Eagle’s Last Triumph is the single most comprehensive examination of this vital aspect of the 1815 campaign available in English. Having put the battle at Ligny into perspective, the author provides a clear account of the action in detail, including much eye-witness testimony. The complex story of Wellington and Bluecher’s cooperation throughout the struggle against the French is revealed, with new light on Wellington’s promises of prompt aid to the Prussians in the early stages of the campaign ? promises which he failed to keep. The reasons for General d’Erlon’s failure to support the French forces at either Ligny or Quatre Bras are traced, and how the main culprits in the fiasco later sought to cover up their responsibility. The Eagle’s Last Triumph is a vivid military epic, providing a cogent and lucid explanation of why Napoleon, victorious at Ligny, met with utter defeat just two days later at Waterloo.

Genres: History, Military History

272 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1994

Reviews

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, this book has excellent maps. I know that sounds strange, but so many history books don't for some reason so it was refreshing. I found the descriptions to be easy to understand so would be good for someone not familiar with the Waterloo Campaign.

The Prussians played an immense part in the success against Napoleon even though they lost at Ligny which was a brutal, bloody battle. It was to their credit, and especially Blucher's, that they continued to support Wellington on June 18, 1815.

[Arcticvet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book about the battle of Ligny with much detail about the strategy, events and troop movements of the days leading into Waterloo. Additional material to provide the modern day visitor with some guidance to locate relevant sites in the area.