On Wellington: A Critique of Waterloo (Volume 25)

Campaigns and Commanders

by Carl von Clausewitz, Peter Hofschröer (Translator)

The Battle of Waterloo has been studied and dissected so extensively that one might assume little more on the subject could be discovered. Now historian Peter Hofschröer brings forward a long-repressed commentary written by Carl von Clausewitz, the author of On War. Clausewitz, the Western world’s most renowned military theorist, participated in the Waterloo campaign as a senior staff officer in the Prussian army. His appraisal, offered here in an up-to-date and readable translation, criticized the Duke of Wellington’s actions. Lord Liverpool sent his translation of the manuscript to Wellington, who pronounced it a “lying work.” The translated commentary was quickly buried in Wellington’s private papers, where it languished for a century and a half. Now published for the first time in English, Hofschröer brings Clausewitz’s critique back into view with thorough annotation and contextual explanation. Peter Hofschröer, long recognized as a leading scholar of the Napoleonic Wars, shows how the Duke prevented the account’s publication during his lifetime—a manipulation of history so successful that almost two centuries passed before Clausewitz’s work reemerged, finally permitting a reappraisal of key events in the campaign. In addition to translating and annotating Clausewitz’s critique, Hofschröer also includes an order of battle and an extensive bibliography.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

260 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2010

About the author

Carl Philipp Gottlieb von Clausewitz was a Prussian soldier, military historian and military theorist. He is most famous for his military treatise Vom Kriege, translated into English as On War.

Clausewitz has served in the Rhine campaign (1793–1794), when the Prussian army invaded France during the French revolution and in the Napoleonic Wars from 1806 to 1815.

Clausewitz helped negotiate the Convention of Tauroggen where Russia, Prussia and the United Kingdom formed an coalition that later defeated Napoleon Bonaparte.

Reviews

[Ethan S · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one is for serious military history buffs only. It doesn't include any maps, so if you don't have a solid grasp of the battle of Waterloo it would be quite overwhelming. Apparently Wellington hated this book and worked to keep it from being published in English, but it seems to be a fair assessment of his tactics. The main criticism leveled being why did he wait to come to the assistance of the Prussians on the first day. Von Clausewitz doesn't buy his excuses of not being informed but also doesn't overtly blame him for it, at least not in my reading.

I would recommend anyone that isn't intimately familiar with the battle read Bernard Cornwell's Waterloo: The History of Four Days, Three Armies and Three Battles either instead or before. He really makes the story come alive.

[Michael Dahlhoff]

A very technical book concerning the forces of the allies and French leading up to and following the battle of Waterloo. Contains a good insight on likely reasons why Napoleon when on the offensive, and the internal politics of France, i.e. Republicans, Imperialists, and those supporting the Bourbon dynasty. It also gives a good overview of the support Wellington received from Blücher, and how close Wellington actually came to defeat before the arrival of Blücher, as Wellington famously said "Give me night, or give me Blücher!"

The book also provides a good description of the total route of the French after the battle (the French lost all their canon), and what happened after the battle as allied forces continued to press French forces and the politic decisions the French made following Waterloo.

[Jeff · Rating 2 out of 5]

A worthwhile book for the Waterloo aficionado but as for me, I found it rough sledding.
While reading I had a sense of déjà vu, reminding me of German language classes long ago.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was sooooo dryyyyy. I really wished it had been more interesting. I needed it to have maps. "left side, ride flank, up the river , down the river" what can one do without a map? However Wellington was a liar in his protrayal of events, Bonaparte was a liar, the Prussians were the ones that studied this battle and presumably got it right. A book for those that desire the excruciating details. The footnotes were terrific, explaining who was involved and their personal histories. Read a good historical fiction instead.