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To war with Wellington: From the Peninsula to Waterloo
, xi, 384 pages, with colour plates, SIGNED by Peter Snow on the title page
400 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 5, 2016
Drawing a lot of material from Memoirs of the period, the author traces the campaigns of Arthur Wellesly, The Duke of Wellington. Both officers and men of the British and German troops that served with him in The Peninsular and Waterloo, and other soldiers of Hanoverian, Nassau and Dutch-Belgian origin from the latter battle, help to give voice to the armies that fought Napoleon and his Marshals. The period enthusiast and wargamer will find a lot of good stuff, although to ground has been trampled before by several authors. The newcomer will appreciate the original voices talking through from the age of Empire. Very enjoyable if sometimes graphic and simplified.
May 7, 2016
Possibly one of the best history books available (the other being Beever's World War II). History books of this quality show you the moments that (for me) make history real. The quiet cigar in the rain before Waterloo, the fury of Wellington over his men, the realities of the march through Spain. Highly recommend.
November 6, 2024
I'm all-in with Bernard Cornwell's historical fiction series about aspects of the British military before and after the Peninsula war in Iberia. Subsequently, I explored many YouTube videos about the battles, the cities where battles occurred, the personalities -- something about the hardships and strategies absorbed me. And led me to this excellent book by Peter Snow that draws extensively on first person accounts from soldiers and officers in Wellington's army in those years.
What I appreciated from Snow is that he took perspectives from actual soldiers, not just the officers. It can be interesting to read about big-picture strategies and troop movements from a subsequent historical perspective -- the "history is written by the winners" perspective. I think there's plenty of that in literature. Books like Snow's fill a niche from the points of view of the people who are doing the dirty work. And sure, these are from the winners too, from the survivors of these campaigns who had the wherewithal to write their stories. How many people either were illiterate or, simply, perished in battle or from disease? They have their stories too, but we'll never know what they are.
I do think that it helped me to have done that deep dive. For example, when Snow writes about the siege battle at Badajoz, I already had an understanding of the tactics and images from film, maps, photos, and paintings in my mind that enhanced the narrative that was woven by Snow for a chapter, and then Snow quickly left as he went to the next episode in the Wellington story. There's another book on my shelves that's entirely by one of the soldiers in a Rifles company and I'm expecting that to be enlightening from his singular perspective. Snow's book is a valuable addition to my understanding of the Wellington legacy.
What I appreciated from Snow is that he took perspectives from actual soldiers, not just the officers. It can be interesting to read about big-picture strategies and troop movements from a subsequent historical perspective -- the "history is written by the winners" perspective. I think there's plenty of that in literature. Books like Snow's fill a niche from the points of view of the people who are doing the dirty work. And sure, these are from the winners too, from the survivors of these campaigns who had the wherewithal to write their stories. How many people either were illiterate or, simply, perished in battle or from disease? They have their stories too, but we'll never know what they are.
I do think that it helped me to have done that deep dive. For example, when Snow writes about the siege battle at Badajoz, I already had an understanding of the tactics and images from film, maps, photos, and paintings in my mind that enhanced the narrative that was woven by Snow for a chapter, and then Snow quickly left as he went to the next episode in the Wellington story. There's another book on my shelves that's entirely by one of the soldiers in a Rifles company and I'm expecting that to be enlightening from his singular perspective. Snow's book is a valuable addition to my understanding of the Wellington legacy.
January 26, 2018
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the Napoleonic era especially Britain and the Duke Of Wellington. One would enjoy this book if they have read the other books by Peter Snow and his brother, Dan Snow.
The book has 317 pages of story but all together has 384 pages, including the glossary and stuff. The book tells the story of Arthur Wellesley from boyhood to defeating Napoleon at his last battle, and why he was called the Duke of Wellington. It tells of the Duke of Wellington’s greatest successes, how he was never defeated in a battle and how he defeated Napoleon's great army at his last ever battle, the battle of Waterloo, in fact, the battle of Waterloo is so famous, the British named a town in Ontario it in the 1900s. I liked how the book was very well detailed, and the illustrations about the battles are a nice addition as well. What I do not like is that the book is very long and seems to drag on about a single subject for a very long time. All in all, I would give it a 3.6 out of ten, because it’s a good book, but it is just a biography and is boring in some points.
The book has 317 pages of story but all together has 384 pages, including the glossary and stuff. The book tells the story of Arthur Wellesley from boyhood to defeating Napoleon at his last battle, and why he was called the Duke of Wellington. It tells of the Duke of Wellington’s greatest successes, how he was never defeated in a battle and how he defeated Napoleon's great army at his last ever battle, the battle of Waterloo, in fact, the battle of Waterloo is so famous, the British named a town in Ontario it in the 1900s. I liked how the book was very well detailed, and the illustrations about the battles are a nice addition as well. What I do not like is that the book is very long and seems to drag on about a single subject for a very long time. All in all, I would give it a 3.6 out of ten, because it’s a good book, but it is just a biography and is boring in some points.
April 23, 2019
Highly informative and well written. It focuses on the core ingredients of Wellington’s life, character and battlefield achievements. Subsequently it moves fairly fast compared some other earlier Wellington biographies which often get bogged down in too much minor detail.
I liked the focus on the battles, which left you in no doubt about the skill and leadership of a general, who still had the capacity to care for the welfare of his men - something that not all 19th century generals were capable of.
I liked the focus on the battles, which left you in no doubt about the skill and leadership of a general, who still had the capacity to care for the welfare of his men - something that not all 19th century generals were capable of.
April 8, 2023
This was an incredible account and I say as a Napoleonic enthusiast for almost two decades! It combined information, perfectly written for both readers new to and familiar with Napoleonic history, with an epic narrative. The narrative is exciting and offers a variety of perspectives, similar to "Band of Brothers"!
Whether you are new to Napoleonic History or looking for new perspectives, this book is a must-read account of not only the Duke of Wellington, but his Soldiers!
Whether you are new to Napoleonic History or looking for new perspectives, this book is a must-read account of not only the Duke of Wellington, but his Soldiers!
January 26, 2019
Fantastic. Much more fun to read than I expected and what a fascinating time period. Military still assembled on basis of birth, not merit. Use of horses and exploding shells. Storming castles. Books on Napoleon are certainly on my list now.
June 25, 2023
Unlike some I have read on Wellington, this book speaks to Arthur Wellesley's brilliance as a commander who was never defeated in battle. His personal life was a mess, but this book is about Wellington's leadership style. I found it fascinating.
October 5, 2023
After reading Napoleon by Andrew Robert’s and the psychology of military incompetence (Wellington being a counterexample) … I really wanted to read about Wellington and went for this one. Enjoyed the book. Quite objective in the assessment.
February 27, 2020
Amazing insight into the legend that is Wellington, this book confidently got me into loving Napoleonic history and the surrounding period of warfare. Fascinating.
March 24, 2022
A great read, very well researched and informative.
August 26, 2024
A very helpful guide to the campaigns of the Peninsular
June 18, 2025
a good read very informative. tells the story of many different characters from the time period and how they affected the war many of whom weren't well known
September 11, 2014
Military histories are not something I normally go for, but caught short of fresh reading material, I picked this one up from my wife's finished pile (my wife being greatly interested in the Napoleonic Wars). The result was a pleasant surprise.
What Peter Snow has done is to humanize the conflict. There are, as expected, the usual block diagrams of troop arrangements, but instead of harping on the tactical advantages of hills or the importance of securing flanks, Snow's emphasis is, instead, on the reams of personal anecdotes from the ordinary soldiers whose lives were caught up and sometimes ended by the war. When I read about the Punic Wars earlier this year, the author tried to impress the scale of one battle by sheer statistics; here, Snow manages it simply by using the words of those involved. Short of including scratch and sniff cards for blood and powder, there's not much more he could have done to make you feel like you were there.
And it's quite a grisly story. Wellington' slow advance from Portugal to Toulouse came at an immense human cost, both for the British and - to a greater extent - to the French. Only Napoleon's retreat from Moscow did more damage to the Grande Armie. Waterloo, whilst greater in scale than Wellington's previous battles, was probably less brutal than Badajoz. As to the man himself, Snow doesn't paint a detailed portrait of the Duke (this isn't, after all, a biography) but his character comes across both from his own accounts and those of his men. Snippy, stubborn and arrogant, one can see why he subsequently proved a failure in politics, but for a battlefield he was clearly the right man for the job. What isn't entirely clear is why, for fighting a campaign which was essentially a sideshow to the main events of the war, he was so readily accepted as overall commander of the European forces at the final battle.
And that rather encapsulates the book. Those looking for a detailed history of the Napoleonic Wars will need to look elsewhere. Those whose interest, like my wife's, has come from watching Sharpe will find this a great way to find how close to the real thing Cornwell's fictional South Essex soldiers got.
What Peter Snow has done is to humanize the conflict. There are, as expected, the usual block diagrams of troop arrangements, but instead of harping on the tactical advantages of hills or the importance of securing flanks, Snow's emphasis is, instead, on the reams of personal anecdotes from the ordinary soldiers whose lives were caught up and sometimes ended by the war. When I read about the Punic Wars earlier this year, the author tried to impress the scale of one battle by sheer statistics; here, Snow manages it simply by using the words of those involved. Short of including scratch and sniff cards for blood and powder, there's not much more he could have done to make you feel like you were there.
And it's quite a grisly story. Wellington' slow advance from Portugal to Toulouse came at an immense human cost, both for the British and - to a greater extent - to the French. Only Napoleon's retreat from Moscow did more damage to the Grande Armie. Waterloo, whilst greater in scale than Wellington's previous battles, was probably less brutal than Badajoz. As to the man himself, Snow doesn't paint a detailed portrait of the Duke (this isn't, after all, a biography) but his character comes across both from his own accounts and those of his men. Snippy, stubborn and arrogant, one can see why he subsequently proved a failure in politics, but for a battlefield he was clearly the right man for the job. What isn't entirely clear is why, for fighting a campaign which was essentially a sideshow to the main events of the war, he was so readily accepted as overall commander of the European forces at the final battle.
And that rather encapsulates the book. Those looking for a detailed history of the Napoleonic Wars will need to look elsewhere. Those whose interest, like my wife's, has come from watching Sharpe will find this a great way to find how close to the real thing Cornwell's fictional South Essex soldiers got.
September 27, 2010
This new biography on the Duke of Wellington by Peter Snow is an excellent addition to the many books on this British General. The book mainly covers Wellington’s time in the Peninsular with fourteen of twenty chapters devoted to that campaign. The final four chapters obviously cover the lead up to, and the conclusion of, the Battle of Waterloo.
In just over 316 pages the author provides an excellent account of this period and Wellington’s role in defeating Napoleonic France. Although I may not agree with all of the author’s assertions I still thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The narrative is full of first-hand accounts, some well know and some never before seen, and great stories. The book just moved along at a cracking pace and if not in-depth certainly detailed enough for most military enthusiasts. There were 20 maps supplied and numerous colour illustrations which added to the story.
Overall this is book well worth reading and I am sure most readers, both first-timers and those well read about the ‘Iron Duke’, will have a great time following the career of Wellington from the Peninsular to Waterloo.
In just over 316 pages the author provides an excellent account of this period and Wellington’s role in defeating Napoleonic France. Although I may not agree with all of the author’s assertions I still thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The narrative is full of first-hand accounts, some well know and some never before seen, and great stories. The book just moved along at a cracking pace and if not in-depth certainly detailed enough for most military enthusiasts. There were 20 maps supplied and numerous colour illustrations which added to the story.
Overall this is book well worth reading and I am sure most readers, both first-timers and those well read about the ‘Iron Duke’, will have a great time following the career of Wellington from the Peninsular to Waterloo.
September 5, 2012
A rip-roaringly good read that would stir any man's heart - or at least the heart of any man suspicious of France and all its doings.
I simply couldn't put it down as we marched from one great battle to another, viewing the whole Peninsula enterprise through the written records of the men who were there throughout, from 1807 all the way to Waterloo in 1815.
Arthur Wellesley's leadership, drive and professionalism shines through and you are constantly left wondering why on earth the French (a) let him take the high ground continuously; and (b) never changed their stupid battle formations, which left them with far more than a bloody nose each time they came up against the King's men.
It's corking stuff and a reminder of the good Britain did in ridding Europe of a tyrant.
I simply couldn't put it down as we marched from one great battle to another, viewing the whole Peninsula enterprise through the written records of the men who were there throughout, from 1807 all the way to Waterloo in 1815.
Arthur Wellesley's leadership, drive and professionalism shines through and you are constantly left wondering why on earth the French (a) let him take the high ground continuously; and (b) never changed their stupid battle formations, which left them with far more than a bloody nose each time they came up against the King's men.
It's corking stuff and a reminder of the good Britain did in ridding Europe of a tyrant.
October 26, 2012
A big fan of all things Napoleonic era, I saw this and just had to have it. It is as good as I had hoped and then some.
The way Peter Snow writes gets the reader drawn into that time and keeps you turning the page eager for more. It is filled with everything from historical notes to anecdotes from real soldiers of the time. My favourite being from a captain of the rifle regiment who found his men stranded onboard a ship for several days whilst docked. He said that the delay was tedious and dull but the most horrific of all was the damage to several regimental wine glasses due to the ship's dreadful swaying.
It just truly captures the spirit of the time and I love it for that reason and for everything else it brings forth.
The way Peter Snow writes gets the reader drawn into that time and keeps you turning the page eager for more. It is filled with everything from historical notes to anecdotes from real soldiers of the time. My favourite being from a captain of the rifle regiment who found his men stranded onboard a ship for several days whilst docked. He said that the delay was tedious and dull but the most horrific of all was the damage to several regimental wine glasses due to the ship's dreadful swaying.
It just truly captures the spirit of the time and I love it for that reason and for everything else it brings forth.
August 10, 2015
Superbly readable account of the Duke of Wellington's campaigns in the Peninsula War and up to Waterloo. Good insights into his character and a very interesting cross references from the diaries of those who accompanied him. Since many of these were from the lower army ranks, their observations and records give a valuable human angle to the story. It is not just about the Duke's battles, but about the people who experienced them with him. One observation: since the book is about what it meant to be at war with Wellington, it would have been interesting to get greater detail on his battles in India which first demonstrated his skills in generalship.
August 1, 2012
A very interesting book with a good strong narrative. I enjoyed the final chapter very much, it was interesting to find out what happened to those who were instrumental to the campaigns it reminded me of the end of Band of Brothers, where the soldiers all go their seperate ways. Quite moving.
July 17, 2012
Superb read with enough personal narrative to contextualise the strategy and tactics Wellington employed. The last section about Waterloo could not be put down drawing you into the battle by the threads of the characters involved, not least Napoleon.
October 27, 2012
very readable but no real new revealations, good for a general overview of Wellington but too vague on the battles
December 8, 2012
Interesting stuff, for those who are interested in history!
May 22, 2013
very interesting and eye opening book ..
May 2, 2017
I am not fascinated by the details of battles, regarding it as a kind of collective insanity, so I regret picking up this book. But Snow writes well and makes the subject at least interesting.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews