Wellington At Waterloo (Greenhill Military Paperbacks) [Paperback]

Jac Weller (Author)

Book Description

Series: Greenhill Military Paperbacks | Publication Date: February 19, 2006

This best-selling, authoritative, and accessible study of the epic confrontation at Waterloo 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. Every move and counter-move in this sweeping campaign is charted, from Napoleon's dramatic offensive and the opening battles of Ligny and Quatre Bras, to the hard pounding at Waterloo itself. Valuable to both historian and general reader, this guided tour of the battle includes all the key features of the terrain, and brings out the drama and tragedy of battle.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Greenhill Books (February 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1853673390
• ISBN-13: 978-1853673399
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,540,461 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-researched and unbiased viewpoint on Waterloo, December 28, 1999

By 

Charles Reilly - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wellington At Waterloo (Greenhill Military Paperbacks) (Paperback)

Jac Weller gives an evenhanded account of the great battle of Waterloo, particularly in his assessment of the non-British units under Wellington's command. Also specifically noted are the contributions of the Prussians under Blucher and their long arduous day just to get to the battlefield. The German and Dutch troops fighting alongside the British are given their due and there is much detail to substantiate their worthiness. The author never claims that either Wellington or Blucher were superior than Napoleon on the battlefield, but he clearly points out that both of them outshined the Emperor on June 18, 1815. Weller also states Napoleon's view of what happened on that date; he blamed others such as Ney and Soult, but never himself. The author is quick to note that Napoleon's own brother, Jerome, was mystified by his absence during crucial times of the battle. The debate will go on, but Weller makes the case that Napoleon's actions during the battle and his underestimation of the opposition were the leading factors in his demise.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A thorough, detailed and authoritive tome., February 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Wellington At Waterloo (Greenhill Military Paperbacks) (Paperback)

The history surrounding this famous battle in Belgium and the personalities involved are legend. Weller has produced a masterpiece that defines the smaller movements, fills incredible detail that other historians have glossed over, and provides a very human face to all parties including the `cold' British generals and their Prussian counterparts. Weller provides information on subtle changes in terrain and the purpose behind troop movements, or often lack of them, whilst narrating portions of the battlefield events. Weller also sheds important light upon the minor nations troops and commanders, showing how they were influenced by their years of duty under the French regime and how they too were able to withstand the French onslaught. This reprint is especially welcome as the book should have been classic reading for a generation of amateur historians and wargamers, except for the fact of its limited availability. Highly recommended from one Napoleonic researcher to all historians and gamers no matter what their `nationality' or preference.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best on Waterloo, August 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Wellington At Waterloo (Greenhill Military Paperbacks) (Paperback)

Having read many books on Wellington and the Battle of Waterloo, I find this to be one of the best. A further indication of its quality and value to students of the campaign is the fact that Bernard Cornwell, author of the Sharpe novels, listed this as one of his primary sources.