Customer Reviews

Wellington: The Years of the Sword

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Elizabeth Longford's "Wellington: The Years of the Sword" is one of the best biographies I have ever read. Ms. Longford covers her topic in exquisite detail. From Arthur Wellesley's early life in Ireland to his service in India to the Duke of Wellington's defeat of Napolean at Waterloo, this book provides excellent details and is thoroughly referenced. I consider this to be the definitive biography of the Duke of Wellington.

This is generally a fine biography of one of Britain's greatest generals. The bulk of the book is spent, appropriately, on the Peninsula campaign, although there is adequate discussion of Wellington's experiences in India and a fairly lengthy description of Waterloo. The book is well written and the author goes to some lengths to dispel her subject's reputation for coldness. However, although the author does not claim that Wellington is perfect, it appears that he never made a mistake if Ms. Longford is to be believed. Notwithstanding this minor reservation, this book is well worth reading.

I do not think there could be a better biography of Wellington as to this first portion of his life. This volume covers his life to the victory at Waterloo. The description of the battle is very well done and brings this book to a triumphant conclusion.

Sadly no longer in print, this is arguably the best biography of the militay career of Wellington ever written. It folows the development of Arthur Wellesley from an awkward and uncomfortable, untrained young officer through his growth and development in India and the Peninsula War, to his final conquest of Napoleon at Waterloo. The battles are well researched and well presented, providing a fascinating review of warfare of that era.
The book however, is not merely an account of Wellington's military success, but examines the personal life as well and with a far greater insight into his personality than most other biographies, often contradicting the usual portrayal of the man as a cold and unemotional leader.
If you can get hold of a copy ot this book, read it. You will not be disappointed.