Waterloo: The Hundred Days (Battles and Histories) (Paperback)

by David Chandler (Author) "On 26 February, 1815, a small vessel slipped away from Porto Ferrajo on the island of Elba..." (more)
Key Phrases: Quatre Bras, Marshal Ney, Imperial Guard (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The Battle of Waterloo is one of the most decisive encounters in history. Wellington's victory marked the end of the career of one of the greatest leaders of all time, Napoleon Bonaparte: it also signalled a crucial change in the balance of power in Europe that was to have critical consequences for the rest of the world. Yet the story of Napoleon's return from Elba and his dramatic seizure of power - even if for a mere 'hundred days' - is more than just the dry bones of history; it is a great adventure story. The author provides a blow-by-blow account of the battle itself and examines key aspects such as the organisation of both the French and the Allied armies, their tactics, strategy, and weaponry, and their commanders' personalities. AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN USA AND CANADA ONLY.

From the Publisher
Written by acknowledged experts and illustrated to the highest Osprey standards, books in the Battles and Histories series provide new insights into the century's major clashes.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (October 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1855327163
• ISBN-13: 978-1855327160
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,042,046 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good overview but.........., February 24, 2001

By	W. B. Smith (Auckland New Zealand) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I must admit I enjoyed reading this book when I first obtained it, but upon revisiting it my opinion has somewhat waned. The reason being is that I have since read Peter Hofschroer's work which was an excellent example of painstaking research and detail. Chandler's work now seems lightweight.

Chandler's book is good if you are looking for an overview of the events leading up Waterloo, Napoleonic tactics and strategy and the battles of Quatre Bras and Waterloo. The book makes lavish use of maps and prints which are very clear and a delight to the eye , but unfortunately it falls short in providing a very accurate and detailed account of the battles.

This is certainly a good buy if all you are seeking is an overview, but if you are familiar with the Battle of Waterloo you maybe looking for something more substantial. ( This review refers to a hard cover 1981 edition )

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A quick dash through 100 days, August 4, 2001

By	Richard P Marsden "mars3" (Scottsdale, Arizona United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Waterloo, the Hundred Days (Hardcover)

While many tout this book as "lightweight" or "lacking" I find it to be superb. A book is not always meant to be an exhaustive comprehensive massive tome. David G Chandler has proven he can do that in his "The Campaigns of Napoleon" work. His piece about Waterloo is a wonderful quick overview of the 100 days campaign with indeed a focus on the British. Unlike Chandler's famous "The Campaigns of Napoleon", this book expresses Chandler's opinions about what was important about Waterloo and its long term effects, which in essence is his summation of the long term effects of the Napoleonic Era since Waterloo marked the end of it. Where as in his larger works Chandler has no time to express himself, in this short overview of Waterloo he does, making the book very engaging. His opinion about the importance of Lingy and Quatre Bras, deserves special note. Not a "must" have, but definatly a success in what it was intended to do.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another Chandler Masterpiece, August 5, 2000

By A Customer

Once again David G. Chandler, one of the most prolific Napoleonic authors, has provided us with an excellent book. Although published in 1980, the recent republishing by Osprey has given people the opportunity to purchase it rather take it out of the library. I first read this book about six years ago when I took it out and this was the first major work I had read on Waterloo. Since then I have purchased a copy and reread it. I find this to be an invaluable resource on the Battle of Waterloo and provides the layman with an easily readable account of the battle. I have also read Hofschroer's new series on the battle and although I believe he has provided us with an interesting look at a overlooked subject--German involvement in the battle--it is still just that. Chandler's in my mind remains the ultimate guide to the battle. Call it what you may, Chandler writes a book from the victor's perspective, mainly the British perspective of the battle. Chandler after all is British and has every right to portray the British as the victors, they WON the battle for the Allies.