A friend writes: "Heartily recommended - perhaps the best work of military history I've ever read, and bar none the best battle account. When you're through with this one you'll understand in the core of your bones the strategy and overarching issues, the tactics and look, smell and feel of battle at Waterloo."
And there's more. So saith he:
ReplyDelete"An absolutely breathtaking book, I can't recommend it highly enough. Like no other book I've ever read, it leaves you feeling like you were there, and yet saw the big picture.
If you ever wanted to understand Wellington's comment: "a damned close run thing, the closest run thing you ever saw in your life", read this book. Like nothing I've ever read, it illustrates how the fate of nations truly does turn on the grit, guts, fire and resolution of (in the grand scheme of things) a handful of men - dare I say it, even more, if anything, than does Trafalgar.
What an inspiration though. You can almost feel yourself in those infantry squares throughout that long afternoon. As the author - an Italian prof at that - says, never was the reputation for courage and steadfastness of the British infantry and its officers better proved. Truly reminds one that there was another age and calibre of valour."
I'm English not British.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I see the Union flag I feel nauseus.
Does this book describe how the Scots won the Battle of Waterloo by any chance?
What? No Englishman could ever say that about a flag under which so many Englishmen demonstrated the most profound gallantry and valour, purchasing the liberty wherewith you thus make a mockery of yourself.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Sir Walter.
ReplyDelete"I'm English not British". What an asinine, dumb ass thing to say, as if the two things are mutually exclusive. Really, you must stop mocking yourself, young man. Long live King Edward!
Back when we were at school my pals and I would read and re-read “A Near Run Thing” – the best book I have ever read on Waterloo. But this might be good too.
ReplyDeleteTo Beaverbrook I aways thougt Wellington said "a damned NEAR run thing, the NEAREST run thing you ever saw in your life" hence the name of the book I wrote about above