Napoleon's Waterloo Campaign: An Alternate History is a story of this famous campaign with a twist. What would have happened if Marshal Grouchy; Napoleon's wing commander; had marched to the sound of the guns as his subordinate commanders had urged? This intriguing idea is an open invitation for taking a closer look at what might have been in June of 1815. This volume is the first modern full length alternative history written about the Waterloo campaign but it does not stop there. First; the narrative seeks to examine and explain the logic behind the French emperor's decisions and; to a lesser extent; those made by his famous enemies. Then; the change in history is seamlessly inserted into the overall context of the campaign and followed to its dramatic climax at the battle of Ohain on June 19; 1815. The campaign of Waterloo was a series of opportunities taken and missed by both sides and the volume shows how a single decision could have changed the course of history.
#471697 in Books Vintage 2008-04-08 2008-04-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x 1.30 x 5.30l; 1.05 #File Name: 1400032423512 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Beatty's critique resonates in today's new Gilded AgeBy Craig R. MccormickThis is a great history about the betrayal of democracy that erased the democratic advances (emancipation; 13th-16th Amendments; Reconstruction) that the U.S. earned through the Civil War and up to 1877; when Congress conceded the country to the wealthy corporations and unabashedly accepted payment for it. Beatty meets every requirement of academic historians; including the use of a wide variety of primary and secondary sources; a cogent analysis of historical forces; and the development of a consistent theme throughout the period of 1865 and 1900; when Congress and the the Executive essentially betrayed all but the wealthiest in America. His critique of the hegemonic powers of the narrowing group of oligarchs during the Gilded Age is incisive and refreshingly unapologetic. A small number of Americans cheated their way to power and wealth; and that pattern has returned to visibility of late. As such; Beatty's book resonates disturbingly during this campaign season of 2012.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. A must readBy Emanuel Barling; Jr.In these troubled times; no book provides a better explanation of why this is now the "Corporate Robber Baron" period by comparing he actions of the Robber Barons from 1865 to 1900 and explaining why unbridled capitalism is so dangerous to our country without anti-trust laws.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The People's PartyBy safetybizWithin the "Gilded Age" (post Civil War; 1800s) there was a very impressive educational movement called the People's Party which sought to remedy the gullible and exploited with solid (non-political) information. Armed with facts; their success was chronicled and ultimate failure explained in detail; IMHO; this book might be considered required reading in entirety so that one might have the breadth and scope of what we may be dealing with today.
