DOC Waterloo 1815: The Birth of Modern Europe (Campaign) by Geoff Wootten in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. "Give me night or give me Blucher"...By HMS Warspite"Waterloo 1815" is the very readable Osprey Campaign Series entry for one of history's most decisive battles. Veteran historian Geoffrey Wooten competently lays out the background to Waterloo and provides as clear a narrative of the battle itself as can be expected in such a short book. This is a good introduction to a battle still raising academic controversy nearly 200 years on.Wooten generally follows the standard Osprey format; with an introduction centering on Napoleon's return from exile; followed by discussions of the opposing commanders and armies. His narrative of the campaign itself includes the battles of Ligny; Quatre Bras; and Wavre; as well as the monumental struggle at Mount St. Jean. As an introduction to the battle; it is fairly thorough; and enhanced by a nice selection of period illustrations; maps; diagrams and pictures. Wooten is relatively evenhanded in his treatment of the respective commanders and their armies. His narrative makes clear just how closely fought the battle was; with several opportunities for different outcomes. Wooten captures the full drama of the twilight French-Prussian fight for Plancenoit on Napoleon's right flank; and of the final assault of the Imperial Guard on Wellington's battered army on Mount St. Jean.This reviewer found interesting the suggestion that Wellington expected a link-up with Field Marshall Blucher's Prussians much earlier in the day. The Prussian IV Corps made its appearance in force on the battlefield around 1600 hours; but the Prussian I Corps did not link up with Wellington's left flank until nearly 1830 hours; apparently prompting Wellington's earlier prayer "Give me night or give me Blucher". Highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A little pricey but goodBy Bobby ManIt covers the 4 battles; not just Waterloo; a breakdown of the opposing armies and commanders; diagrams of troop dispositions during the battles; paintings depicting scenes of the battles; pictures of the soldier's uniforms.This is a good book to get an initial impression of the campaign and is suitable for someone unfamiliar with the battles. For someone looking for more detail (eg the troop strengths of each battalion) then they need to refer to other reference books on the subject.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great seriesBy YellowkidI have taken to buying one of these publications when I am reading another book dealing with a battle or campaign; you seldom find maps and topography type detail better than this.