"Cornwell's Waterloo book" Topic

Has anyone read it? If so what did you think?

I got a copy in paperback when WH Smiths had it half price. An enjoyable, lively read that would probably be as good an introduction to the battle as many others and better than some, but nothing new to offer to those already familiar with the subject.

Fairly good read. Needed Sharpe…

Much better than expected. I doubt any member of this forum would see any novelty in it….but good popular history and if does increase interest in 1815..fine.

So many excellent books out this year. Tim Clayton's I nearly missed, dismissing it as just another account. It is a great read. Barbero still takes some beating

I have on my bookshelf at least ten books on Waterloo. I found Cornwell's book a very good read. Many good antidotes that add interest. Cornwell's "Waterloo" now has an honored spot on the shelf with the others.

I think that was either a very clever pun or just a very happy typo error that swapped anecdotes for antidotes. The latter is more what we need, but most of the books I decided to avoid for 2015 and 200 years have proved much better than expected. Some daft titles (The Lie at The Heart………..Waterloo Betrayed……..) concealed some very well thought out and researched stuff (whether you are convinced or not is another matter)

deadhead

I've not read Barbero's book, so can't make a comment on it, but in the review attached, I was astonished to see that the author had associated the British fighting warrior of 1815 with that of present day football hooligans. That is a bit like saying the Roman were great warriors, as the rioting by the Ultras can confirm. LOL

link

I think I've overdosed on buying Waterloo themed books but even so, Tim Clayton's title looks interesting, as does Waterloo Betrayed by Stephen Beckett.

But for the first time ever, I think I'm hoping there will be less Napoleonic titles appearing, in order to let me catch up on my reading. (and pay some bills instead)

Gazzola
I would recommend Becketts "Waterloo Betrayed". It is well researched and gives a very good overview of the planning of the approach march and concentration of the French forces which may be argued was the pivot of the campaign seen from the French perspective. There is a very interesting analysis and discussion in the book over Soult's change of Napoleon's order which led to a postponement of 1 day for the start of the attack.

In addition to this, there is also some highlight on the highranking French deserters (traitors to the Bonapartists), also with a discussion of the consequences of these desertions and the resulting intelligence for the allies as well as loss of surprise in some instances.

In addition to several appendixes where specific issues are discussed in more detail, there are also a lot of very interesting documents/primary sources (translated) as well. I am still not finished (through ch 12 of 17), but I would recommend it to anyone with a decent to good knowledge of the campaign. It is probaly of more value to someone who knows the history and the key deciding factors than to someone who are new to it (as Becket also explains initially), but I guess this might be valuable for you :)

Regards

I am listening to the audio book and thoroughly enjoying it. However, I miss the maps and images that I assume the paper version has. Would someone recommend a useful map for following along with this epic battle? Perhaps one that has a timeline within it. Thanks,

Had a look at it (Cornwall's book) but it did not attract me enough to buy it. However, one of the many 1815 themed titles I did purchase, was Tim Clayton's Waterloo. It is well written, a very good read and well recommended.

Saw this title in the local bookstore. Always interested in the comments on TMP. Clayton is not readily available though. Always looking for more detail on the Ligny/Wavre/Prussian perspective.