1815: The Waterloo Campaign (Wellington, his German Allies and
the Battles of Ligny and
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| 1815: The Waterloo Campaign is an unique reassessment of the
Hundred Days and a powerful analysis of the events of the epic confrontation at Waterloo. This study is the first of two volumes and is a thoroughly researched examination of the opening moves of the campaign from an entirely new perspective and based on evidence never before presented to an English-speaking audience. In addition to a gripping narrative of events, fundamental questions are raised about the Duke of Wellington and his relationship with his Prussian allies. It is in dealing with the controversial theory that Wellington deceived the Prussians, and subsequent historians of the campaign, that the most far-reaching conclusions are drawn. Peter Hofschr�er undermines the traditional view of the campaign as being one fought out by the French and the British, by presenting the events from the point of view of the majority of the Allied participants: the Germans. Using German source material from archives,most of which has never been published in English before, the crucial role of troops from Prussia, Hanover and smaller German states in the Waterloo campaign is revealed. KEY POINTS: Controversial reassessment of the whole campaign Material from German, British and Dutch archives published for the first time Extensive use of previously unpublished eye-witness accounts and battle reports REVIEWS: ...Love it or hate it, agree or disagreee, this is one book which will become a best seller and one which makes a considerable contribution to the history of The Hundred Days - you really should not miss this one! - Practical Wargamer ...Peter's 1815 etc. appears to be causing some controversy. Launched on the back of the idea that Wellington deliberately set up the Prussians for another kicking it has spawned allegations that Herr Hofschr�er is trying to promote a conspiracy theory. I must point out that nowhere in this book is such an allegation made. There is some circumstantial evidence, i.e. Mysteriously disappeared documents and factually incorrect dispatches, that Wellington may have been a little flexible in stating his true dispositions - although there is no way of knowing whether or not the Duke knew that a division would not be where he thought it would be upon the receipt of the relevant dispatch - and that post 1815 may have attempted to cover up his errors. 1815 does go a long way to correct the impression that only the British were involved in the campaign and the accounts of Ligny and Quatre Bras are I believe unparalleled. The level of research is truly impressive and the number and use of quotes from many and various participants - (many previously unpublished, at least in English) - equally so. It will no doubt swell Lionel Leventhal's heart and wallet to read that I recommend that you get hold of this volume as soon as possible, part 2 dealing with Waterloo and beyond will be out next year and if that is of the same quality as this volume you will have acquired an indispensable reference work on the Waterloo campaign. We at the office were a tad disappointed that we couldn't have a good knock at this book as Peter has been highly critical (often quite rightly) of other contemporary works and were eagerly waiting for his head to pop up above the parapet! Rather annoyingly he has proved his right to have done so. Hang on I've found something - many of the maps don't have scales - ha! Gotcha! - Dave Watkins, First Empire ...I seldom find myself at 3 o'clock in the morning unable to put a book down but this one had my attention for the best part of five hours before I was forced to sleep. ...Peter Hofschr�er has made a valiant attempt at redressing the balance of history...It is not a flag waving nationalistic view, but a well presented and documented work, the likes of which are seldom seen today...weight is lent to his argument by the phenomenal amount of evidence provided. A superb time and motion study of troop dispositions, orders issued and apparently issued, and who knew what and when, coupled with some of the best maps ever produced in this format certainly do the case justice...This book has been long overdue and this historian has done his homework with teutonic precision, presenting his case in a very readable style. The detail supplied is second to none. He certainly has a case and has done well to prove its validity, which should make it a standard reference...Greenhill Books should count themselves lucky to have landed this author, certainly for �25.00 you are getting a lot of book, a lot of reliable detail and a damned good read. Whether you are a Napoleonic historian, a wargamer or student, miss this at your peril, because you're sure to be asked why you have not referred to Hofschroer if you do. If you buy only one book in 1998, Buy this one, with a capital B! - Correspondence from First Empire The research that has gone into this book is impressive...Anyone interested in the Waterloo Campaign and the social and political upheaval as Europe emerged from the 22 years of chaotic struggle of the Revolutionary Wars should read this book... The stories of the battles of Ligny and Quatre Bras are so vividly told and presented so clearly with so lavish provision of maps, that it is fun to read and, no doubt, would be an excellent handbook for anyone wishing to follow the battles on the ground today. - The Royal Engineers Journal Hofschr�er's fine book is certainly an important work [Hofschr�er is] a gifted military historian..his book may be accepted for several years as a standard work on its subject... Yes, the Anglo-American viewpoint on this famous battle certainly has been overplayed for dozens of sycophantic British historians. We need some fresh air. Peter Hofschr�er has achieved this. As for the Great Duke, he admitted his mistakes, praised his allies - but hten refused to say any more on the subject. He was correct, of course; if only more modern generals would be as sensible as Wellington. - David Chandler in MHQ: The Quarterly Journal of Military History Very informative and thought-provoking. - Miniature Wargames AUTHOR NOTES: |
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