Book recommendation: Wellington: The
Years of the Sword by Elizabeth
Harman Pakenham, Countess of Longford
Since this excellent book runs to almost 500 pages, it is for those with
a serious interest in military history or historical biography. It is both
well-written and well-researched, with great photos. (Of paintings of course.)
I knew only that Wellington’s peninsular campaign was a success, but not about
individual battles. This book remedied that. And thought I knew a great deal
about Waterloo, I discovered many new facets. It covers not only Wellington’s
character, and his battles, but the complex political situation he had to deal
with, the problems created by his brothers, and the need for reforms in the
British army, starting with the way officers were selected. He was the indispensable
man; Neither Waterloo nor many of the battles in Spain and Portugal could have
been won by anyone else. His tactical brilliance was only matched by his
ability to inspire troops to exceed all expectations. My only quibble is that
the Countess often uses French phrases without translation, never supposing I
guess that it would be read by members of the “lower orders” like myself who
were deficient in the language. But this is only a slight distraction. I highly
recommend this book.
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