On the Fields of Glory: The Battlefields of the 1815 Campaign

Anyone contemplating a trip to the Waterloo battlefield could do a lot worse than to read this book before you go. And then take it with you.The writers present a detailed tour of the battlefield from three main perspectives, Wellington, Napoleon and Blucher and then Brussels and the aftermath.Readers are invited to walk through the roads and fields ("You can reach the farm of La Haie Sainte by walking 250 metres point down the busy Brussels road to the eastern side of the farm...") to point out details of the action, the physical remains of the landscape and buildings and the memorials.Throughout the book are many maps and diagrams showing in traditional military symbols (a key is provided) where each unit was and its direction of movement. There are also photographs of paintings and drawings as well as places as they are today.However the highlight of the book for me was the numerous quotes from original sources, these brought each action and location to life relating as they do many different personal perspectives of the battle.It is indexed and fully referenced with appendices of the orders of battle.There is some incongruity in the title as the last words of the book are"..In battle, there is no glory;in war there are no victors."I commend this book to all.

This was a very pleasing and easy to read account of the Waterloo Campaign, a bit different in style in that it takes you on a tourist type walk around the battlefield. The authors have produced a very well researched account of the battle and what you may find there now if you visited the site of the fighting. I was unsure if I would like this style of writing but I found it very enjoyable, with decent maps to follow the action and to find things present on the battlefield today. The photos and drawings were excellent and well chosen to assist in the narrative of the book. If you are planning to visit this great battlefield this book would be of great assistance. A delight to read!