Wellington: Pillar of State

This exhaustingly researched biography is truly a great work. The author is a descendent of the Duchess of Wellington and, with her access to the personal correspondence of these historical figures, has given the reader a most complete picture of Arthur Wellesley. Lady Longford is critical when need be, but her obvious admiration for the Duke does shine through. With all the biographies of Napoleon on display everywhere, it's great to see a work about the gentleman who sent that tyrant into early retirment.

Wellington - Pillar of State is the second volume of Countess Longford's definitive two part biography of Arthur, First Duke of Wellington. Longford uses her access to family records of her distant relative to provide insight into the period from Waterloo (1815) through the Duke's career in politics and civil society, until his death in 1852. The work is thoroughly referenced and cannot be over praised.