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

By Michael Corum and Andrew Uffindell

Book Overview

'A highly recommended work.' Military Illustrated

'As compelling and absorbing an account of the fighting that I have ever read.'
The Journal of The Royal Artillery

This spirited history of the 1815 campaign provides a stimulating account of the epic confrontation at Waterloo and, in addition, acts as a reliable guide to the battlefield and all related sites. The authors have divided the battlefield of Waterloo into three distinct sectors: one for each of the three armies involved. This allows the reader to follow the fighting from three different perspectives and gain an objective understanding of the dramatic course of the battle.

The authors also make use of vivid eyewitness testimony, drawn from participants in all three armies, and this brings to life the epic battle and provides a dramatic backcloth to the rapid course of events. Previously unpublished letters from British officers, the recollections of a Dutch-Belgian staff officer and the memoirs of a French colonel of cuirassiers all contribute to an understanding of just what it was like to fight in one of Europe's most crucial confrontations.

In addition to covering Waterloo itself, this important book also examines the tense situation in Brussels as the French drew near, the aftermath of the battle, the battle at Wavre, the Prussian pursuit and Marshal Grouchy's stubborn defense of Namur.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1848328206
• ISBN13: 9781848328204
• Release Date: August 2015
• Publisher: Frontline Books
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Walking the Fields of Glory

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.

Enjoyable & Different Account of the Waterloo Campaign

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!