Three Armies and Three Battles - The History of Four Days

I had been reading the Sharpe series and wanted to read the true story before I continued with the fiction. Of course you could still tell that it was Cornwell doing the writing. This book, "Waterloo", showed how opportunities were missed on both sides, and how important leadership is in battle. Napoleon and Wellington had completely different styles. Wellington right up front, and Napoleon from the rear. Communications played a critical role in the outcome, as did trust in your allies. And still, it could have had a different outcome. I'm sure there are many other accounts of the battle, and each reflects the authors point of view, research, and opinions. Cornwell successfully lays it all out for the reader. You'll enjoy this one.

I started this book with substantial background in the subject. However, I found the writing and the events covered to be interesting and useful. Mr Cornwell does well with real history. Robert J Hermann

I love the descriptions of the infantry battle squares being formed to protect them from the charge of the Calvary. The battle scenes are a great read as only Cornwell can discribe them. A wonderful read.

Generally, an excellent account of the battle and the men involved. Thankfully, there is very little preamble - the author gets straight to the story he is telling. There are excellent maps throughout the book to enhance understanding of the tactical situations. The author makes great use of contemporary accounts. He frequently sets a scene and then quotes extensively from a participant in that portion of the action.

I have but one issue with this book. The author frequently changes verb tense in the middle of a chapter, a paragraph or even a sentence. His editor did him no favors in allowing this - it detracts from the cogent and clear telling of the story.

Waterloo does a great job of presenting a complicated battle in an entertaining manner. Cornwall strikes a good balance between restating facts and moving the narrative along in a manner that is more in line with a novel than a history book.

Bernard Cornwall breathes life into the the complex constellation of sometimes interrelated and sometimes isolated events that comprised the four - day showdown between the Napolean-led French Army and the loosely-coordinated alliance of the British and Prussian Armies that we know as Waterloo. Several authors from both sides have written accounts of Waterloo but this book gives a highly readable and impartial view off the whole affair. I couldn't put it down. Neither will you!

I've walked the battlefield, read several books about Waterloo but this book without question gave the best overview of the battle and its use of personal narratives really brought the battle to life. Excellent job....