Waterloo is one of the most famous battles in history and it has given
rise to a vast and varied literature. The strategy and tactics of the
battle and the entire Waterloo campaign have been analyzed at length.
The commanders, maneuvers and critical episodes, and the intense
experiences of the men who took part, have all been recorded in minute
detail. But the organization, structure and fighting strength of the
armies that fought in the battle have received less attention, and this
is the subject of Philip Haythornthwaite's detailed, authoritative and
engaging study.
Through a close description of the structure and personnel of each of
the armies he builds up a fascinating picture of their makeup, their
methods and their capabilities. The insight he offers into the
contrasting styles and national characteristics of the forces that came
together on the Waterloo battlefield gives a fresh perspective on the
extraordinary clash of arms that ended the Napoleonic era.