Waterloo: The French Perspective

The Battle of Waterloo is often told from the viewpoint of the victors, but Andrew Field's new study provides a French perspective and unpublished testimony from the French. The accounts are vivid, revealing, and exciting, providing new detail on the battle.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2019
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The story of the Battle of Waterloo, which marked the ultimate defeat of Napoleon and the French forces, the triumph of Wellington, Blücher, and their allied armies, is often narrated from the perspective of the victors, leaving the French perspective and many primary French sources underrepresented in the written record. Despite extensive research and the publication of numerous books and articles on the battle over the past 200 years, the French perspective and significant French sources remain underrepresented in the available literature. It is therefore timely to address this weakness and enhance our understanding of the battle.

In his groundbreaking new study, Andrew Field has undertaken a remarkable effort to uncover over ninety first-hand French accounts, many of which have never been previously published in English. By combining these accounts with those of the other participants, Field has crafted a vivid and compelling narrative that sheds new light on this pivotal battle of world history.

The unpublished testimony uncovered by Field provides fascinating new details about the battle, offering a fresh perspective on the events that unfolded. The accounts are vivid, revealing, and exciting, taking readers into the heart of the conflict and immersing them in the bravery and resilience of the French soldiers and their allies.

One of the most significant contributions of Field's study is his effort to bridge the gap between the French and British perspectives on the battle. He has carefully analyzed the accounts from both sides and has sought to present a balanced and objective account of the events. This approach ensures that readers gain a comprehensive understanding of the battle, rather than relying solely on the narratives presented by the victors.

Field's study also highlights the importance of primary French sources in understanding the battle. While the written record may be dominated by accounts from the British perspective, it is essential to acknowledge and explore the French perspective as well. By incorporating unpublished French accounts into his study, Field has provided a valuable resource for scholars and researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of the battle and its historical context.

In conclusion, Andrew Field's thought-provoking new study on the Battle of Waterloo is a significant contribution to the literature on this pivotal historical event. By uncovering unpublished French accounts and combining them with accounts from other participants, Field has created a graphic and compelling narrative that sheds new light on the battle and its historical significance. His efforts to bridge the gap between the French and British perspectives and to highlight the importance of primary French sources are commendable, and his study will undoubtedly be of great interest to scholars, researchers, and history enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 546g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526752505