The Battle: A New History of Waterloo

 
Translated by John Cullen, the Italian historian Barbero gives us a narrative of one of the most significant battles in European history. From June 17 (the day before) to the night of June 18-19, he describes Waterloo as if telling a story, including details – such as both Wellington's and Napoleon's use of telescopes to keep an eye on one another, and the fact that experienced soldiers smeared their blankets with mud to waterproof them – to fill in the picture. Barbero also provides information on tactics and asks questions such as whether Napoleon should have attacked earlier in the day; and to what extent Ney and Grouchy left undone what they ought to have done, in the context of what the various commanders knew and had reason to expect.