Since 1815, the battle of Waterloo has long been a subject of passionate controversy. The British persist in their opinion that the Duke of Wellington won the battle on his own, conveniently overlooking the vital importance of Blucher's forces. To the French, on the other hand, Napoleon's defeat remains totally inexplicable. The author is clinically impartial in his approach and places the battle in its historical context, filtering out the errors and inaccuracies which have crept into history since the battle. Each chapter is richly enhanced with paintings, drawings and maps. This excellent, lavishly illustrated and produced, reference work is aimed at historians and all those interested in this pivotal moment in world history.