Wellington - A Personal History (Paperback, New Ed)

Hugely popular biographer of Elizabeth I and Lord Nelson, Hibbert here turns his forensic and literary skills to the Iron Duke. Most books in the years since Elizabeth Longford published her two-volume study have focused on the dazzling military life. Hibbert draws out the intimate friendships with women this seemingly aloof and intimidating man was able to make. Never prurient, Hibbert nevertheless gives a full account of a loveless marriage and the women Wellington turned to for intellectual and not-so-intellectual diversion. The book is studded with memorable anecdotes. The Duke was an unreliable shot and on one occasion wounded a dog, struck a gamekeeper's gaiters and shot Lady Shelley's washerwoman through an open window. When the woman protested her Ladyship told her it ought to be the proudest moment of her life. 'You have the distinction of being shot by the great Duke of Wellington.' A brilliant combination of expert historical analysis and unflagging narrative. (Kirkus UK)

A bestseller in hardback, this is a highly-praised and much-needed biography of the first Duke of Wellington, concentrating on the personal life of the victor of Waterloo, and based on the fruits of modern research. Christopher Hibbert is Britain's leading popular historian. Wellington (1769-1852) achieved fame as a soldier fighting the Mahratta in India. His later brilliant generalship fighting the French in Spain and his defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo earned him a dukedom and the award of Apsley House (No. 1, London) and a large estate in Hampshire. His second career saw him make his mark as a politician with commanding presence. Appointed Commander-in-Chief for life, he became Prime Minister in 1827 and presided over the emancipation of Roman Catholics and the formation of the country's first police force. Privately, he was unhappily married, and had several mistresses (including two of Napoleon's) and many intimate friendships with women. The private side of the public man has never been so richly delineated as in this masterly biography.

General

Imprint:	HarperCollinsPublishers
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	March 1998
Authors:	Christopher Hibbert
Dimensions:	198 x 129 x 30mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback - B-format
Pages:	480
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-586-09109-8
Categories:	Books > Language & Literature > Biography & autobiography > Historical, political & military Books > Humanities > History > World history > 1750 to 1900 Books > Humanities > History > British & Irish history > General Books > History > British & Irish history > General Books > History > World history > 1750 to 1900 Books > Biography > Historical, political & military
LSN:	0-586-09109-2
Barcode:	9780586091098

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