Reader's Reviews

The Fall of Napoleon

The Final Betrayal

Reviewed by Magnus Guild

David Hamilton-Williams first book in a planned trilogy on the last years of Napoleon's Empire ("Waterloo New Perspectives") seems to have almost justified the publishers' hyperbole; that it was controversial.

Here, then is the second part: "The Fall of Napoleon". The period dealt with in this work is 1813-1821. It can thus be seen that there is some overlap. The author justifies this by criticising the tendency of military history to compartmentalise (e.g. 1813, 1814, and 1815), whereas historical events do not always comply. We are treated to a full account, both political and military of the events of the period. So there is no more need to find two or more books on the same period.

If a criticism of the battle accounts can be levied, it is that they are not detailed enough for the hard-bitten wargamer. Yet, when you consider the scale of the work this seems a quibble, and anyway you can find orbats elsewhere. The reader will have gathered that this book is not as controversial as its predecessor. That being said, this book is not without its shocks.

Consider, for example, the fact that Napoleon was the only combatant without a hidden agenda. The Allies each had their own, which were frequently mutually exclusive. Castlereagh was even carrying out a foreign policy without reference to the cabinet never mind Parliament. The most interesting part of the book is that dealing with the Comte d'Artois' secret society: the Chevaliers de la Foi. This aside from engaging dodgy characters such as Talleyrand and Fouché, indulged in assassination. Berthier was one of its victims and it will come as no surprise to the reader that Hamilton-Williams joins Dr. Weider in accusing Montholon of Napoleon's murder.

Another startling revelation is that the British Government stands accused of fomenting the "White Terror". One complaint one could level against the author is that he sees the Revolution in terms of black and white, whereas the modern view is more ambivalent and dirty grey might seem more apposite. I would like to have known more about Fouché's involvement but I suspect that he made sure that his misdeeds were well covered up.

Highly recommended

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