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Marlborough: His Life and Times (Marlborough: His Life and Times #2)
by Winston S. ChurchillThe second volume in the Nobel Prize winner&’s biography of John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough: &“The greatest historical work written in our century&” (Leo Strauss). After the defeat of the Conservative government in the 1929 general election, Winston S. Churchill entered a period of political exile; a time he referred to as &“the wilderness years.&” It was during this time that Churchill began his work on Marlborough: His Life and Times, widely considered to be one of his most ambitious and masterful literary works. Although not as well remembered as his more famous descendant—Churchill himself—Marlborough was an influential soldier and statesman of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Great Britain, known in his day as a gifted military commander who never lost a battle. This second volume of Churchill&’s four-part biography brings Marlborough&’s military successes, political intrigues, and personal passions to life, while his descendant reflects &“on the perplexities of alliances, the paradoxes of strategy, and the stresses of combat&” (Foreign Affairs). &“An inexhaustible mine of political wisdom and understanding, which should be required reading for every student of political science.&” —Leo Strauss
Marlborough: His Life and Times (Marlborough: His Life and Times #3)
by Winston S. ChurchillThe third volume of the Nobel Prize winner&’s hailed biography of John Churchill covers his military leadership in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough, was an accomplished military leader who never lost a battle. This is the third volume in Winston S. Churchill&’s sweeping, four-part biography of his illustrious ancestor, in which he recounts Marlborough&’s military successes in thrilling detail—including his support of William of Orange in the Glorious Revolution, his crucial role in the suppression of the Duke of Monmouth&’s rebellion, and his success in negotiating England&’s diplomatic position in the War of the Spanish Succession. With characteristic flair, Winston S. Churchill brings his ancestor&’s campaigns, intrigues, and personal relationships to life—and restores him to a prominent place in English history. &“A sustained meditation on statecraft and war by the greatest war leader of our time.&” —Foreign Affairs &“The greatest historical work written in our century, an inexhaustible mine of political wisdom and understanding, which should be required reading for every student of political science.&” —Leo Strauss
Marlborough: His Life and Times (Marlborough: His Life and Times #4)
by Winston S. ChurchillThe moving conclusion to the acclaimed multivolume biography of one of Britain&’s greatest military leaders by his Nobel Prize–winning descendant. The final installment in Winston S. Churchill&’s four-volume biography of John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough—a famed military leader known for never having lost a military campaign. Despite his successes, Marlborough&’s later years were full of struggle—including attacks from political and personal enemies. Winston S. Churchill vividly recounts the intrigues and challenges of his ancestor&’s extraordinarily eventful life. In this last volume, detailing the end of his career, Marlborough&’s story is told with sensitivity and nuance—giving the reader an intimate glimpse into his state of mind. It&’s a fascinating read for anyone interested in English history—and provides profound insights into leadership, loyalty, and personal conduct as valuable today as three centuries ago. &“A sustained meditation on statecraft and war by the greatest war leader of our time.&” —Foreign Affairs &“The greatest historical work written in our century, an inexhaustible mine of political wisdom and understanding, which should be required reading for every student of political science.&” —Leo Strauss
Marlborough: The Hero of Blenheim (GREAT COMMANDERS)
by John HusseyJohn Churchill was born in 1650, the son of a defeated Cavalier captain, in a household which had been ravaged and rendered almost destitute by the English Civil War. Yet by the time of his death in 1722 he was among the richest men in the country, with a dukedom, a palace and a principality to call his own.His rise to power came through a combination of good luck, astute political manoeuvring, and a brilliance on the battlefield that made him easily the most successful general of his time. In this concise biography of the man and his military genius, John Hussey describes in detail the campaigns that made Marlborough famous: the 1704 campaign to save the Austrian empire, which culminated in the great victory of Blenheim, and the audacious invasion across Louis XIV's Ne Plus Ultra lines in 1711. These campaigns are put in the context of the times, to create a portrait of a man who is still celebrated as one of the world's greatest ever military commanders.
Marlborough: The Hero of Blenheim (Great Commanders Ser.)
by John HusseyJohn Churchill was born in 1650, the son of a defeated Cavalier captain, in a household which had been ravaged and rendered almost destitute by the English Civil War. Yet by the time of his death in 1722 he was among the richest men in the country, with a dukedom, a palace and a principality to call his own. His rise to power came through a combination of good luck, astute political manoeuvring, and a brilliance on the battlefield that made him easily the most successful general of his time. In this concise biography of the man and his military genius, John Hussey describes in detail the campaigns that made Marlborough famous: the 1704 campaign to save the Austrian empire, which culminated in the great victory of Blenheim, and the audacious invasion across Louis XIV's Ne Plus Ultra lines in 1711. These campaigns are put in the context of the times, to create a portrait of a man who is still celebrated as one of the world's greatest ever military commanders.
Marlene Dietrich y la búsqueda del amor (Mujeres que nos inspiran #Volumen 3)
by C.W. GortnerLLEGA A ESPAÑA UNA COLECCIÓN BEST SELLER CON NOMBRE DE MUJER Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn y Marlene Dietrich dan salida a esta serie de biografías noveladas sobre grandes personajes de la cultura universal.Descubre las vidas de novela que han inspirado a millones de mujeres de la mano de Suma de Letras. Una novela biográfica sobre una de las leyendas más glamurosas y atrayentes de la época dorada de Hollywood: Marlene Dietrich. Maria Magdalena Dietrich vive para los escenarios. Con su belleza sensual, su voz profunda, sus vestidos de seda y sus trajes andróginos a medida, actúa en locales abarrotados y se enreda en apasionadas relaciones amorosas que desafían los límites de las convenciones sociales de la época. Cuando Hitler llega al poder, la joven parte a Estados Unidos y se convierte rápidamente en una de las favoritas de Hollywood. Hitler intenta traerla de vuelta con grandes promesas, pero Marlene pide la nacionalidad estadounidense y, cuando su nueva patria entra en la Segunda Guerra Mundial, acompaña a las tropas para actuar ante los aliados. Una historia cautivadora sobre una mujer decidida y ambiciosa que desafió las normas, sedujo al mundo entero y forjó su propio destino. «Me gustaría tener la oportunidad de vivir un poco antes de morir».MARLENE DIETRICH La crítica ha dicho:«Fascinante y cautivadora».USA Today «Esta reimaginación de la cautivadora actriz atraerá tanto a los fanáticos del cine como a los amantes de la ficción histórica».Booklist «Una novela bien detallada y realmente emocionante».Kirkus «Esta intrigante historia hará que los lectores corran a por las películas de Dietrich. El autor retrata el mundo de los cabarés alemanes y el brillo y glamour de la era dorada de Hollywood con aplomo».RT Book Reviews «Esta biografía novelada está repleta de apariciones de personas muy conocidas en la época, como Greta Garbo, el general George Patton o Ernest Hemingway; y revela mucha información sobre una estrella de cine única y enigmática».Library Journal «Marlene y la búsqueda del amor proporciona un retrato entretenido y muy acertado de una mujer compleja y cautivadora».The Washington Independent Review of Books
Marlene: A Novel of Marlene Dietrich
by C. W. Gortner“Full of Weimar Berlin decadence and the scandal of Hollywood, this is a gloriously entertaining read. Marlene is utterly beguiling.” —Beatriz Williams, New York Times–bestselling authorRaised in genteel poverty after the First World War, Maria Magdalena Dietrich dreams of a life on the stage. When a budding career as a violinist is cut short, the willful teenager vows to become a singer, trading her family’s proper, middle-class society for the free-spirited, louche world of Weimar Berlin’s cabarets and drag balls. With her sultry beauty, smoky voice, seductive silk cocktail dresses, and androgynous tailored suits, Marlene performs to packed houses and becomes entangled in a series of stormy love affairs that push the boundaries of social convention.For the beautiful, desirous Marlene, neither fame nor marriage and motherhood can cure her wanderlust. As Hitler and the Nazis rise to power, she sets sail for America. Rivaling the success of another European import, Greta Garbo, Marlene quickly becomes one of Hollywood’s leading ladies, starring with legends such as Gary Cooper, John Wayne, and Cary Grant. Desperate for her return, Hitler tries to lure her with dazzling promises. Marlene instead chooses to become an American citizen, and after her new nation is forced into World War II, she tours with the USO, performing for thousands of Allied troops in Europe and Africa.An enthralling and insightful account of this extraordinary legend, Marlene reveals the inner life of a woman of grit, glamour, and ambition who defied convention, seduced the world, and forged her own path on her own terms.“Cinematic in both scope and story.” —Booklist (starred review)
Marriage Made in Money (The Penniless Lords #1)
by Sophia JamesA young woman with a scandalous secret finds love with a down-and-out Earl in this historical romance set one year before the Regency era.London, 1810. After her first marriage ended in disaster, wealthy heiress Amethyst Cameron swore she’d never take a husband again. Yet her beloved father’s deepest wish is for her to wed an aristocrat. It is the only way to protect her life and reputation.Lord Montcliffe must marry into money to save his debt-ridden estate, but he doesn’t have to like it—or his bewitching future bride. So he’s stunned by the feelings stirred up by one scorching kiss! But when Daniel uncovers the truth, can he accept the real Amethyst and help to banish the ghost of her past forever?
Marriage Made in Rebellion: Marriage Made In Rebellion A Too Convenient Marriage Redemption Of The Rake (The Penniless Lords #3)
by Sophia JamesA Spanish beauty saves the life of an injured English soldier—sparking a passion that conquers all . . . He prayed this might never stop. This now, here in Spain with Alejandra in his arms . . . Severely wounded Captain Lucien Howard, Earl of Ross, had a boat waiting to take him home. If the beautiful woman who had saved his life remained in his company, she would be compromised. The harsh light of dawn would send each of them their different ways. Lucien thought of his family and his ancient crumbling estate. He couldn’t stay in war-torn Spain. Yet neither could he stop his arms from tightening about Alejandra as he breathed her in . . .
Marriage of Mercy
by Carla KellyHigh-born yet penniless, a young woman discovers a lavish inheritance—that comes with a ring attached—in this Regency romance.From riches to rags, Grace Curtis had to swallow her pride and get a job as a baker when her father’s death left her in poverty. But everything changes for the baronet’s daughter when she becomes the beneficiary of a surprise inheritance—one that comes with an unusual stipulation.Suddenly, Grace is able to give up her life of toil and live in luxury once again . . . but only if she marries her benefactor’s illegitimate son, a prisoner of war. It’s an offer she can’t afford to refuse. But her dying husband-to-be makes it even more complicated when he begs her to marry one of his men instead—an act of mercy for the man’s loyalty. This marriage of convenience with a complete stranger seems like an impossible arrangement . . . until Grace gets to know the brash American soldier who suddenly shares her life.
Married Quarter: Boots, Berets and Bloody Uniforms
by Maria Augustus-DunnServing the nation in uniform is a career choice. But have you ever wondered about the life of a partner of these brave men and women? Married Quarter is a light-hearted glimpse into the world of the service family, through deployments, postings, illnesses and into retirement. 21 years, 9 postings, 2 deployments, 15 jobs, 1 brain tumour You will laugh and cry as Maria Augustus-Dunn tells you her story: from the perils of dining-in nights to meeting the King of Cambodia; from her disastrous attempt at making a cheesecake to seeing her husband off for a 12-month deployment; from arriving in Townsville in the middle of a cyclone to breaking down on the side of a mountain in Tasmania with a caravan in tow. Married Quarter takes you on a 21-year journey of the highs and lows of life as the spouse of a serving soldier. This book is dedicated to the thousands of unsung heroes — the military spouses of Australia. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to Legacy.
Married to Her Enemy: A Medieval Romance
by Jenni FletcherFrom captive to bride... Lady Aediva of Etton will do anything to protect her sister, Cille. So when enemies storm her family's keep, Aediva assumes Cille's identity...taking her place as prisoner of Sir Svend du Danemark. Svend's sole aim is to fulfill his service to William the Conqueror and rebuild the life a woman's betrayal once lost him. So when he receives his new orders to quash the Saxon rebellion, he is stunned. To do his duty, he must vow to take the beautiful yet provoking Aediva as his wife!
Married to the Military: A Survival Guide for Military Wives, Girlfriends, and Women in Uniform
by Meredith LeyvaNow revised to reflect the reality of military and economic unrest around the world, Married to the Military remains an invaluable resource for any military spouse or significant other.When you marry a military service member, whether a reservist or active—you may feel as if you&’ve also married the United States military! While there are plenty of orientation books on military training, there is not much information available about handling the personal aspects of military life. Married to the Military demystifies the often confusing military world so you can make the right choices for yourself and your family. Meredith Leyva, an experienced military wife and founder of CinCHouse.com, the Internet&’s largest community for military wives, girlfriends, and women in uniform, offers time-tested advice on everything you need to know—from relocation to deployment, protocol to finances, and career to kids, including: -Keeping your love life together during deployments -Relocating yourself and your family around the world -Maintaining your own career when you're expected to move every three years -Understanding what pay and benefits you're entitled to—and how to maximize them -Dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other threats to your partner&’s well-being Whether you&’re figuring out military protocol or trying to understand the medical system, this savvy, friendly yet authoritative guide details just what you need to know to manage day-to-day issues and get on with the adventure of military life.
Married to the Military: The Employment and Earnings of Military Wives Compared with Those of Civilian Wives
by Craig Martin C. Christine Fair James Hosek Beth J. Asch Michael MattockFocusing on military wives' contribution to family income, the authors find that, in contrast to civilian wives, military wives are willing to accept lower wages rather than search longer for jobs. They work less than civilian wives if they have young children but more if their children are older; are less probable to work as they get older; and respond to changes in the unemployment rate as workers with a permanent attachment to the work force, not as "added workers."
Marry Me, Major: Falling For The Venetian Billionaire (holiday With A Billionaire) / Marry Me, Major (american Heroes) (American Heroes Ser. #38)
by Merline LovelaceAn officer and a groom But for how long? Alexis Smith is single, and desperate to keep custody of her late sister’s sweet stepdaughter. But for this, she needs a husband. She thinks US Air Force Major Ben Kincaid is perfect for the job. The Special Ops pilot is a world-class stud who loves a challenge—and is always out of town. A brief marriage of convenience suits them both…until Ben moves in. Suddenly, playing house seems a little too real…
Marrying the Captain
by Carla KellyAn independent woman is drawn to a handsome naval captain—sent by her controlling father—in this delightful Regency romance.Ever since her father tried to sell her as a mistress to the highest bidder, Eleanor “Nana” Massie has prized her independence above all else—even if it means living in poverty. But her world changes overnight when Captain Oliver Worthy shows up at her struggling inn. Despite herself, Nana is intrigued by her beguiling gentleman guest . . . Oliver planned to stay in Plymouth only long enough to report back to Lord Ratliffe—about Nana. But he soon senses that Lord Ratliffe is up to something, and Oliver will do anything to keep this courageous, beautiful woman safe. He’d even go so far as to marry her!
Marrying the Royal Marine
by Carla KellyA young woman’s journey to help in the war against Napoleon brings her close to a brave and caring officer in this historical romance.As the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman, Polly Brandon has always felt like an ugly duckling. So she’s amazed when Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Philippe Junot pays her such close attention as they sail for Portugal. She knows this Royal Marine would never look at her under ordinary circumstances, but having his protection is more than a comfort . . . it is a pleasure.Hugh is immediately taken with the spirited beauty aboard his ship. Her determination to assist with the war effort is admirable, and when she falls ill, he feels compelled to care for her. But Polly still has trouble believing what she sees in Hugh’s eyes—that she has turned from an ugly duckling into a desirable swan . . .
Marsbound (Gateway Essentials #309)
by Joe HaldemanYoung Carmen Dula and her family are embarking on the adventure of a lifetime - they are going to Mars. But Carmen isn't so sure she wants to. After training for a year and preparing to leave on the six-month journey, she finds that the initial excitement has given way to both trepidation and frustration.Once there, however, Carmen realizes that things are not so different from Earth. There are chores, lessons, and oppressive authority figures. All of that leads her to venture out into the bleak Mars landscape alone, where an accident takes her to the edge of death - and she is saved by an angel. An angel with too many arms and legs, a head that looks like a potato gone bad - and a message for the newly arrived inhabitants of Mars:We were here first...
Marshal Ferdinand Foch, His Life and His Theory of Modern War
by Andrew Hillard AtteridgeA. H. Atteridge penned many books on the subject of warfare, concentrating mainly on the Napoleonic period and the German army in the run up to the First World War. War Correspondent of the Daily Chronicle in the Sudan campaign of 1896, he was also special correspondent at manoeuvres of various foreign armies, and was an officer in the London Irish Rifles from 1893 to 1905. Some of the important military works written by him included Towards Khartoum, Wars of the Nineties, Napoleon's Brothers, Joachim Murat, and Marshal Foch. An acknowledged expert, his writing style is fluid and pacy without losing any of his authoritative knowledge.In this volume, the author focusses on the celebrated Marshal Ferdinand Foch: Atteridge documents Foch's rise from military theorist of high repute before the First World War to the pinnacle of command as the general in chief of the entire war effort. Not a dry analysis of dates and figures, the entire methodology of Foch's theory of warfare is discussed; from the foundations from Foch's time at the Ecole de Guerre to the application of them against the invading forces of Germany.Still an excellent biography of the leader of the Allied Generallisimo.Author- Andrew Hilliard Atteridge (1844-1941)Text taken, whole and complete, from the edition published in New York, Dodd, Mead and company, 1919.Illustrations -- 8 maps.Original Page Count - 286 pages.
Marshal Jean Lannes In The Battles Of Saalfeld, Pultusk, And Friedland, 1806 To 1807: The Application Of Combined Arms In The Opening Battle
by Major Robert E. EversonThe French Army corps during the Napoleonic era was a combined arms organization, designed as a self-sustaining combat unit which could operate independently from the rest of the army. One corps was designated as the advanced guard to the French army's main body and acted as the unit which would make first contact with the enemy's army. This corps developed the situation while other corps would attempt to maneuver to the rear of the enemy force and consequently fight a major battle under Napoleon's control.The advanced guard corps which made first contact, would fight an opening battle which could last many hours until reinforcements arrived. The corps under Marshal Lannes in 1806 to 1807 fought three opening battles. During each battle the corps conducted their security and reconnaissance while moving towards the enemy, seized their initial positions on the impending battlefield and fought as a combined arms organization for the duration of the opening battle.This study shows how each of the branches; artillery, infantry, and cavalry, interacted in the opening battle. This study also reveals how Marshal Lannes established a combined arms advanced guard element within his corps each time he moved the corps as the advanced guard for the French Army. Although this advanced guard element was not a doctrinal organization for the French Army, the elements mission was strikingly similar to the larger corps acting as an advanced guard, but on a reduced scale.
Marshal Joffre: The Triumphs, Failures and Controversies of France's Commander-in-Chief in the Great War
by André BourachotA century ago General Joffre, as Chief of the French General Staff, led the armies that blocked the German invasion at the First Battle of the Marne. He saved Paris from occupation and France from probable defeat. His calm demeanour when faced with a disaster, his ruthless dismissal of incompetent subordinates, and his skilled redeployment of his forces contributed to a historic victory. At the time many saw him as the saviour of the nation, but what should we make of him now? For Joffre contributed to the failures of the French army and its strategy before the war and during the first battles of 1914. Also his conduct of the war after the Marne futile offensives that cost thousands of lives and gained no ground, followed by near defeat at Verdun - undermined his position and led to his dismissal.Although he remained immensely popular in France, his reputation has been under a cloud ever since, and he has been overshadowed by the French generals - Ptain and especially Foch - who commanded the French army at the time of the final victory over Germany.Andr Bourachot, in this lucid and highly readable study of Joffre's career, focuses on his performance during the opening phase of the Great War. He offers a fresh and carefully considered view of the man and the soldier.
Marshal Louis N. Davout And The Art Of Command
by Major John M. KeefeThis paper involves an in-depth study of the art of command at all three levels of warfare. It examines this art through the eyes of one of Napoleon's ablest Marshals, Louis N. Davout. The paper addresses and accomplishes three primary goals. First, it defines the art of command and shows its relevance to modern day warfare. Second, the paper shows that Marshal Davout was the best of Napoleon's generals and had an art of command that rivaled the Emperor himself. Finally, the paper demonstrates how Davout was instrumental in winning the battle of Abensberg-Eckmühl.The study proves that Marshal Davout displayed an art of command at Abensberg-Eckmühl that ensured success for Napoleon during the early phases of his Austrian campaign of 1809. It does this through a detailed analysis of his actions throughout the five days of fighting from April 19 to April 23, 1809. The study then draws conclusions to help define the art of command from Davout's actions.
Marshal Ney - Bravest Of The Brave: Michel Ney, Marshal Of France, Duke Of Elchingen, Prince Of The Moskowa, 1769-1815 (1912)
by Pickle Partners Publishing Andrew Hilliard AtteridgeThis ebook is purpose built and is proof-read and re-type set from the original to provide an outstanding experience of reflowing text for an ebook reader. Few of Napoleon's Marshals have been involved in such controversy as the son of a cooper from Sarrelouis, Michel Ney. His reputation has been argued over fiercely by military historians, Bonapartists, revisionists and romantics for almost two centuries since his untimely demise at the hands of his own countrymen in the gardens of the Luxembourg. This volume paints a sympathetic picture of Marshal Ney, drawing on the memoirs of his subordinates and Général Bonnal's Vie Militaire du Maréchal Ney to combine into the best single volume biography yet published in English. Atteridge writes concisely but vividly, and does not shy away with the controversies that have dogged Ney's reputation, whilst providing a clear framework of the events. The details are accompanied by numerous maps, including excellent details on the often overlooked Battle of Hohenlinden in 1800 which secured the French Republic. From the early days of the French Republic, Ney fought fiercely and with much skill, through to the dark days of the retreat from Russia in 1812 in which he saved the remnants of the vast army Napoleon led to their destruction. His actions in the Hundred Days, for which he lost his life in a trial whose outcome was predetermined, are analyzed clearly and he deserved a better lot than he received for his efforts. Ney was a pivotal figure in an era of giants and Atteridge's book does him the justice his brave and valorous character demands. Highly recommended. Atteridge's book forms a companion to his other single volume biography of Marshal Murat and his work on the varied personalities on Napoleon's Brothers. Text taken, whole and complete, from the 1912 edition, published in London by Metheun and Co. Ltd. Original - 468 pages. Author- Andrew Hilliard Atteridge (1844-1912) Linked TOC and 8 Illustrations and 8 maps.
Marshal Ney At Quatre Bras: New Perspectives on the Opening Battle of the Waterloo Campaign
by Paul L. DawsonFought on 16 June 1815, two days before the Battle of Waterloo, the Battle of Quatre Bras has been described as a tactical Anglo-allied victory, but a French strategic victory. The French Marshal Ney was given command of the left wing of Napoleons army and ordered to seize the vital crossroads at Quatre Bras, as the prelude to an advance on Brussels. The crossroads was of strategic importance because the side which controlled it could move southeastward along the Nivelles-Namur road.Yet the normally bold and dynamic Ney was uncharacteristically cautious. As a result, by the time he mounted a full-scale attack upon the Allied troops holding Quatre Bras, the Duke of Wellington had been able to concentrate enough strength to hold the crossroads.Neys failure at Quatre Bras had disastrous consequences for Napoleon, whose divided army was not able to reunite in time to face Wellington at Waterloo. This revelatory study of the Waterloo campaign draws primarily on French archival sources, and previously unpublished French accounts, to present a balanced view of a battle normally seen only from the British or Anglo-Allied perspective.
Marshal Of France; The Life And Times Of Maurice, Comte De Saxe, 1699-1750
by Jon Manchip WhiteMAURICE DE SAXE was the brilliant adornment of a brilliant age, one of the most renowned and admired men in the Europe of his day. It is not surprising that the writing of the biography of this vivid, talented and entertaining figure should have provided the author with a genial and absorbing task.He came of extraordinary stock; the circumstances of his birth were remarkable; he was the lover of many celebrated women; he won the lifelong friendship of men of the stature of Voltaire; he aspired to a crown, and nearly became the Czar of Russia; his activities spanned a whole continent, from Paris to Dresden, from Dresden to Warsaw, from Warsaw to Moscow. Yet he was more, much more, than an energetic and flamboyant adventurer: he was acknowledged to be the outstanding general of his era, a military genius who linked the epoch of Marlborough with the epoch of Frederick the Great. He led great armies and won great victories.It is part of the purpose of this book to restore him to the pre-eminent place in social and military history to which his achievements entitle him. The study of his campaigns has proved no dutiful or dreary labour, for he was among the wittiest and most elegant military practitioners who have ever lived. There was a touch of diablerie about the manner in which he gained his spectacular triumphs that set him apart from the other great captains of his era.