PETER HOFSCHRÖER, A specialist in Napoleonic history and the author of the award-winning study 18 15: The Waterloo Campaign, wrote this book in an attempt to right a perceived injustice. It is a work of remarkably skillful historical investigation, and its findings may well dismay the Duke of Wellington's many admirers.

Fifteen years after Waterloo the Great Duke was Prime Minister, widely lauded, and the recipient of numerous honours. He was also immutably mindful of his reputation and, as this book reveals, intent on discouraging any questioning of his account of the events of June 1815. Wellington's pride brought him into