Arthur Wellesley, 1st duke of Wellington, stands as one of the most iconic figures in British history, Innumerable books have been written about him, mainly if not exclusively focusing on his military career. One of the great strengths of Rory Muir's excellent biography -- the first of a projected two volumes -- is that in recounting his military service he does not neglect the less glamorous political side of his early career, one that was intertwined with his years in uniform.

This alone makes Muir's book an improvement over its predecessor Elizabeth Longford's [b:Wellington: The Years of the Sword|575863|Wellington, Volume I The Years of the Sword|Elizabeth Longford|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1285459479s/575863.jpg|562836]. Yet there is much more to recommend it. Muir takes advantage of previously unutilized sources to give a more well-rounded portrait of Wellington's life and career, one that puts to flight the traditional image of the aloof figure of old. Instead the reader is introduced to a more compassionate figure, one whose interest in the welfare and discipline of his troops serve as keys to his later success in his campaigns. Such attention helped to preserve his army in its grueling effort to drive out the French, first from Portugal, then Spain. By keeping them together, Wellington and his men triumphed over their numerically superior forces, and they were steadily advancing in southern France when the war ended and Muir closes out this book

Extensively researched and clearly written, Muir's Wellington offers an excellent account of his life and campaigns. Hopefully soon Muir will complete the second volume; when he does, readers will have the best biography available of his extensive and varied career as a soldier and statesman. For me it cannot come out soon enough. ( )

I recently finished Robert's Napoleon which I thought was great. Although I had Longford's bio of Wellington I wanted to read Muir's more recent work to complement my reading of Napoleon. I must say it was a struggle. As my library indicates I am a serious reader of British military history. Muir's bio may reflect that Wellington just isn't that interesting a person/general. I suggest skipping this in-depth bio for something comprehensive and readable. ( )

A very informative and surprisingly readable book, especially for those of us who only associate Wellington with the Battle of Waterloo. The author has done his homework and presents a complete picture of his subject. ( )