This work investigates the pivotal events and tactical chaos of the Battle of Waterloo to determine how the conflict nearly resulted in a French victory. The author, David J. Howarth, utilizes a combination of primary source accounts, personal journals, and military records to reconstruct the experience of the battle from the perspective of those on the ground. By focusing on the human element amidst the strategic maneuvers, the book argues that the outcome was decided by a narrow margin of endurance and individual decision-making rather than purely grand-scale military planning.

The subject matter points to a detailed, accessible historical account that prioritizes the lived experience of the combatants over dry strategic theory. The inclusion of contemporary illustrations and plans suggests a work intended for both the general history enthusiast and the student of military engagements.