NAPOLEON : AND WATERLOO e . By Major A. F. Becke
Major Becke's history. of the Waterloo campaign was first published in 1914. It was recognised at .once as the most important book on the subject by an English writer. The new edition (Regan Paul, 10s. 6d.) brings the work up to date, and presents the story in a single volume. The ground- plan of the work remains the same, but a great deal of the text has been rewritten.-. There are six new sketches, and most of the footnotes haVe been incorporated in the text. The new. edition should appeal to the general reader as well as to the Student of the art of war. Major Becke writes with great clearness, avoids military jargon, and treats his subject with skill and-ktiowledge. In his own words, " the interest of past campaigns lies in the study of human nature, which elm nges far more slowly than armaments ; and the Waterloo campaign provides an absorbing study of commanders Qf all ranks faced with unexpected situations, and the reactions of their minds to the varying strains which they underwent during the operations." Here is the paradox of war, and herein lies the fascination of the study of war. Major Becke
describes things which have happened. To those who have seen war the story is terribly familiar. Those who have not seen war would do well to read this account of Waterloo. They will not become militarists ; but they will learn some- thing more about human beings, and they will taste the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
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