Instead of the usual litany of battles fought and tactical analysis of the great general, this biography (as the sub title suggests) delves more into the personal side of the Duke of Wellington. What drove Arthur Wellesley, 3rd of 5 living sons of Garret Wesley, the 1st Earl of Mornington, to the rank o Field Marshal, Prime Minister, Duke and more titles and honors than can be easily listed here.

Hbbert examines the people behind the man, his wife, mistress, family, friends, political allies and enemies and how these helped form the lack luster school boy into one of the hero of the British Empire. With many referecnes to the personal papers and letters of the Wellington estate, Hibbert paints the portrait of a man of both quite ordinary and extraordinary abilities and dreams but over and an incredible sense of duty.

If you're looking for some insights into story behind the man who defeated Napoleon, you would do well to read Wellington A Personal History.