Dancing into Battle

The summer of 1815 saw the final and desperate efforts of European powers to usurp Napoleon's reign over France.

The pivotal moment was unfolding in an age where war was a social occasion; the military urgency was matched only by the soldiers and their wives' frantic efforts to keep apace of the lavish balls which were being thrown. The intention to deny war with frivolity perservered until 15 June, when the tension broke and troops exchanged dance partners for weapons and prepared for battle.

Nick Foulkes captures the sense of what it was like to be at the very hub of events when the fate of Europe seemed to hang in the balance.

“"Foulkes uses colourful accounts that historians have neglected . . . While he never disparages the bravery of armies, Foulkes's presentation of such overlooked material about Waterloo make this a welcome addition to its literature."”

[An] entertaining chronicle...Foulkes's description of combat is as deliciously British as his vignette of teacakes and cream--Observer
A fresh and vivid reconsideration of one of official British history's greatest triumphs--Scotsman
Foulkes has written a wonderful book. Drawing on a rich stock of memoirs from those who fought and those who partied at Waterloo, he creates a picture that is gaudy, sad, elegant and impeccably English--Mail on Sunday
Foulkes is strong on the historical side of events, most interesting is what he observes about the mythologising of the ball as it blended seamlessly into the battle--Sunday Telegraph

Formerly Associate Editor of the Evening Standard's ES magazine, Nick Foulkes writes regularly for the Financial Times, Country Life and the Mail on Sunday's Night and Day.

Previous titles:

Dancing Into Battle (HC Oct 06);

Scandalous Society;

Last of the Dandies

The summer of 1815 saw the final and desperate efforts of European powers to usurp Napoleon's reign over France.The pivotal moment was unfolding in an age where war was a social occasion; the military urgency was matched only by the soldiers and their wives' frantic efforts to keep apace of the lavish balls which were being thrown. The intention to deny war with frivolity perservered until 15 June, when the tension broke and troops exchanged dance partners for weapons and prepared for battle.Nick Foulkes captures the sense of what it was like to be at the very hub of events when the fate of Europe seemed to hang in the balance.

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