Triumphant over Napoleon at Waterloo, idolized by his men, Wellington was one of the greatest commanders in history. Yet he achieved his victories despite impossible obstacles, not least George III's own army: chaotic, undisciplined and recruited mainly from drunks and idlers (in Wellington's famous words, the scum of the earth). But, as Michael Glover shows, Wellington's genius was as the greatest improviser in the history of war, whose campaigns made the best of every situation and left room for no surprise. Known affectionately as Old Nosey, he had a passionate interest in army life, and, although his famed temper could reduce grown men to tears, his commitment to discipline, improving conditions and reducing casualties inspired undying loyalty. This narrative follows Wellington's career from his early days in India, through to the Peninsular campaigns and the glorious victory at Waterloo. Drawing on lively accounts of privates, sergeants, officers and Wellington himself, with unrivalled descriptions of strategy, weapons and formations, it takes us right into the heart of the battlefield.