Blenheim: Battle for Europe

London, United Kingdom: George Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd, 2004. New book, 365 pages. Louis XIV had created the largest army Europe had seen since Roman times, and he encouraged his marshals to fight with ruthlessness. For forty years it was unstoppable: no army and no coalition was able to stand against the Sun King's soldiers.In August 1704, Louis hosted on of his typically lavish parties at Versailles, celebrating the crowning triumph of his armies. But before the fireworks could be lit came unbelievable news: the French and their allies had not only been defeated, but utterly overthrown. A whole army had vanished and its commander found himself a prisoner - of the English.The Battle of Blenheim changed the course of history. Louis's hitherto invincible army was destroyed in a day, never to recover. And the British were a power in Europe for the first time since Henry V destroyed the French at Agincourt. British soldiers made up only a fifth of the victorious allied army at Blenheim, but their contribution was decisive. They shrugged off their reputation for idle incompetence and showed uncommon ability and bravery. In the wake of Blenheim, the greatest land victory won under an English commander on foreign soil since 1415, the British took their first faltering steps towards Empire. Charles Spencer reveals how John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough and his friend and ally Prince Eugene of Savoy brought about this incredible victory despite crushing personal and political pressures. Marlborough's son had died in his arms; his beloved wife was on the verge of madness, and the parliamentary opposition plotted his impeachment. His friends and allies urged caution, but Marlborough gambled everything on a single day of battle. . Hard Cover. As New/As New. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.