The Duke

RICHARD ALDINGTON has had a long, varied, and distinguished literary career. Before World War I, he was a leading Imagist poet. He has published some nine novels, and his essays, translations, and critical pieces have a large and devoted following. Now, at fifty-one, he is making his debut as a biographer.

“The Duke: Being an account of the LIFE & ACHIEVEMENTS of ARTHUR WELLESLEY, 1st Duke of Wellington” is 405 pages of expert, delightful literary craftsmanship. It is also — and pre-eminently — a very personal book. Wellington has had his full share of biography, including a glittering, full-length portrait by Philip Guedalla. But Aldington’s is the first portrayal which makes the Iron Duke a real man with real blood coursing through his veins. This book is also remarkable for its comprehensive picture of the Peninsular campaign — comparisons with the current Peninsular campaign will be inevitable — and of postWaterloo England, an England which called on its hero for everything from Empire-saving to saving the Crystal Palace from destruction by sparrows. The Duke is not only historically exciting, but is a topical, completely literate, and frequently witty book.