The Bottom Line
Good model makers are renowned for their interest in perfection. Peter Hofschröer's book, Wellington's Smallest Victory: The Duke, the Model Maker and the Secret of Waterloo, reveals one example where a model maker's zealous attention to detail exposed a well kept historical secret still at odds with presented history almost two hundred years on.
The book is a fascinating read for those interested in model battles and topographical modelling. Without model maker William Sibourne's meticulous research and investigation, and Hofschröer's highly qualified historical examination, the truth might never have come to light.
Pros
- Clear, well presented and researched story
- Interesting details of early modelling techniques
- Great bibliography on records of the Battle of Waterloo
- Good insights into Victorian fascination with shows, displays and models
Cons
- Of necessity there is a lot of clearly presented military information.
- More photos of the model and the battleground would be nice
Description
- Well written with a good view of the reasons for the difference in views of the events.
- Good details of not only the history, but the process of the creation of Siborne's models.
- Clear coverage of the battle and historical events which led to the difficulties faced by Siborne.
- Fascinating read for anyone interested in models or miniatures, even if Waterloo is not your particular interest.
Guide Review - Review of Wellington's Smallest Victory by Peter Hofschröer
Peter Hofschröer is a well regarded historian and writer, specializing in Napoleonic history. His book Wellington's Smallest Victory: The Duke, the Model Maker and the Secret of Waterloo examines how William Siborne created his famous model of the Crisis of Battle at Waterloo, now on exhibit in the UK National Army Museum. Siborne's dedication to accuracy revealed aspects of the battle concerning the Prussian troops which was deliberately left out of history, and Hofschröer examines how and why this occurred and what effects continue today.
Siborne's creation, a highly accurate battle model of Waterloo depicted at 7 pm the 18th of June 1815, measures 420 square feet, at a scale of nine feet to the mile. Every tree, and topographical feature is accurately represented, introduced new standards to the model maker's repertoire. With 75,000 highly detailed 10mm high metal soldiers, one for each two real soldiers on the battlefield, the model created a Victorian interest in model soldiers that continues to this day.
Siborne's development of new survey and modelling techniques, his dogged research and determination to present the most accurate model ever seen, are all well presented by Hofschröer. The book is full of extracts of period correspondence concerning both the battle and the model. Model maker's are rarely credited for their long hours of meticulous research or the skills they must bring to every unique creation. It is fascinating to follow the story of a model maker who stood up for his model against one of history's most famous military figures.
Hofschröer, Peter. Wellington's Smallest Victory: The Duke, the Model Maker and the Secret of Waterloo.Published by Faber & Faber, London UK 2004. ISBN# 0571217680.
