All The King's Men

The British Soldier from the Restoration to Waterloo

By: Saul David

Narrated by: Sean Barrett

The unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of Saul David's comprehensive history, All The King's Men: The British Soldier from the Restoration to Waterloo, read by the actor Sean Barrett.

"The British soldier," wrote a Prussian officer who served with Wellington, "is vigorous, well fed, by nature highly brave and intrepid, trained to the most vigorous discipline, and admirably well armed... These circumstances explain how this army ... has never yet been defeated in the field."

From the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 to the Downfall of Napoleon in 1815, Britain won a series of major wars against France that enabled her to lay the foundations of a global empire. By Waterloo, she was the paramount maritime and industrial power in the world, and would remain so for much of the nineteenth century.

This is the story of that extraordinary century and a half of martial success and the people who made it possible: the soldier-kings William III and the first two Georges; the generals Marlborough, Wolfe, Moore and Wellington; and the ordinary British redcoats who - despite harsh service conditions that included low pay, poor housing, inadequate food and brutal discipline - rarely let their commanders down in battles as far afield as Blenheim, Plassey, Quebec and Waterloo.

Critic reviews

Filled with swashbuckling derring-do, the reek of blood and gunpowder, combined with shrewd analysis of power, war and psychology (Simon Sebag Montefiore)

Those wishing to immerse themselves in this golden age of British military success will relish David's fine piece of history

At a time when the Army is facing cutbacks while being expected to fight distant, unpopular wars on a shoestring, David's book could not be more topical (Nigel Jones)

a big meaty, satisfying and thought-provoking book, a real achievement (Patrick Bishop)

Splendid. Saints, lunatics, and warlords ... they are all here in David's pageant (Max Hastings)

Incisive and acute . . . [David] always finds a telling phrase, an eye-catching detail or a human story

Very Dense

Saul David is an exceptional author. This book is set up in an interesting way, in that it more less follows the British soldier from the Restoration, the American Revolution, and on to Waterloo. However, that seems like it's not complicated, but it's hard to follow because all of the mundane details of soldiering are covered, and then it goes into well known personalities. But then there's a gap in regards to the American Revolution. So basically this is the ups and downs of the soldier. Unfortunately it is about battles, but not enough about them. And the issues of soldiers, like dress and food shortages, etc when combined with the most fascinating aspects of famous battles don't always gel. I'm wondering if the book might be easier to follow actually reading. Sean Barrett's narration is so good as to bump this up to a higher rating.

Good Overview of the British Army

A higher level picture of the British Army and key Generals. that led it

Interesting book

Story is a bit disjointed but generally flows quite well chronologically. It is more of an overview than an in-depth look at any particular general or period.

A grand epic

What did you love best about All the King's Men?

This highly detailed and super interesting book exceeded my expectations on every single level.The narrator was excellant,the facts well researched ,and the story told in a very accessable way.It is quite simply one of the best military/social histories I have listened too-Ive listened to alot as well-BUY THIS BOOK NOW

Excellent book

Well studied and covers much detail. Does focus on the leaders such as Marlborough and Wellington and ends at Waterloo which is where is said it would but would of been nice to go through the 19th Century. Perhaps SAul David could write
part-two'. Never the less you can read Richard Holmes 'Redcoat' to cover most of that - another excellent book.
What I really liked about this book was the British side of the 'War of Independence'. Most books seem to cover the US side of things but it is nice to see another perspective. I now plan to listen to Bernard Cornwalls 'The Fort' which will cover John Burgoyne's 'Saratoga campaign', actually I guessing on that one, but it sounds close. It is fictional, but I think it will give a rather accurate idea of the campaign. I think 'Jack Absolute' novel covers this campaign as well.
Anyway, a good study, well put together and nicely finished. If you are into studying military history, soldiers, 18th & 19th century especially British, then this is a must. I am so happy I listen to this book as Sean Barett has done an excellent job presenting it and Saul David in writing it.