This Pocket Book recounts the life and times of Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, through quotations by him and citations about him. He was born in 1769 and educated at Eton before being gazetted to a Highland Regiment; at this time his mother declared that "anyone can see he has not the cut of a soldier". Of course, he went on to become one of the most famous commanders of British forces in military history, remarking upon his army: "the English regiments [were] always in the best humour when we were well supplied with beef; the Irish when we were in the wine countries and the Scotch when the dollars for pay came in".
 
He retired from military service and moved into politics, twice becoming Prime Minister, although he had a low estimation of the House: "After you have sat one or two sessions in parliament...you will probably be as astounded as I have been how England came by her greatness". He died in Walmer Castle in 1852; his tomb is in St Pauls Cathedral.