This is a detailed analysis of the Duke of Marlborough as a commander—informed, dispassionate, and erudite, set in the context of the military realities of the 18th century. It offers a description and analysis of Marlborough's qualities; details the battle of Sedgemoor, Marlborough's first engagement in which he played a leading role; examines the Art of War in early 18th century warfare; and explores Continental campaigns such as Donauworth, Hochstadt, Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet.

List of Illustrations -- List of Maps & Diagrams -- Acknowledgements -- Foreword -- Introduction -- Map of Europe at the beginning of the Eighteenth Century -- First Emergence, 1650-1684 -- Royal Champion and Betrayer, 1685-1688 -- William's General, 1689-1691 -- Disgrace and Reinstatement, 1692-1701 -- The Art of War -- Clearing the River Lines, 1702 - 1703 -- Crisis on the Banube, 1704 -- The Illusion of Success, 1705-- Annus Mirabilis, 1706 -- Frustration in Flanders, 1707 -- The Full Panoply of War, 1708 -- Vauban's Masterpiece -- The Bloodiest Day -Malplaquet, 1709 -- The Final Round--Douai and Bouchin, 171 and 1711 -- Marlborough - An Assessment of the Man and Soldier -- Appendix A: Marlborough's Major Engagements -- Appendix B: Marlborough's Major Sieges - References -- Bibliography -- Index