The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World

The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World: from Marathon to Waterloo is a book written by Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy and published in 1851.

This book tells the story of the fifteen military engagements which, according to the author, had a significant impact on world history.

Referring to Creasy's work in the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta The Pirates of Penzance, Major-General Stanley boasts that he is able to "quote the fights historical; from Marathon to Waterloo, in order categorical."

Creasy's text, while immensely popular at the time, and still frequently read today[3] came into an increasing amount of criticism from the 20th century onwards in regards to several aspects.

By World War I, fully reconstructed battle movements and plans were considered the norm if true analysis was to be undertaken.