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Peninsular War, 1807-1814 Books
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Charles Oman
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 5, Oct. 1811-Aug. 31, 1812 : $b Valencia, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, Madrid
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 5, Oct. 1811-Aug. 31, 1812: Valencia,..." by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1914. This fifth volume chronicles a pivotal ten-month period of the Napoleonic conflict in Iberia, covering major military campaigns at Valencia, Ciudad Rodrigo, Badajoz, Salamanca, and Madrid. Part of Oman's acclaimed seven-volume series, it draws on extensive primary sources including diaries, military dispatches, and national archives. The work offers balanced analysis of all powers involved while focusing on human actors rather than abstract military units.
Charles Oman
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 3, Sep. 1809-Dec. 1810 : $b Ocaña, Cadiz, Bussaco, Torres Vedras
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 3, Sep. 1809-Dec. 1810: Ocaña, Cadiz, Bussaco, Torres Vedras" by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1908. This volume continues Oman's definitive seven-volume account of the Peninsular War, covering critical months when multiple armies clashed across the Iberian Peninsula. Through extensive research of diaries, dispatches, and personal reconnaissance of battlefields, Oman chronicles military campaigns involving Spain, Portugal, Britain, and France. His narrative focuses on human actors rather than abstract units, countering earlier biased accounts while revealing the complex warfare that shaped this pivotal conflict.
Charles Oman
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 1, 1807-1809 : $b From the treaty of Fontainbleau to the battle of Corunna
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 1, 1807-1809: From the treaty of…" by Sir Charles Oman is a scholarly historical work published in 1902. This first volume of a seven-volume series examines the military campaigns of the Peninsular War in Iberia during the Napoleonic conflicts. Oman meticulously researched diaries, dispatches, and archives while personally visiting battlefields to counter earlier biased accounts. His Victorian prose brings equal analysis to Spanish, Portuguese, British, and French forces, focusing on individual soldiers rather than abstract military units in this thorough chronicle of warfare.
Charles Oman
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 4, Dec. 1810-Dec. 1811 : $b Massena's retreat, Fuentes de Oñoro, Albuera, Tarragona
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 4, Dec. 1810-Dec. 1811: Massena's..." by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1911. This fourth volume chronicles a pivotal year of the Peninsular War, covering Massena's retreat and major battles including Fuentes de Onoro, Albuera, and Tarragona. Part of Oman's monumental seven-volume history, the work draws on extensive archival research and personal reconnaissance of battlefields. Oman aims to counter earlier biased accounts by presenting balanced analysis of all powers involved—Spanish, Portuguese, British, and French forces—with meticulous attention to personalities and strategic decisions.
Charles Oman
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 6, September 1, 1812-August 5, 1813 : $b The siege of Burgos, the retreat from Burgos, the campaign of Vittoria, the battles of the Pyrenees
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 6, September 1, 1812-August 5, 1813" by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1922. This volume chronicles eleven crucial months of the Peninsular War, covering the siege of Burgos, the retreat that followed, and Wellington's advance through Spain culminating in the battle of Vittoria and fighting in the Pyrenees. Part of Oman's monumental seven-volume history, it draws on extensive primary sources and personal reconnaissance of battlefields to counter earlier biased accounts and provide balanced coverage of all powers involved.
Robert Southey
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 6 (of 6)
"History of the Peninsular War, Volume 6" by Robert Southey is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume continues to chronicle the intricate events of the Peninsular War, particularly focusing on the battles, maneuvers, and significant figures involved. The narrative likely intertwines personal stories of key leaders and common soldiers, providing a comprehensive view of military strategies and the impact of the war on Spanish society. The opening of the volume introduces Duran, a Guerrilla leader, as he successfully captures the city of Soria from French forces, setting off a series of retaliatory actions that highlight the brutal nature of the conflict. It recounts the execution of members from the Junta of Burgos by the French, prompting harsh reprisals from Spanish forces. The narrative outlines various guerrilla exploits and battles, emphasizing the relentless cycle of violence and revenge that characterizes the war, alongside the strategic movements of significant commanders like Lord Wellington as they navigate the complexities of warfare in Spain. This opening portion effectively sets the tone for the grim realities faced by both combatants and civilians during this tumultuous period.
Charles Oman
A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 2, Jan.-Sep. 1809 : $b From the battle of Corunna to the end of the Talavera campaign
"A History of the Peninsular War, Vol. 2, Jan.-Sep. 1809: From the battle of..." by Sir Charles Oman is a historical work published in 1903. This second volume chronicles seven crucial months of the Peninsular War, covering events from Corunna through the Talavera campaign. Drawing on extensive primary sources including diaries, military dispatches, and personal reconnaissance of battlefields, Oman presents a balanced account of British, Spanish, Portuguese, and French forces. His scholarly yet engaging narrative counters earlier biased histories while bringing human actors to life against the backdrop of Napoleonic conflict in Iberia.
Robert Southey
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 5 (of 6)
"History of the Peninsular War, Volume 5 (of 6)" by Robert Southey is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume continues the detailed chronicle of the Peninsular War, focusing on military and civil events occurring in Spain during this tumultuous period. It addresses the strategic moves and battles involving French and Spanish forces, highlighting key figures and locations. The opening of the volume introduces several significant military events, particularly in Catalonia, where the French command shifts to Marshal Macdonald. The narrative outlines the siege of Mequinenza and later Tortosa, detailing the challenges faced by the Spanish defenders and the tactical maneuvers employed by the French. The text captures the intensity of warfare with vivid descriptions of battles, the morale of troops, the hardships endured by civilians, and the evolving nature of guerrilla tactics among the Spanish resistance, setting the stage for a broader exploration of the complex interactions of the different factions involved.
Robert Southey
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 1 (of 6)
"History of the Peninsular War, Volume 1 (of 6)" by Robert Southey is a historical account written in the early 19th century. In this work, Southey provides a detailed examination of the Peninsular War, a significant conflict that took place between Spain, Portugal, and France during the Napoleonic Wars. The book aims to explore not only the military events of this war but also its broader political and social implications for Europe, particularly focusing on the virtues and struggles of the involved nations. The opening of the book sets the stage by highlighting the state of Spain and Portugal leading into the war, as well as the negative impacts of French expansionism under Napoleon. Southey comments on the previous glory of these nations and their subsequent decline due to internal misrule and external pressures, particularly from France. He also touches on the moral and societal conditions present in both countries at the time, leading to an understanding of the patriotism and resilience that would define their resistance in the Peninsular War. This section lays a broad historical foundation, capturing the complexities and challenges that characterized the pre-war period and the eventual confrontation with French forces.
Robert Southey
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 2 (of 6)
"History of the Peninsular War, Volume 2 (of 6)" by Robert Southey is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume delves into the events of the Peninsular War, with a focus on the significant Siege of Zaragoza, highlighting the resilience and bravery of the Zaragozans against French forces. Southey's work provides an analytical perspective on the war's impact on Spanish identity and the struggle for national sovereignty. The opening of this volume introduces the Siege of Zaragoza, emphasizing the dire circumstances faced by its defenders. Under the leadership of Captain-General Palafox, the inhabitants demonstrate unwavering determination despite being outnumbered and facing severe scarcity of resources. The French initially underestimate the defenders, attempting to storm the city and drawing upon their military might. However, the residents exhibit extraordinary courage, exemplified by figures like Augustina Zaragoza who emerge as heroes, while the community collectively works to strengthen their defenses despite ongoing bombardments and desperate conditions. The narrative highlights themes of valor, sacrifice, and unity as the besieged citizens engage the French in a fierce struggle that reveals the deeper motivations behind their resistance.
William Francis Patrick Napier
History of the war in the Peninsula and in the south of France from the year 1807 to the year 1814, vol. 5
"History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France" by W. F. P. Napier is an extensive historical account written in the early 19th century. This five-volume work chronicles the military campaigns during the Peninsular War from 1807 to 1814, specifically highlighting the nature of warfare, strategic developments, and political contexts involved. The narrative primarily focuses on the actions of key military figures such as the Duke of Wellington, presenting a detailed analysis of various battles and decisions that shaped the conflict. The opening of the volume provides a transcriber’s note on formatting and presentation styles, emphasizing that it is part of a prolonged series dedicated to the subject. It briefly introduces the importance of proper historical documentation, responding to critiques aimed at Napier’s previous volumes. The beginning establishes a structured approach to the war’s history, with an overview of the political climate and military strategies, while referencing engagements in different regions of Spain and Portugal. Overall, this initial portion prepares the reader for an in-depth exploration of Napier's meticulous examination of military history and engagements throughout this turbulent period.
Robert Southey
History of the Peninsular War, Volume 3 (of 6)
"History of the Peninsular War, Volume 3 (of 6)" by Robert Southey is a historical account written in the early 19th century. This volume delves into the military events and political intrigues during the Peninsular War, particularly focusing on the interactions between Great Britain and Spain against the backdrop of French aggression led by Napoleon. It illustrates the complexities of the war through various characters including military leaders, politicians, and ordinary citizens navigating the turmoil of occupation and resistance. The opening of this volume introduces key events in early 1809, starting with the signing of a treaty between Britain and Spain aimed at solidifying their alliance against France. It details the surrender of key locations like Coruña and Ferrol, highlighting the despair and treachery faced by the Spanish forces. The narrative also follows General Romana as he attempts to retreat and regroup amidst increasing French pursuit, capturing the chaotic and tumultuous atmosphere in Galicia. Southey’s text paints a vivid picture of how both military blunders and acts of heroism shaped the course of the war, while also exploring the emotional and social landscape affected by these events.
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