History of the War in the Peninsula
and in the South of France, from the year 1807 to the Year 1814 …
London: Thomas & William Boone, 1835-40 Stock Code: 125535
Notes
First editions of the last three volumes; the first three volumes are third editions. Napier's work certainly divided opinion. "Soult considered it 'perfect', Sir Robert Peel 'eloquent and faithful', the Spanish general Alava felt it too pro-French, and a British officer in India demanded satisfaction on his return for a 'most unfounded calumny' about his conduct at Barossa" (ODNB) As a result most volumes are prefixed with "justificatory pieces" in answer to Napier's critics. His controversy with Beresford over Albuera was particularly rancourous. Perhaps judgement is best left to the acknowledged master chronicler of the conflict, Sir Charles Oman, who described Napier's work as "magnificent (if somewhat prejudiced and biased)".Description
6 volumes, octavo (223 x 135 mm) Contemporary black quarter morocco, probably French, marbled boards and endpapers, title gilt direct to the spines, flat bands with triple fillet gilt, panels in blind to the compartments.
Illustrations
55 engraved battle plans.
Condition
Just a little rubbed, some light browning and scattered foxing, but overall very good.
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