History of the War in the Peninsula

"one of the finest military histories published in England"

First editions of the first volume and last three; the other two being second editions. The first volume was published by Murray, who decided not to exercise his option on the next three having made a considerable loss, Napier therefore published the rest of the history through Boone having raised the money by subscriptions. 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)". A well-preserved set in a handsome Regency binding.