History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France, from the year 1807 to the year 1814
by William Napier
History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France from 1807 to 1814
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Published between 1828 and 1840, Napier's History of the War in the Peninsula was a tremendously influential, if controversial, work. Napier had been actively involved in the campaigns, turning to history in peacetime, in part to refute Southey's account of Sir John Moore. He had access to the papers of many of the participants, including French state and military letters. Although denied the use of Wellington's papers, he spent several months at Stratfield Saye, interviewing the Duke, and show more he also met French generals in Paris. The first volume had a mixed reception, getting both high praise and bitter criticism from participants in the wars. He published several works rebutting his critics while producing the later volumes. Because of his obvious lack of impartiality, modern military historians treat the work with caution, but it remains widely read in the many editions and abridgements which were subsequently produced. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
"This is the story of the great Peninsular War, by one who fought through it him-self, and in no history has a more chivalrous and manly account been given of one's enemy. Indeed, Napier seems to me to push it too far, for his admiration appears to extend not only to the gallant soldiers who opposed him, but to the character and to the ultimate aims of their leader. " --Through the Magic Door, p. 184
A reprint of an edited edition of Napier's six volume set. I read it in 1964. One of the earliest military history written by a contemporary with insider knowledge. Oman is the superior product.
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Author Information
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Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France, from the year 1807 to the year 1814
- Original publication date
- 1828
- People/Characters
- Napoleon Bonaparte; Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington
- Important events
- Napoleonic Wars; Peninsular War
- First words
- The hostility of the European aristocracy caused the enthusiasm of republican France to take a military direction, and forced that powerful nation into a course of policy which, however outrageous it might appear, was in real... (show all)ity one of necessity.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Napoleon, the most wonderful commander, the most sagacious politician, the most profund staesman, lost by arms Poland, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and France. Fortune, that name for the unknown combinations of infinite power, was wanting to him, and without her aid the designs of man are as bubbles on a troubled ocean.
- Original language
- English UK
- Disambiguation notice
- This work should be the complete 6-volume original work. The 1973 Folio Society edition is a single-volume abridgement edited by Brian Connell, and should be separated from this work.
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, History, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 940.2 — History & geography History of Europe History of Europe Europe: Renaissance, Reformation, Enlightenment, Napolean
- LCC
- DC231 .N22 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania France – Andorra – Monaco History of France Modern, 1515- Revolutionary and Napoleonic period, 1789-1815
Statistics
- Members
- 69
- Popularity
- 454,805
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (3.36)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper
- ISBNs
- 4
- ASINs
- 10
