A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 1, 1807-1809 : From the treaty of Fontainbleau to the battle of Corunna

This volume charts the early phase of the Peninsular War, moving from the 1807 Treaty of Fontainebleau through the desperate retreat that culminated at Corunna. Drawing on a wealth of freshly examined documents, it offers a clear, chronological account that blends strategic overview with vivid snapshots of battlefield decisions. Detailed maps, plans, and contemporary portraits help listeners picture the shifting front lines and the personalities shaping them.

The author’s narrative is built on the meticulous papers of Sir Charles Vaughan, a diplomat who witnessed the conflict firsthand and gathered notes from Spanish officials, military leaders, and local observers. By weaving Vaughan’s diaries with newly released Spanish memoirs, the history sheds fresh light on the motives and missteps of both allies and adversaries. Listeners will find a balanced, richly contextualized story that brings the turmoil of 1807‑1809 to life without spilling the later twists of the war.