A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 2, Jan.-Sep. 1809 : From the battle of Corunna to the end of the Talavera campaign

Volume two takes listeners into the chaotic spring of 1809, when Napoleon’s ambition for the Iberian Peninsula splintered into isolated fronts. From the retreat at Corunna to fierce clashes across Asturias, Estremadura, La Mancha, Aragon and Catalonia, the narrative maps each commander’s bid for advantage, revealing how the war lost its early unity. The author weaves newly uncovered reports, personal letters and vivid illustrations into a clear picture of each campaign’s terrain and tactics. Detailed maps and plans accompany the text, allowing listeners to follow the shifting lines of battle.

In July, the British general Wellington steps onto the scene, attempting to fuse the scattered Spanish forces into a coordinated push toward Madrid, a move that culminates in the pivotal Talavera campaign. The author’s on‑site observations of the battlefield and river crossings add a tactile sense of place, while careful analysis of archival documents highlights the strategic dilemmas faced by both French and Spanish leaders. Listeners will appreciate the balanced portrayal of political intrigue, logistical hardships, and the human cost of a war that seemed to fragment before briefly re‑converging.