A history of the Peninsular War, Vol. 3, Sep. 1809-Dec. 1810 : Ocaña, Cadiz, Bussaco, Torres Vedras

This volume plunges listeners into the heart of the Peninsular War’s most decisive sixteen‑month stretch, from Wellington’s arrival at Badajoz in September 1809 to the stalemate before Santarém in December 1810. It follows the French thrust toward Lisbon, the dramatic battles of Ocaña, Cádiz, and Bussaco, and the construction of the formidable Lines of Torres Vedras that halted Masséna’s advance. Richly illustrated with contemporary maps, the narrative weaves together strategic analysis, battlefield detail, and the interplay of regular troops with Portuguese militia and guerrilla forces.

The author draws on previously unseen documents, letters, and official reports to shed fresh light on lesser‑known episodes such as the siege of Girona and the campaigns in La Mancha. By exploring Wellington’s three‑fold defensive plan—scorched‑earth tactics, mass mobilization, and fortified lines—the book reveals how these measures together reshaped the conflict’s trajectory. Listeners will gain a nuanced picture of the war’s central crisis and the forces that turned the tide during this pivotal period.