English Battles and Sieges in the Peninsula.

This volume brings to life the early clashes of the Peninsular War, drawing on Lieutenant‑General Sir William Napier’s firsthand accounts and the testimonies of commanders on both sides. It follows the first major engagements—Roriça, Vimiero and the dramatic stand at Coruña—showing how a small British force, under the leadership of the Duke of Wellington, confronted French armies in rugged Portuguese and Spanish terrain. Detailed maps of the valleys, ridges and fortified heights help listeners picture the tactical moves that turned these skirmishes into pivotal moments.

The narrative does not stop at strategy; it also records the grit and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought, many of whom returned home wounded, impoverished, or dead. Vivid anecdotes, such as the self‑less conduct of the Birkenhead crew, illustrate the enduring spirit of the British troops. Listeners will hear a balanced portrait of the war’s brutality and the remarkable endurance that defined the era.