History of the War in the Peninsula - 1860

London: Thomas & William Boone,, 1860. A "magnificent (if somewhat prejudiced and biased)" narrative First published 1828-40; this is an appealing set of this classic account. Napier saw extensive service in the Peninsula, several times wounded, he commanded his regiment, the 43rd, at Nivelle and the Nive, receiving the gold medal with clasps for Salamanca, the Nivelle, and Nive, and the silver medal with three clasps for Busaco, Fuentes d'Oñoro, and Orthez. The officers of his regiment presented him a sword "as a testimony of their sincere regard for him and their high admiration of the gallantry and conduct he ever displayed during his exemplary career". In retirement he decided, "despite lack of literary experience" (ODNB), to write a history of the war; "Wellington refused use of his private papers, but gave Napier Joseph Bonaparte's correspondence with Napoleon, senior military figures, and politicians captured at Vittoria, and answered copious questions. For some months in 1824 Napier lived in a cottage at Stratfield Saye, but the duchess banned him from the house, because of his 'commonplace opinions in politics'. Sir George Murray, quartermaster-general in the Peninsula, denied him access to documents and maps in his possession, though Soult proved more accommodating when Napier returned to Paris, where he met other Napoleonic commanders, Ney's widow, and Jomini … Back in England Napier used journals and other printed sources, and corresponded at length with many British and French officers". The resulting work certainly divided opinion, "Soult considered it 'perfect', Sir Robert Peel 'eloquent and faithful', the Spanish general Alava felt it too pro-French, and a British officer in India demanded satisfaction on his return for a 'most unfounded calumny' about his conduct at Barossa". As a result each volume contains an accumulation of "justificatory pieces" in answer to Napier's critics, his controversy with Beresford over Albuera was particularly rancourous. Perhaps judgement is best left to the acknowledged master chronicler of the conflict, Sir Charles Oman, who described Napier's work as "magnificent (if somewhat prejudiced and biased)". Six volumes, octavo (192 x 120 mm). Attractive contemporary tree calf, triple labels to spines, raised bands with gilt dashed roll, gilt foliate rolled panel to the boards, palmette roll in gilt to the board edges and in blind to the turn-ins, Nonpareil marbled endpapers and edges. 55 engraved battle plans. Slightly rubbed on the spines, front joint of volume 1 just started towards the tail, pale toning to the text, a very good set. Sandler 2478.