Albuera 1811 (9 reviews)
Found in: Napoleonic Books
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Paperback 336 pages
ISBN: 9781848326248
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The Bloodiest Battle of the Peninsular War
Found in: Napoleonic Books
All Frontline Books
Paperback 336 pages
ISBN: 9781848326248
Published: 30 November 2011
£15.99
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On 16 May 1811, the small town of Albuera was the setting for one of the Peninsular War’s most bloody and desperate battles. A combined Spanish, British and Portuguese force of more than 30,000 men, under the command of Lord Beresford, stubbornly blocked the march of the French field marshal Soult, who was trying to reach the fortress of Badajoz, 12 miles north.
Beresford, who defended himself with his bare hands against a Polish lancer, was victorious, but at the cost of 6,000 Allied deaths and 7,000 French in just four hours. The battle is best known for the Fusilier Brigade’s charge, made famous by Sir William Napier’s melodramatic description, and because of the tenacity of the 57th Foot that earned them the ‘Die Hards’ nickname.
The battle has not been seriously studied since Sir Charles Oman and Sir John Fortescue’s histories early in the 20th century – accounts which are incomplete and sometimes simply incorrect. This compelling new book fills this gap by using authentic primary sources to tell the story of the battle as completely as possible and dispels long-standing myths.
The book also brings to life the human dimension of the story by using first-person recollections to describe experiences on and off the battlefield. The battle’s drama is intensified by the circumstances of the fighting, which led to extremes of behaviour ranging from incomprehensible valour to rank cowardice. The book balances the traditional Anglocentric bias by paying equal attention to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Polish and German soldiers who fought there.
Beresford, who defended himself with his bare hands against a Polish lancer, was victorious, but at the cost of 6,000 Allied deaths and 7,000 French in just four hours. The battle is best known for the Fusilier Brigade’s charge, made famous by Sir William Napier’s melodramatic description, and because of the tenacity of the 57th Foot that earned them the ‘Die Hards’ nickname.
The battle has not been seriously studied since Sir Charles Oman and Sir John Fortescue’s histories early in the 20th century – accounts which are incomplete and sometimes simply incorrect. This compelling new book fills this gap by using authentic primary sources to tell the story of the battle as completely as possible and dispels long-standing myths.
The book also brings to life the human dimension of the story by using first-person recollections to describe experiences on and off the battlefield. The battle’s drama is intensified by the circumstances of the fighting, which led to extremes of behaviour ranging from incomprehensible valour to rank cowardice. The book balances the traditional Anglocentric bias by paying equal attention to Spanish, Portuguese, French, Polish and German soldiers who fought there.
This is a fine example of how military-history books should be written. Guy Dempsey has produced a factual, balanced account of Albuera that is written in engaging and interesting prose.Full review at: http://avonnapoleonicfellowship.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/engaging-book-from-cover-to-cover.html
Avon Napoleonic Fellowship
This is one of the finest tactical analysis of a battle I have ever read for any war or period in history. The author is able to impart an amazing amount of knowledge without ever... [read full review]Customer reveiw
Guy C Dempsey's meticulous research has resulted in an excellent and very readable study into campaign and battle.Militray Illustrated
I bought this book because I lacked a detailed level of understanding of this theatre of operations (in Spanish Extremadura), in general, and this battle in particular. I have not been disappointed. As a single... [read full review]The Napoleon Series
Guy Dempsey has succeeded in writing a clear and intelligent history of the battle. His use of primary sources in English, French and Spanish is refreshing, and quite important. Although Dempsey is not an academic—hardly... [read full review]H-France Review
Guy Dempsey's account provides what surely must rank as the definitive history of British involvement in the Battle of Albuera. His opening four chapters succinctly relate the events preceding the battle and outline the battle's... [read full review]Journal of Military History
For sheer detail and the use of accounts from all participants, this book cannot be surpassed. Guy Dempsey has written a fine study of this battle, which would be difficult to improve upon. Any library... [read full review]First Empire
Excellent book! Having walked the battlefield back in 1988, I wish I was able to have this book with me, as it would have enhanced my trip. Tells the stories of Commanding Generals to the... [read full review]History Book Club Website (US) Reviewer: Scott L
This is one of the finest tactical analysis of a battle I have ever read for any war or period in history. The author is able to impart an amazing amount of knowlege without ever... [read full review]History Book Club Website (US), Reviewer: Richard H
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