Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #280287 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 224 pages

Synopsis
Wellington's clash with Massena was one of the most remarkable contests between two commanders in the Peninsular War. These two formidable generals carried on a campaign of manoeuvre, battle and attrition across Spain and Portugal in 1810 and 1811 which had a decisive impact on the outcome of the war. Wellington's reputation was enhanced, Massena's was ruined. David Buttery's close analysis of this extraordinary encounter offers a penetrating insight into the personalities of these two outstanding soldiers. Using a variety of sources, in particular eyewitness accounts from both sides, he reassesses the famous confrontations at Ciudad Rodrigo, Almeida, Busaco, the lines of Torres Vedras and the final bitterly fought battle at Fuentes de Onoro. He sheds new light on this pivotal episode in the Napoleonic Wars and his account corrects the one-sided view of the campaign that has survived to the present day. In particular he reconsiders the true cost of the scorched earth policy that was employed against the French.

Customer Reviews

Thoroughly good read!
A thoroughly good read, and a must for any Peninsula or Napoleonic enthusiast. Mr. Buttery tells the story of what is a largely forgotten campaign, for although many of the parts - Busacco, Fuentes D'Onoro, lines of Torres Vedras, etc - are well known, the background usually isn't. He takes what I found to be the interesting and unusual angle of seeing the campaign mostly from the French view, with a fascinating insight into the mind of Marshal Massena - an interesting chap to say the least. I can recommend it entirely.

Good but similar to other recent work!
This book, whilst an entertaining read, suffers from too many similarities as Grehan's 2004 work on the Lines of Torres Vedras. This should come as no surprise given the trisection of Wellington, Massena and the Lines during 1810 - 11. Buttery's work is differentiated on two scores; by a concise personal and military life of Massena (who was a shadow to me previously) and an indepth analysis of the battle of Fuentes de Onoro (my favourite set piece of the Peninsular War). Also there is an illuminating section at the end dealing with a visit to the historical sites of interest something I've attempted in the past to varying degrees of success. Overall, this work is a value for money micro analysis of an interesting period of the war. P.S. a tip for Mr Buttery, you should update the Wikipedia entry on Massena as there are a number of errors currently present and I feel you should be the one to correct them.