A Narrative of the Peninsular Campaign 1807-1814.

contemporary tree calf gilt by Bickers & Son

A handsome copy in contemporary tree calf by Bickers & Son of Dobson's abridged edition of Napier's history of the Peninsular War.

Napier (1785-1860) was commissioned into the 43rd Regiment of Foot as Captain in 1804, undertaking his first engagement at the Battle of Køge in 1807, when British troops successfully besieged Copenhagen.

Shortly afterwards the regiment was sent to Spain where they supported the retreat of Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore's forces from Corunna, the hardship of which permanently ruined his health. Forming a rear-guard, 'Napier spent two days and nights under attack at the Esla River, while his men demolished the Castro Gonzalo bridge. Rejoining the main force, he led a convoy of sick and wounded over the mountains to Vigo, marching for several days with bare feet, clad only in a jacket and pair of trousers' (ODNB).

8vo (21.5 x 14.5 cm); 10 photographic plates, including frontispiece, double-page colour printed map to rear, woodcut initials and headpieces, presentation inscription in pen to front free endpaper recto, occasional minor spotting; contemporary tree calf by Bickers & Son, covers with gilt roll border, gilt spine in 6 compartments, contrasting black morocco lettering-piece, marbled edges, minor wear, very good; vi, [4], 408pp.