"new The Tagus Campaign 1809 book" Topic

Just been notified of The Tagus Campaign of 1809 by John Marsden, which is said to show the Peninsular War from the Spanish point of view. Although this is the first I've heard of the title, I discovered it was actually published in June, so I'm wondering if anyone has heard of it, bought it or had any opinions on it to share. It looks an interesting read.

Currently reading this.

Does it cover what is normally called the Talavera campaign?

Yes, covers the subject from The invasion of Portugal and the abdication of the Spanish royal family to Cuesta's final days in command of the Army of Extramadura.

Includes chapters on Medellin, Oporto, Venegas's movements, Talavera and Almonacid.

Thanks King Monkey. Sounds like it covers a lot of (too much?) ground, though could be interesting if from a different to the usual perspective, ie, the Spanish. Would be interested to know your thoughts when you finish it.

King Monkey, does what the you've read so far, offer any pluses or negatives in terms of the actual writing and how it may compare to other titles on the topic that are usually based more around the British or French point of view?

It's certainly interesting to get a less Anglophile view of the the campaign especially shedding some light on the frictions between Wellesley and Cuesta from the Spanish side.

A quick look at the bibliography shows a fair number of Spanish references have been used.

Being only 240ish pages long it's always going to be a rather broad brush account but overall I'm enjoying it.

King Monkey. Thanks for info. I'm almost tempted, which probably means I will go for it. It is always good to hear a different viewpoint.

Going by the publishers website, there's going to be several further Napoleonic titles available in the Spring list. We'd better get busy reading. LOL

There's certainly some interesting titles hopefully being published.

Liking the look of this one

link

Always been partial to memoirs, letters and diaries.

Tagus book arrived today. Looks to be a good read. The author says he has tried to offer a more positive viewpoint on the Spanish General and his contribution to the Peninsular War, which should be interesting, considering the usual negative opinions usually thrown around. Only down side to title, if you can call it that, there are no photos, pics or prints of terrain, battlefields or images of units involved in any of the actions described. Does contain several maps and troops positions on battlefields.

King Monkey – Yes, some interesting titles to come. Just need to get stuck into the unread mountain, which has just grown over the Christmas period.

I hadn't actually noticed lack of pictures, can't say I'm that impressed with the maps as they're rather basic.

I think the only thing I really don't like is the break in the narrative while Venegas's movements during July and August is dealt with.