My Orthez inspired research continues.
This 2002 publication was an uncorrected proof copy and contained no maps, although it did intend to do so. This didn't bother me as my previous book had supplied what I needed.
I only intended reading Chapter 17 - Pyrenees: The Invasion of France, July-November 1813. However, I enjoyed it so much I went on to read the final chapter Bascara: Peace and Thereafter.
What was unique about this book was the coverage of the political (especial Spanish) and diplomatic aspects of the closing stages of the war. It didn't concentrate on the day-to-day location of forces as the first book I read or only minutiae of a privileged officer's life contained in the second book. However, it was "spiced up" by the inclusion of various passages related to the fighting based on eyewitness accounts, something that was missing in the other books.
The destabilizing effect of the French occupation on both Portugal and Spain was detailed and that it led to the loss of Americas and further civil strife. Both countries were much the poorer for their involvement in the Napoleonic Wars.
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