A History of the Peninsular War Vol 1 by Charles Oman - First Edition

Description: "A History of the Peninsular War - Volume 1" by Charles Oman, M.A., First Edition, 1902, Oxford at the Clarendon Press, Oxford University. 653 pages. Illustrated with two portraits and nine maps, seven of which are fold-out maps. Acceptable/Good Condition. Some shelf-wear to cloth covering at top and bottom of spine, binding is intact but has some wear. Top page edges are gilded, covers are red boards with gilt decoration and lettering. Ex Libris sticker of "Junior United Service Club" and an ink stamp of "Bertrand Smith "Acres of Books" 140 Pacific Avenue Long Beach 2 California" on inside of front cover. See photos. "A History of the Peninsular War Volume 1" by Charles Oman is the first installment in a comprehensive seven-volume series that meticulously chronicles the Peninsular War, a crucial conflict during the Napoleonic Wars, fought between France and the allied powers of Spain, Portugal, and the United Kingdom from 1807 to 1814. This volume, published in 1902, covers the period from the origins of the war to the Battle of Corunna in January 1809. Oman begins by setting the stage with an in-depth exploration of the political and military contexts leading up to the war, focusing on the invasion of Portugal by the French in 1807 and the subsequent uprising of the Spanish populace against French domination in 1808. Oman's writing is characterized by his rigorous use of primary sources, including official military documents, personal diaries, and letters, which he uses to provide a detailed and vivid account of the military campaigns, strategies, and key battles. The narrative includes the initial French invasion, the Spanish revolt, the significant battles of Roliça, Vimeiro, and Corunna, and the British involvement under Sir John Moore. What sets this volume apart is Oman's attention to the experiences of the soldiers and civilians involved in the conflict. He provides a balanced perspective by considering the viewpoints of all the major combatants, including the French, British, Portuguese, and Spanish. His detailed descriptions of the battles and the complex military maneuvers are complemented by analyses of the political machinations and alliances that shaped the course of the war. Oman also explores the broader implications of the Peninsular War on European history, particularly its impact on the decline of Napoleon's empire and the rise of nationalistic movements in Spain and Portugal. His scholarly approach is evident in the extensive footnotes, appendices, and maps that accompany the text, offering readers a wealth of additional information to deepen their understanding of the events discussed. Overall, "A History of the Peninsular War Volume 1" is a foundational text for anyone interested in military history, particularly the Napoleonic Wars, providing a detailed and authoritative account of the early stages of the Peninsular War. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sir Charles Oman (1860–1946) was a distinguished British military historian, academic, and writer, best known for his authoritative works on the Napoleonic Wars and medieval military history. Born on January 12, 1860, in India, Oman was the son of a British officer serving in the Indian Army. He was educated at Winchester College and later at the University of Oxford, where he attended New College and excelled in the study of history. Oman's early academic career was marked by his keen interest in military history, particularly the medieval period. In 1881, he was elected a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, a prestigious position that allowed him to pursue his research and writing. His early work, "The Art of War in the Middle Ages" (1885), established him as a leading expert in medieval military tactics and warfare. However, Oman is perhaps best known for his comprehensive study of the Napoleonic Wars, particularly the Peninsular War. His magnum opus, "A History of the Peninsular War," is a monumental seven-volume series published between 1902 and 1930. This work remains one of the most detailed and meticulously researched accounts of the conflict, drawing extensively on primary sources, including official documents, memoirs, and eyewitness accounts. Oman's ability to combine narrative history with detailed analysis of military strategy and tactics has made these volumes essential reading for scholars and enthusiasts of the Napoleonic Wars. In addition to his work on the Peninsular War, Oman wrote several other influential books, including "The History of the Art of War in the Sixteenth Century" (1937) and "Wellington's Army, 1809–1814" (1912). His scholarship was not confined to military history; he also wrote on economic history and served as the editor of "The History of England," a multi-volume series. Oman's contributions to the field of history were recognized with numerous honors. He was appointed the Chichele Professor of Modern History at the University of Oxford in 1905, a position he held until 1940. He was knighted in 1920 for his services to history and academia. Oman was also active in public life, serving as a Member of Parliament for the University of Oxford constituency from 1919 to 1935. Despite his academic and public duties, Oman remained a prolific writer throughout his life, producing works that combined rigorous scholarship with engaging prose. His legacy as one of the foremost military historians of his time continues to influence the study of military history, particularly the Napoleonic era. Sir Charles Oman passed away on June 23, 1946, leaving behind a rich body of work that continues to be revered by historians and military scholars alike.

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End Time: 2024-11-30T20:14:31.000Z

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