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Talavera 1809

Wellington’s lightning strike into Spain
Series: Campaign
3.82 goodreads logo

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( 17 ratings, 3 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Talavera 1809 by René Chartrand dives into a pivotal battle during the Peninsular War, exploring the strategic manoeuvres and intense confrontations between the British and French forces. The work vividly brings to life the historical context, detailing the leadership and tactics that defined this significant military engagement. With a rich narrative, it offers a comprehensive look at the events and outcomes that shaped this chapter of history.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by military history and the Napoleonic Wars, as it details a pivotal battle between the British, Spanish, and French forces. This book offers an immersive look at the tactics and strategies employed, making it an engaging read for those interested in historical warfare and the dynamics of early 19th-century conflicts.

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A highly illustrated account of the battle of Talavera in 1809, one of the major battles of the Peninsular War.

A highly illustrated account of the battle of Talavera in 1809, one of the major battles of the Peninsular War.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Talavera 1809 provides a highly illustrated account of the battle of Talavera, one of the major battles of the Peninsular War.

The battle of Talavera in 1809 marked Arthur Wellesley’s first victory in Spain itself. Following this triumph, he was honoured with the title Viscount Wellington of Talavera and Wellington. Despite being outnumbered and facing desertion by a sizeable contingent of the Spanish, Wellesley strategically selected a superb defensive position. This strategic choice allowed him to repel successive French attacks, albeit at a heavy cost in casualties.

Although the French withdrew, leaving Wellesley in control of the battlefield, the high casualties and the approach of French reinforcements prompted Wellesley to retreat to Portugal. Nevertheless, his expedition into Spain had a significant impact on Spanish morale, reinforcing the belief that they were not alone in their struggle. The presence of British redcoats so near to Madrid, within 70 km, signified that they would return in the years to follow.

Featuring full-colour maps along with contemporary prints and illustrations, this detailed yet concise volume examines the battle with precision and insight.

Series: Campaign

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

René Chartrand's Talavera 1809 is praised for its succinct encapsulation of the historical campaign, highlighting Wellington’s pivotal victory as a significant morale boost to the Spanish, showing solidarity against French rule. The book is noted for its powerful exploration of tactics and strategies, enriched by Graham Turner's vivid colour illustrations, which bring the events to life.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780961804

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 March 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Osprey Publishing

Illustration: 30 b/w; 42 col

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Graham Turner

Audience: General / adult, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 6.0mm

Width: 178.0mm

Height: 244.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Rene Chartrand was born in Montreal and educated in Canada, the United States and the Bahamas. A senior curator with Canada's National Historic Sites for nearly three decades, he is now a freelance writer and historical consultant. He has written numerous articles and books including over 30 Osprey titles. He lives in Gatineau, Quebec. Graham Turner is a leading historical artist, specializing in the medieval period. He has illustrated numerous titles for Osprey, covering a wide variety of subjects from the dress of the 10th-century armies of the Caliphates, through the action of bloody medieval battles, to the daily life of the British Redcoat of the late 18th century. The son of the illustrator Michael Turner, Graham lives and works in Buckinghamshire, UK.

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