Subaltern: a Chronicle of the Peninsular War by George Robert Gleig - Tapa dura

First published in 1825, this book was one of the earliest personal accounts to appear in print after the termination of the Peninsular War. Sir Charles Oman, the great historian of that long-drawn-out contest then being fought out in Basque Provinces, stated that, in addition to its literary merit, Gleig's record 'may be better trusted than Blakeney's equally vivid narrative', among others which were to appear in later years.A recommended book and one which should help many get an insight into the army of that period.

Ian Robertson has been writing on the Peninsular War for over 40 years. He has also edited numerous works by contemporary authors. Most recently his Wellington At War in the Peninsular was published by Pen and Sword Books (2000). He is also the author of the celebrated Blue Guides to Spain, Portugal and France and other travel books.