Histoire du Consulat et de l'Empire, (Vol. 11 / 20) / faisant suite à l'Histoire de la Révolution Française

The volume chronicles the 1809 military campaigns across the Iberian Peninsula and northern Europe, recounting French operations in Portugal and Spain including Soult's advance on Oporto, the Anglo‑Portuguese counterattack led by Sir Arthur Wellesley, the indecisive battle of Talavera, and difficulties caused by divided French command and local insurgency. It examines British maritime expeditions against French naval preparations at Rochefort and the large Walcheren campaign, whose failure largely due to disease blunted British hopes. The narrative analyzes shifting strategic plans, logistical strains, political consequences for French authority in Spain, and Napoleon's responses to external threats and diplomatic negotiations.