In 1809 French armies controlled almost every province of Spain and only Wellington’s small force in Portugal stood between Napoleon and the conquest of Iberia. The French invaded Portugal in the summer of 1810 but found their way blocked by the most extensive field fortifications the world had ever seen
the Lines of Torres Vedras. Unable to penetrate the Lines, the French were driven back into Spain having suffered the heaviest defeat yet experienced by Napoleon’s armies. The retreat from Portugal marked the turning point in the Peninsular War and, from the security of the Lines, Wellington was able to mount the offensive campaigns that swept France’s Imperial armies back across the Pyrenees. ‘The Lines of Torres Vedras’ is an authoritative account of the planning, construction and occupation of the Lines and of the battles, sieges and horrors of the French invasion. It is also an important study of Wellington’s strategy during the crucial years of the war against Napoleon. AUTHOR: John Grehan has written, edited or contributed to more than 300 military history books, journals and magazines, covering a wide span of military history from the Iron Age to the recent war in Afghanistan. Between 2007 and 2014, John was the Assistant Editor of Britain at War Magazine, but now devotes his time to books. SELLING POINTS: . The most detailed study of these vital fortifications ever published. . Packed with first-hand accounts and reports. . Photographs of the forts of the Lines and a visitors’ guide. . The book was shortlisted for the Templer Medal. REVIEWS: ‘This is a well-researched, well-written, closely argued and fascinating contribution to the historiography of the Peninsular War.’ - The Spectator ‘Essential reading for every Peninsula enthusiast, this is recommended highly.’ - Military Illustrated 16pp b/w plates
