HI Bernard, As an old Wellingtonian, I would like to thank you so much for recommending Charles Esdaile’s Peninsular War to me a few months back. It gave me a fantastic insight into the people, politics and events that shaped that much ignored and now largely forgotten war. I was really struck by the horrible savagery that all sides displayed towards the civilian population, as well as the seemingly endless casualty figures on both sides. I think Esdailes did a great job in highlighting the enigmatic nature of the Guerillas, whilst debunking their heroic legend and portraying them as little more than criminals. I was also amazed at the remarkable ease with which all armies seemed to move around the country during the conflict. However, I was most struck by the great similarity between the inept Cortes of early 19th Century and the suicidal Socialist Government of 1930’s. Both of whom seemed far more concerned in fighting their own side for factional power gain, than actually defeating the enemy. I can now read Sharp with a far greater understanding. Many Thanks SAM London