Books by William Francis Patrick Napier

Published between 1828 and 1840, Napier's History of the War in the Peninsula was a tremendously influential, if controversial, work. He had access to many of the participants, or their papers, including French ones. The work was both highly praised and criticised. Although biased, it remains an important eyewitness source.

Heroic, ambitious, fiery and individualistic, Sir Charles James Napier (1782-1853) inspired his troops and infuriated the authorities. This four-volume biography (1857) by his brother William tells the story of his life and career, describing his campaigns, his character, his high-profile admirers and the controversies he generated.