bound by Riviere

A superlative, first edition set of Napier's eye-witness account of the Peninsular Campaign bound in sprinkled calf by Riviere, illustrated with 55 engraved plates of battle plans.

Napier (1785-1860) was commissioned into the 43rd Regiment of Foot as Captain in 1804, undertaking his first engagement at the Battle of Køge in 1807, when British troops successfully besieged Copenhagen.

Shortly afterwards the regiment was sent to sent to Spain where they supported the retreat of Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore's forces from Corunna, the hardship of which permanently ruined his health. Forming a rear-guard, 'Napier spent two days and nights under attack at the Esla River, while his men demolished the Castro Gonzalo bridge. Rejoining the main force, he led a convoy of sick and wounded over the mountains to Vigo, marching for several days with bare feet, clad only in a jacket and pair of trousers' (ODNB).

First editions; 6 vols; 8vo (22.5 x14.5 cm); complete with 55 engraved plates of battle plans, ownership inscription in pen to front free endpaper of each vol., scattered spotting and browning, occasional minor repair to titles; 19th-century sprinkled calf by Riviere, covers with gilt roll border, gilt spines in 6 compartments, contrasting brown and black morocco lettering-pieces, marbled edges, extremities slightly rubbed, very good or better.