Lot 16: NAPIER, William Francis Patrick, Sir (1785-1860). The History of the War in the Peninsula . London: John Murray, 1828-40. 6 vols, 8° (215 x 137mm). Maps. (Occasional spotting.) Contemporary half calf (lightly rubbed). Provenance : William

NAPIER, William Francis Patrick, Sir (1785-1860). The History of the War in the Peninsula. London: John Murray, 1828-40. 6 vols, 8° (215 x 137mm). Maps. (Occasional spotting.) Contemporary half calf (lightly rubbed). Provenance: William Francis Patrick Napier (presentation inscription to:) -- Lord FitzRoy Somerset.

FIRST EDITION. The first volume was published early in 1828, but the publisher lost money and Napier decided to publish the remainder of the work on his own account. The second volume appeared in 1829; the third and fourth volumes were published in 1831 and 1834 respectively. In the spring of 1840 the sixth and final volume was published. The excitement which followed the appearance of each volume is proved by the innumerable pamphlets issued in response by those who thought they had been attacked in Napier's work. (6)