E. W. Buckham was a professional soldier involved in staff duties, who-along with many other gentlemen of the period-was determined to enjoy his war against Napoleon's French in Spain and Portugal. His duties on the staff enabled Buckham to take advantage of a freedom of movement impossible for regimental officers. As an educated man he pursued his journey through the countryside of the Peninsula, taking detailed account of the people, customs and places of interested that he came across. He recorded his experiences, chiefly for the entertainment of family and friends. This gentle account of...

E. W. Buckham was a professional soldier involved in staff duties, who-along with many other gentlemen of the period-was determined to enjoy his war against Napoleon's French in Spain and Portugal. His duties on the staff enabled Buckham to take advantage of a freedom of movement impossible for regimental officers. As an educated man he pursued his journey through the countryside of the Peninsula, taking detailed account of the people, customs and places of interested that he came across. He recorded his experiences, chiefly for the entertainment of family and friends. This gentle account of...