The First Peninsular War, 1702-1713

The War of the Spanish Succession has always attracted attention as one of the great wars of history. It is chiefly remembered for the victories of Marlborough and Eugene of Savoy, which add lustre to the reign of Queen Anne. But the war in Spain and Portugal was just as important. It involved the rival successors personally, cost almost as much, and promised the English and Dutch the gains in Spanish trade, which were almost as dear to them a their own safety.David Francis tells the story of a war fought by five allies against Bourbon France and Spain, and of the negotiations which preceded and followed it. He brings out the personalities not only of Peterborough and Stanhope, well known to English readers, and of the Methuens, father and son, but also King Charles himself and his attractive queen, and of his Court, including the heroic Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt.