White, Kenton Fuentes de Onoro

Massena's Last Battle and the Campaign of 1811

Volume 155 of the series From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 provides an analysis of the battle based on eyewitness accounts. Using the French retreat from Santarem as an example, it highlights the challenges in terms of supply and communication and examines how these factors influenced the outcome of the campaign. Logistics, strategy and adaptability characterised the 1811 campaign in Portugal and led to a variety of military challenges. Fuentes de Onoro takes an in-depth look at the dynamics of the 1811 campaign and shows how these elements determined success or failure on the battlefield. Fuentes de Onoro is essential reading for military history enthusiasts and scholars in the field of strategic studies. It offers a new perspective on the logistical foundations of warfare and combines historical analysis with enduring strategic principles relevant to modern military operations. The work appeals to anyone interested in the complexities of leadership, decision-making and resilience in war. Based on extensive research, Fuentes de Onoro draws on a wealth of previously unpublished archival material and sheds light on often overlooked aspects of the campaign. Vivid narratives illustrate the events from the perspective of those directly involved. The book is clear, concise and excitingly written, and does not overwhelm the reader with dense technical details, but offers an easy-to-understand and thought-provoking examination of the campaign. Whether you are a scholar, history buff or professional seeking strategic insights, the lessons conveyed in these pages are as relevant today as they were two centuries ago.