So Just and Glorious a Cause – Britain and the Liberation of Portugal

– Rolica and Vimeiro, 1808

Robert Griffith

Helion Books (From Reason to Revolution 1721-1815 No 131) 2024

ISBN 9781804514399

Pages: 516

Images: 34 b/w illustrations, 31 b/w photos, 12 maps, 25 tables

 

The first thing to note about this book is that it is huge, heavy and well-presented in a proper hardback with dustcover (sadly rare for Helion).

Robert Griffith has searched far and wide for original sources and must be congratulated for discovering several sources previously unknown to the reviewer; and has clearly carried out a great deal of research in a number of archives; indeed, the level of research is very impressive. This is critical, as the subject of this volume is certainly well travelled and can only warrant a new book on the campaign if it has something new to add to the subject, which this does in spades.

In fact, the title perhaps does the book an injustice, as it covers much more than simply the British landing and the actions at Rolica and Vimeiro. Over 22 chapters, this work covers the causes of the French invasion and the occupation of Lisbon in detail, indeed I have not seen such detail from the French perspective previously. It also produces much evidence regarding the British government’s reaction and the convoluted preparations for such a sizeable British army serving abroad and the Portuguese. The campaign itself is dealt with at great length, the Battle of Vimeiro alone covering four chapters and another four the negotiations for the Convention of Cintra and the subsequent Inquiry. It challenges many previous claims by historians and ably explains the most likely scenarios where controversy exists, using copious evidence.

Indeed, if there is a minor complaint regarding the book, it is that the evidence is reproduced in great quantity, perhaps to the point of overkill at times; indeed, the number of descriptions of the landings at Buarcos quoted, when there is little variation of description is perhaps unnecessary – sometimes less is more. Also, the long paragraphs detailing the careers of each brigade commander are perhaps too fulsome and could possibly have been produced in an addendum, as they do disrupt the flow of the story somewhat.

However, this volume is likely to be the last word on this campaign for many years and I cannot but recommend it too highly. There is much to learn and much to correct regarding this campaign and for those who have hesitated from purchasing this volume because they were unsure that it had anything new to offer, do not delay any longer. Highly recommended.

Gareth Glover

January 2025