I bought Blond's book (in French) already some 20 years ago ... and, as it concernes the Peninsular war, especially the opposition of the Spanish people and the dreadfull guerilla against the French (and German) invaders, I don't have the impression that he exagerated his analysis.

... and a book about the whole Peninsular War, seen from a Spanish point of view - books ... one has to read ... to understand fully the impact of French invasion in Spain and the way they behaved.

For a better understanding of the Spanish struggle, and maybe also of the proudness of the Spanish people, you have to go back into the history of Spain, and especially read about
1° their reign of Flanders in the 15th - 16th century - Emperor Charles was born in Gent, some 10 miles from where I'm living, his son Philips II send the duke of Alva to suppress ruthlessly the protestant uprising in Antwerp, where all the protestant people fled to Holland and Germany
2° (not so far back in history) - the Spanish civil war with all the atrocities it encumbed - ...

Marc,

Excellent points. Thank you especially for the comment on Blond's book.

I have some grasp of Spanish history, but it is heavy on the view from the American colonies. I suppose the book you mention is in Spanish.

I have read some about the "Spanish Netherlands", but probably it was rudimentary because it was in English. I consider myself fairly well read about the 20th Century Spanish Civil War. As a note, the very last of the Spanish refugees in France are now dieing. The American relief agency dedicated to them has closed active operations.

I think one of the different things about Spain is that the political centrifugal forces are stronger than the political centripetal forces. It is only external threats (such as Napoleon's invasion) that hold the country together.

Kind regards, BaldJim