Napoleon's Cursed War: Spanish Popular Resistance in the Peninsular War, 1808–14

Published as a significant scholarly reassessment of the Peninsular War, this volume examines the conflict from the perspective of the Spanish people rather than solely through the lens of military commanders. Ronald Fraser, an acclaimed historian known for his focus on oral history and social movements, sought to illuminate the complexities of the 'guerilla' warfare that emerged in response to the French occupation. The work serves as a detailed historical account of the social and political dynamics that defined the Spanish resistance, filling a gap in traditional historiography that often sidelined the involvement of local populations.

The design and narrative structure reflect Fraser's commitment to rigorous archival research and his objective to provide a bottom-up history of a major European conflict. By analyzing the intersection of national pride, local grievances, and global imperial ambitions, the book offers a cohesive look at how societal upheaval shapes military outcomes. It was well-received by academics for its depth and its ability to synthesize diverse historical sources into a clear, accessible narrative that clarifies the often-confusing chaos of the Spanish Peninsular struggle.