True Soldier Gentlemen

Napoleonic Wars #1

by Adrian Goldsworthy

The year is 1808, and Hamish Williams is a 'gentlemen volunteer' in the 106th regiment of foot, a man serving with the ranks but living with the officers, and uncomfortable in both worlds: looked down on by those with the money or influence to buy their rank, and distrusted by the common soldiers who know he is not one of them.

But Williams is determined to prove by deeds alone that he is a man worthy of advancement, and when the 106th embarks for Portugal to begin what will become known as the Peninsula War against Napoleon, he knows his chance of glory is at hand. Soon he is receiving a sharp lesson in the realities of war, as the 106th undergoes a bloody baptism at the hands of the French - and he realises that his single-minded devotion to honour may not, after all, be the quickest route to promotion.

Combining the vivid detail of a master historian with the engaging characters and pulsating action of a natural storyteller, TRUE SOLDIER GENTLEMAN is the first volume in what promises to be a classic series.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, Historical, Military Fiction, 19th Century, Portugal

369 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Adrian Goldsworthy, born in 1969, is the author of numerous acclaimed books, including biographies of Julius Caesar and Augustus. He lectures widely and consults on historical documentaries for the History Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC. He lives in the UK.

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The French meet Sir Arthur Wellesley and the British Army

Review of Kindle edition
Publication date: January 27, 2011
Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Language: English
ASIN: B00H6STQ2M
401 pages

Adrian Goldsworthy takes readers on a journey to Richard Sharpe country. The trip begins with an introduction to the 106th infantry regiment, particularly its officers and gentlemen volunteers. The 106th is the newest and therefore junior regiment in the British army where almost everything is based on seniority. Despite that, Lt. Col. Moss uses connections and political maneuvering to get his regiment assigned to the expedition to aid Spain against the French.

The army ends up going to Portugal instead of Spain. After some maneuvering and skirmishing the French are defeated at Vimeiro. On the crest of his victory, Sir Arthur Wellesley is replaced by a more senior general who leaves the victory incomplete. Just as with Sharpe and his comrades, the 106th will march again.

This is a really well done novel of the Napoleonic Wars. Perhaps not quite as good as Bernard Cornwell but that is a matter of opinion. Cornwell does have his detractors. The characters and situations are well developed and held my interest. I am no expert on the Peninsula Campaign but the history and the historical personages seem accurate to me. However, the account of Vimeiro leaves the impression that the French never had a chance. Perhaps they didn't against the future Duke of Wellington but what if some of those senior British generals had arrived before Junot's French army? Would the French have still been so hapless? The only other complaint which comes to mind is that there is some predictability to the story. The good guys mostly prosper, show bravery and competence in combat and get promoted. The bad guys suffer casualties and generally don't do well in battle. However, I like a story in which the good guys win.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical military novel is about my favorite topic: the Napoleonic Wars. This is the first book of the series that follows the adventures of three friends from different backgrounds. They have volunteered to serve in the 106th Glamorganshire Regiment of the British Army. I am more familiar with Adrian Goldsworthy’s, Ph.D., non-fiction writings about the Roman Empire.

The book is well written and researched. The three friends are: William Hanley, a bastard and failed artist; Hamish William, a gentleman and officer; and Bill Pringle, a womanizing lush that served, as a soldier in the Peninsular War prior to joining the 106. They are now serving under Sir Arthur Wellesley in Portugal. Goldsworthy includes information about the daily life of a British soldier of the era. There is lots of action and suspense. The battle scene is realistic. Goldsworthy applies all of his skills as a historian to make this into a fascinating story. The story takes place in Portugal during the 1808 Peninsular Wars.

I read this as an e-book downloaded into my Kindle app on my iPad. The book is 401 pages and published in 2011. This series is not available in audiobook format.

[Robin Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review
At first I was sceptical, I have heard that Adrian Goldsworthy can be a bit dry and too mired in the detail. After a couple of chapters I was wondering if they were talking about a different chap?

Not that the book lacks detail, just that its so well written flows so well, that the detail does not drag you down. Much as he may hate the comparison, this for me was like a Sharpe prequel, and I very much enjoyed it, even though it probably meandered along for about 50% of the book, but while meandering it introduced you to each character and the characters are compelling and draw you in, you give them that emotional connection that immerses you fully in the story. Then the latter 50% the run in at the end was truly excellent almost breathless in its finish.

If I had to criticise one major plot line it would be the inclusion of the Russian angle, I felt it was not needed, enough could have been written and in such a way that this side plot was not required...in fact this made it even more Sharpe like...again not a bad comparison to have, but surely he is looking to stand alone not follow in steps already taken? (but thats a purely personal opinion, and not a detraction from an excellent book) I look forward to book 2, because despite the Russian angle this was an fantastic read, well written, well laid out and absorbing from start to finish. (Parm)

Description: (from back of Book)
The year is 1808, and Hamish Williams is a 'gentlemen volunteer' in the 106th regiment of foot, a man serving with the ranks but living with the officers, and uncomfortable in both worlds: looked down on by those with the money or influence to buy their rank, and distrusted by the common soldiers who know he is not one of them. But Williams is determined to prove by deeds alone that he is a man worthy of advancement, and when the 106th embarks for Portugal to begin what will become known as the Peninsula War against Napoleon, he knows his chance of glory is at hand. Soon he is receiving a sharp lesson in the realities of war, as the 106th undergoes a bloody baptism at the hands of the French - and he realises that his single-minded devotion to honour may not, after all, be the quickest route to promotion. Combining the vivid detail of a master historian with the engaging characters and pulsating action of a natural storyteller, TRUE SOLDIER GENTLEMAN is the first volume in what promises to be a classic series

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book in a series often starts slowly because characters have to be introduced and settings developed. This book is no different as it takes nearly half the book to talk about the training of the 106th, which is okay because I did learn a lot about how soldiers of the British army learned their trade in the Napoleonic Wars. On the other hand, it gives the main characters too much time, in my opinion, to get into trouble--drinking-wise and romance-wise. That is not to say they don't repeat their follies upon arrival in Portugal, but the description of the battles helps to make up for it.

The two main battles discussed are Rolica and Vimeiro, which were led by Sir Arthur Wellesley, before he was superseded by two less-than-stellar officers. The book does not discuss the Convention of Cintra, but if you know anything about the Peninsular War, you know how that debacle turned out.

I like most of the members of the 106th, and fortunately, many of the annoying characters have already been eliminated, however, there was a hint of warning that trouble in the ranks will be forthcoming. Strangely, the book just stops after the two battles, which is a classic sign of a series in which more will be revealed in the next novel.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the strongest historical fiction I've ever read that is for sure. Definitely a set up for books to come though and therefore I give it an uninspirational review and a dose of positive 3 star rating.
This was set in an era that holds little interest for me anyway and it was fighting an uphill battle to win me. Sadly, it lost me instead.
There was very little action or plot. It seemed to have been sacrificed for a handful of true soldier gentlemen adjusting their cravats, jostling for the ladies, marching and flintlock loading.
A tad boring it sounds? A tad boring it was.
I may read the next in the series, which meant it wasn't a complete loss.
A fair offering from a first time historical fiction writer and a terrible offering from an historical non-fiction writer with a goodly reputation. I expected more.
Not much more to say than that really.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll start by saying that I am a big fan of this period of English history. Bernard Cornwell and Jane Austen have made it one of my favorites actually.

The story starts with William Hanley, bastard & failed artist and grows to include several other members of the 106th foot, including Hamish Williams, gentleman volunteer and Billy Pringle, a womanizing lush & sometime romantic. It begins in 1808 with Hanley joining the regiment after escaping from Spain and ends with Wellingtons first major battle in the war against the French in Portugal.

The first two thirds of this book seemed to be one long introduction to the characters and life as a soldier. So many characters were mentioned in the first few chapters that until about halfway though I don't think I had them all sorted out. There is a massive amount of detail on the uniforms, living arrangements and regiments, all of it very thorough but it does bog the narrative down alot. There was also quite a few side stories that felt like they didn't belong, I am assuming that most of them were a start to a larger view though maybe not all and sometimes they didn't fit into the storytelling that well. The additon of several characters from the novel Pride & Prejudice was curious and I personally didn't really appreciate it, though it neither detracted or added to the story in my view. I see the potential in the story and with promised future battles in Canada and at Waterloo I am hoping for better in the next book.

[Bernie Charbonneau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a time between 3 or 4 stars. This was a group read with my Ancient Medieval group that I wanted to like very much because the book takes place in an era that I am quite familiar with. Living in Canada, the war of 1812 is very prominent, especially in Ontario and Quebec. I have read numerous books on the subject and visited a fair amount of historical sites.
With a battalion of characters, (pun intended) this book takes us through the rigors of early 19th century army life. I found the characters to be full of life and interesting. Why the 3 stars and not 4, I found the book to be lacking that, what, punch-in-the-gut feel when reading early battle scenes.
This novel is centered in 1808 at the beginning of the Peninsular War between Britain and France on the shores of Portugal. Although this is a novel of historical fiction, the story was quite well done. I am not a reader who needs his historical facts to be 100% true, since it is supposed to be a work of fiction, but the story should hold true to the event depicted. In a bit of research, Mr. Goldsworthy seems to have captured the event realistically. This is supposedly the first novel in a series that will center around this era so for me, I will look forward to the next volume and the adventures that the characters will lead us on.

[Bobby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to give a 4 star a bit grudgingly. But knowing this is part of an extensive series, perhaps the over-the-top lengths of characterization were necessary. I found the last third of the book to be a bit of a page-turner and even enjoyed the Russian implications. Mr. Goldsworthy has an immense amount of knowledge about this time period and overall the history lessons were appreciated.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tinha este livro para ler há algum tempo e foi uma boa leitura. Narrada através de várias perspetivas, a história liga-se a factos reais que aconteceram durante as Invasões Francesas. Algumas partes são passadas na Inglaterra e na Espanha, mas a maior parte é em Portugal, o que também me fez querer ler o livro, uma vez que é sempre interessante ler livros Históricos passados no nosso país.

É um livro com uma base de contexto histórico bem sustentado. Nota-se plenamente que existe estudo sobre os diferentes temas abordados, o que é sempre bom de encontrar neste género de narrativa. No entanto, também há a parte criada pelo autor, que se enterlaça com a História real de modo muito bem conseguido. A escrita é fluída, se bem que existem muitos momentos descritivos, em especial a nível militar e de organização das tropas e explicações referentes a este tema. Tal pode tornar a leitura um pouco menos fluída em determinados momentos, que acabam por ser compensados nos momentos de ação.

Gostei das personagens. Todas elas têm as suas características, motivações e personalidade. Gostei especialmente das principais, que demonstram grande caráter. Foi interessante acompanhar as suas aventuras e observar as suas atitudes e comportamentos.

A nível da ação, esta tem um forte cariz militar, mas também tem alguns momentos de companheirismo, aventura e romance.

Em suma, é um bom livro, bem escrito e com uma base sólida de pesquisa a nível histórico. Recomendo a todos os que gostam deste género de narrativa.

[William Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel is written by the eminent historian, Adrian Goldsworthy, which is a great point in its favor. This is an excellent novel with endearing characters, elegant balls and thrilling battles. Goldsworthy turns what could be a heroic romance into a very earthy and realistic story by including fascinating details such as drills, camp life and the horrors of war into his narrative. Yet, Goldsworthy’s humor and characters prevent his book from degenerating into grim-dark. Above all, Goldsworthy excels at sensitively illustrating the soldiers’ psychology. His soldiers are not plot-armored heroism machines but people, warts and all, driven by fear, ambition, duty, honor and greed, just to name a few. Earthy and charming, gritty and gentile, True Soldier Gentlemen is a very handsome novel.

[John Zeivel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it. Goldsworthy pays an attention to historical detail (since he IS an Historian) without being dry. He also writes VERY well; nice gift with words. One cannot help comparing his account of the Peninsular War with Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe Series. Both authors give you a sense of what the campaign was like, and are very accurate in unit placements, etc. Cornwell tends to be a bit 'grittier': probably an 'R' rating for Cornwell and a 'PG' rating for Goldsworthy.

[Ben Duerksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Goldsworthy’s Vindolanda and sequel trilogy; characters were well developed, plots were interesting, and his command of the history made detailed inclusion feel effortless without being overbearing. I prefer the Napoleonic period, but wasn’t sure how he’d do outside of the setting (ancient Rome) that makes up so much of his body of work and degree. I needn’t have worried. For the most part I feel like he’s made the transition well, once again providing good characters who each feel like their personalities have some meat on them. Some of the first book’s plot is, self-admitted by Goldsworthy, wholly fiction and somewhat far-fetched, but on the whole the first 1/3 establishing character background and highlighting the training of the British army is well executed, and the latter portions of the book effectively convey in broad strokes the start of the Peninsular War.

I will say that I did find the writing bogged down in overall battle descriptions, and it was hard to tell what was happening where at times. Similarly, more could have been done to highlight some of the methods and/or innovations employed during the battles included, enhancing the overall effect of the use of fiction as a medium to tell history.

Overall though, quite enjoyed, and as much as I like Cornwell’s various series of historical fiction, Sharpe included, I find Goldsworthy far less formulaic in his plots, and much better in his character development.

As an aside- I can’t find anything about this anywhere but there’s a couple-line reference to the leader of the 60th rifles who has a glass eye he takes out during combat and replaced with an eyepatch, but the character recognizing the officer can’t recall his name. I can’t help but to think this is an ode to Cornwell’s Fredrikson character who first appeared in Sharpe’s Enemy. If anyone can point to a confirmation or denial I’d be much appreciated.

[Tapio · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Adrian Goldworthy has tried his hand in the historical fiction department, having read and liked some of his non-fiction. The milieu is not ancient Rome (another slight surprise), but Napoleonic Europe, and the characters soldier's in the army of Britain.

The main impression after finishing the book is that there's an abundance of research behind it, and the author knows what he's talking about. The story itself is balanced just the way I like my historical fiction: based on our best knowledge of what happened, with the feeling that events described could possibly have occurred.

Introduction of characters takes up much of the book, and there's little space to further develop them. That's something to look forward to in further books. Now events and characters feel somewhat loosely connected at times, with the point of view swinging wildly even from chapter to chapter, which makes the story a bit awkward to follow. Generally the prose is good, however, and the last bit of the book does somewhat grip you. This with added historical exposition and background information does make for an enjoyable read, which I really hope will improve even further in the sequels.

[Mark Croxford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Novel by respected author of historical non-fiction.

Although the battalion with the main characters does not leave England until half way through the book, the action builds in the second half.

The author's notes at the end of the book indicate that he was trying to show the life of gentlemen of limited finances in the same way that Jane Austin characters tend to be ladies of limited finances.

[Alick · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an excellent read, that gets better the further one gets. It takes a bit of a warm up if you are used to a Sharpe style novel as it it written with more character involvement. I knocked off a star due to the subplot of the Russians. It seemed a bit pointless frankly. If they were to become the arch villain in the series then perhaps but not the way it is presented. Still, a most enjoyable page turner.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came to Goldsworthy's Napoleonic series having read a handful of his books on Roman history, all of them impressing me with a strong historical narrative. True Soldier Gentleman impressed me too, both with the attention to historical detail and the compelling characters it introduces. While each book in this series is better than the last, there is no doubt that this one hooked me completely.

[Gareth Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billed as Jane Austen meets Bernard Cornwell. In reality, it is more the latter than the former but a good read nonetheless. Lots of technical military knowledge deployed in the battle scenes. Effective use of characters and the foibles of the era to create an engaging tale. glad this is a series. I shall be reading them all.

[Chris Hinks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

I was not expecting the long initial introduction to the men, and that almost felt irrelevant. However, the military customs were really enlightening. A "historical facts" piece at the end would have been welcomed.

[Nicholas Quenet · Rating 4 out of 5]

book 1 on the Napoleonic wars

I enjoyed this first book as it had a mix of fiction & fact. The 106 was fiction but based on a real regiment. One or two of the battles were real. A lot of the officers were fiction but based on real soldiers of the time.

[Diane Cranson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first fiction book by acclaimed historian and author Adrian Goldsworthy, and also a great start to his Napoleonic Wars series, covering some of the battalion's training in England, and then the battles of Roliça and Vimiero. The second is in my pile to be read.

[Kevin Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent

This was a good read, I found it a little slow to get going(this is normal in the first of a series) but once they were actually on the battlefield the story realy took off, I will be reading the rest of the series, recommended.

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true gentleman's story.

The book starts a little slowly but soon develops in to a great war epic. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Alan Porter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hope book 2 gets better....still a solid 3 stars for book 1

[Michael G Beacham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Detailed War Description

Would have liked more history, why was Portugal important to France? Also, what made the French so sold on Napoleon?

[Lelia Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A start of a good story

You have the start of a good story. Your research and the story line is excellent. Your main characters are good looking forward to your next book

[Laura L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A first rate read!

If you enjoy Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe series, you will enjoy this book. Well-written and enjoyable characters to whom death and maiming can come quickly.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cornwell does it better but nevertheless still good.

[Tim Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable read but I was expecting more pages devoted to the battles encountered. I would recommend and will read the others in the series.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I was not expecting much from the first book of the series, there was no shock to me that more than one third of the book was just describing the 106th foot and introducing the readers to the characters. I hope the story gets better as I start the second book of the series.

[Marisa Fernandes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este é o primeiro, embora o único traduzido para língua portuguesa, de seis volumes de uma colecção sobre as guerras napoleónicas.

"Soldados de Honra" passa-se primeiro em Espanha e depois em Portugal. Foi, aliás, esta passagem por Portugal que me despertou há alguns anos atrás a curiosidade para este livro, sobretudo pela relação que a mesma teve nos meus antepassados maternos.

Adrian Goldsworthy foca-se muito na distribuição dos homens no terreno, no modo como se dava o ingresso na carreira militar (algo que não existia como se conhece hoje e estava muito nos inícios) e na relação entre a vida pessoal de alguns dos soldados (ingleses) e a sua participação na ajuda inglesa a Portugal contra os franceses como forma de ganharem respeito, reconhecimento e terem um "trabalho".

A entrada dos homens de Wellington dá-se pelo Oeste, escapando ao Tejo onde seriam imediata e mais facilmente identificados. Goldsworthy narra, com alguma ficção à mistura e sem perder o rigor histórico, as batalhas da Roliça e do Vimeiro em 1808. Sendo que não deixa de ser interessante o modo como, assim que "a coisa estava controlada", os portugueses se unem contra o invasor francês. Do mesmo modo, percorrer os nomes de vários dos sitios que conheço familiarmente na óptica da invasão por volta do século XIX, e graças à prosa brilhante do autor, revelou-se uma experiência bastante curiosa e enriquecedora.

"Eram camponeses portuguese, mas tinham-se revelado bastante bárbaros quando apareceram no final da batalha para pilhar os franceses mortos e feridos. Muitos dos homens feridos foram esfaqueados, e os soldados britânicos tinham sentido repugnância ao ver aquilo, mas não conseguiram proteger os franceses feridos porque receberam ordens para regressar ao cume onde tinham estado antes da batalha. Hanley disse que era apenas o que os franceses poderiam esperar depois do comportamento que tinham tido em Portugal e em Espanha (...)"

Um bom livro!