Published between 1828 and 1840, Napier's History of the War in the Peninsula was a tremendously influential, if controversial, work. Napier had been actively involved in the campaigns, turning to history in peacetime, in part to refute Southey's account of Sir John Moore. The first volume had a mixed reception, getting both high praise and bitter criticism from participants in the wars. He published several works rebutting his critics while producing the later volumes. Because of his obvious lack of impartiality, modern military historians treat the work with caution, but it remains widely read in the many editions and abridgements subsequently produced. Volume 2 covers the period from the beginning of 1809 to the British retreat back to Portugal after the Battle of Talavera in July. Significant events include the departure of Napoleon to France, and Wellesley's return to Portugal as commander of the Anglo-Portuguese forces.