This issue has a new foreword by the author.
The newly raised South Essex Regiment has just arrived in Portugal and Richard Sharpe is ordered to accompany the inexperienced unit. He quickly comes into conflict with its arrogant colonel, Sir Henry Simmerson, whose incompetence leads to the loss of many of his men in the regiment's disastrous first operation.
When Wellesley promotes Sharpe to captain, Simmerson's resentment depends, and Sharpe discovers just how dangerous an enemy he has made. As he leads his men into battle at Talavera, Sharpe knows that only through courage and outstanding bravery can he save his career and the honour of the regiment.
