The problem with this book is, frankly, the text on the cover.

The cover of this large, coffee-table book from Pen & Sword says "The Napoleonic Wars" in large print. Beneath it, it reads, "As Illustrated by J.J. Jenkins."

But that's not entirely true.

Originally published in 1815 as The Martial Achievements of Great Britain and Her Allies; from 1799 to 1815, the book has been reprinted, largely in its original form, as simply The Napoleonic Wars. Modern publisher Pen & Sword has reproduced the book without explanation or context, and research so far has proven bewildering. Many reviewers accept Jenkins as the book's illustrator, but a little digging shows that the gorgeous paintings -- more than 50, all told -- were done by several artists based on drawings by William Heath.

It's not entirely clear what role Jenkins himself played, but presumably he had something to do with pulling the book together, perhaps writing the text. Maybe the word "illustrated" here refers to Jenkins' descriptive narrative.

In any case, Heath certainly deserves to have his name on the cover and title page. Or, for that matter, anywhere in the book.

Otherwise, this is a pretty amazing tome. First published even as the Napoleonic Wars were grinding to a close, the text is pure pro-Britain propaganda, full of chest-thumping nationalism for the mighty British military that had just trounced that Corsican upstart, Buonaparte. Take for example this excerpt from the opening page, a letter to "the Most High, Puissant, and Most Noble Arthur, Duke, Marquis, and Earl of Wellington," to whom the book is floridly dedicated.

Other illustrious Commanders were content to conquer by their arms alone, but Your Grace, not satisfied with having bowed down yourself and your gallant compeers under a weight of laurels of never fading glory, have, by your exploits in the field, and by your virtue and forbearance in victory, raised the character of the British soldier in the scale of humanity, and shewn to the world a sublime example of clemency and bravery, thus extorting from surrounding nations a double meed of applause.

Further, in the introduction, the book intones:

In speaking of the principles of military policy, and the motives which induced the British government to pursue those measures which eventually produced a result, not only conducive to the fame of the British army, but of additional glory to the national character, persons may differ in opinion on the general question of the manner in which the war was conducted, and concerning the means made use of to restore peace to the kingdom; but it is impossible that they can differ in opinion with respect to the able conduct of our general, and the gallantry of our officers and men, so often, so gloriously, and so successfully displayed.

So, not strictly a history then, with a dispassionate view of recent events, but a rousing cheer for Old Blighty and the nation's military acumen.

The main thrust of this book, however, is the artwork, which brilliantly captures scenes from the war. These are not highly detailed paintings, but colorful illustrations that give readers a taste of the action -- clashing soldiers, galloping horses, explosions, cannon smoke hanging low over the battlefields, men in regimented lines or lying wounded on the ground, perhaps some defining structures in the background, the rolling hills and trees from the surrounding landscape, proud and tattered flags blowing in the wind, townsfolk cheering the victors.

Even then, the text never fails to commend Wellington for his leadership, as this snippet from a page describing "The Storming of Seringapatam, and the Death of a Tippoo Sultan, 4 May 1799" clearly shows.

Though General Wellesley was not actively employed in the assault, he evinced, during the whole contest, such cool and determined conduct, such perseverance and exertion, such zeal, energy, and skill -- proofs of those abilities which have since shone in Europe with such distinguished honour to himself, and such brilliancy and advantage to his country as have raised it to the highest point of military glory.

Besides the rousing prose that describes the scenes produced in gorgeous color, there are also extracts from military commanders describing themselves their various campaigns. These, more than any of the text written for the book itself, place readers at the heart of the action.

But again, I come back to the art, which is truly stunning -- for the scenes it illuminates as well as for the window it provides into the war and the British mindset at the time. This is a book art and history lovers alike should enjoy.