Project Gutenberg 2004-12-09 Public domain in the USA. 183 Pérez Galdós, Benito 1843 1920 Galdós, Benito Pérez Perez Galdos, Benito Galdós, Pérez Galdós, B. Pérez Bailén Wikipedia page about this book: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bail%C3%A9n_(episodio_nacional) E-text prepared by Miranda van de Heijning and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team "Bailén" by Benito Pérez Galdós is a historical novel written during the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, the narrative explores themes of patriotism and the struggles of the Spanish people during the French invasion, highlighting the emotional and societal upheaval of the period. The story is introduced through the perspectives of various characters, including the spirited old soldier Don Santiago, who passionately argues against the inevitability of French dominion, and the enigmatic D. Luis de Santorcaz, who has his own background and intentions interwoven throughout the tale. The opening of "Bailén" presents a lively dinner conversation among characters at a modest residence, where they discuss their experiences and opinions regarding the ongoing war. The dialogue introduces Don Santiago, a former military man who expresses vehement patriotic sentiments and reminisces about his past campaigns, contrasting sharply with Santorcaz's more cynical views. Amidst this riveting exchange, we also meet the supportive yet humorously critical D.ª Gregoria, who lightens the mood with her quick wit. Interspersed with memories of battles and humorous anecdotes, the characters' discussions reveal the broader context of Spanish resistance to French invaders, setting the stage for individual and collective dramas that will unfold as the story progresses. This engaging opening not only establishes the tone and character dynamics but also foreshadows the challenges and heroism that lie ahead in the fight for Spain's identity and autonomy. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Reading ease score: 59.8 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read. es Bailén, Battle of, Bailén, Spain, 1808 -- Fiction PQ Text Category: Historical Novels 461730 2025-07-06T09:08:46.358306 text/html 491226 2024-10-28T21:20:30 text/html 239553 2025-07-06T09:08:52.851267 application/epub+zip 247676 2025-07-06T09:08:48.223297 application/epub+zip 247676 2025-07-06T09:08:47.073346 application/epub+zip 416754 2025-07-06T09:08:56.650246 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 379895 2025-07-06T09:08:52.146302 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 355314 2022-09-07T15:39:30.612741 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 409982 2023-10-06T12:30:59.984907 text/plain 390185 2024-10-28T21:20:30 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 16870 2025-07-06T09:08:56.780274 application/rdf+xml 9800 2025-07-06T09:08:47.566304 image/jpeg 2718 2025-07-06T09:08:47.317304 image/jpeg 232217 2025-07-06T09:08:46.396371 application/octet-stream application/zip Archives containing the RDF files for *all* our books can be downloaded at https://book.klll.cc/wiki/Gutenberg:Feeds#The_Complete_Project_Gutenberg_Catalog es.wikipedia en.wikipedia