The great siege of Gibraltar, in which a small British force defended the Rock of Gibraltar against the Spanish and the French, was the longest siege ever recorded in the history of the British Army. This book offers the first full study of the siege in over 40 years, drawing on accounts written by British soldiers who took an active part in the operations and on later studies. The account concentrates on the principal events, both on land and at sea, and on the decisions of garrison commander Sir George Eliott. The narrative is interspersed with anecdotes to portray the hardships endured by the troops and seamen on both sides and the woman and children on the Rock. The book includes a chronology, b&w historical illustrations, and detailed battle maps. Falkner has written other historical works. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)