The Diary of Samuel Pepys is one of the most entertaining documents in English history. Written between 1660 and 1669, as Pepys was establishing himself as a key administrator in the Navy Office, it is an intimate portrait of life in 17th-century England, covering his professional and personal activities, including, famously, his love of music...
Separated from his regiment during a retreat, Rifleman Matthew Dodd of Wellington's army engaged the French single-handedly and eventually causes their retreat. If you liked "The Gun," you will love this book.