This is the first English translation of Galdos's Juan Martin el Empecinado (1874), in the first series of his Episodios Nacionales. Here, Galdos recreates the popular figure from faithful accounts and from his personal life and deeds as a guerrillero. The author depicts opposing political and ideological forces, revealing to his readers a variety of elements that were weakening the nation from within. The novel presents a vast context of historical, literary, and Biblical references which lead the reader to a deeper understanding of the force that makes people unite to preserve the integrity and cultural values of thier nation. The heroic figure of Juan Martin highlights his successrul military leadership, his campaigns against the French during the War of Independence and his unique characteristics as an exemplary leader.