Book Description
Vibrant color paintings illustrate soldiers and battles of the war
Color photos of seldom-seen period artifacts such as uniforms, weapons, and other equipment
In this collection, renowned artist Don Troiani teams up with leading artifact historian James L. Kochan to present the American Revolution as it has existed only in our imaginations: in living color.
From Bunker Hill to Yorktown, from Washington to Cornwallis, from the Minute Men to the Black Watch, these pages are packed with scenes of grand action and great characters, recreated in the vivid blues and reds that defined the Revolutionary era. Troiani's depictions of these legendary fife-and-drum soldiers are based on firsthand accounts and, wherever possible, surviving artifacts. Scores of color photographs of these objects--many of them from private collections and seen here for the very first time--accompany the paintings. Items range from muskets and beautifully ornate swords to more unique pieces such as badges with unit insignia or patriotic slogans and Baron von Steuben's liquor chest.
More than just a glimpse into a world long past, this is the closest the modern reader can get to experiencing the Revolutionary War firsthand.
Customer Reviews:
An Excellent Work!.......2007-09-07
A wonderful gallery of accurately painted forces of the Revolutionary War era including Loyalists & German hired troops as well as weapons & artifacts. All that seemed to be "missing" might be the 1st Continental Light Dragoons or the Continental Marines. It was also great to see that for the first time since John Mollo's 1976 Uniforms of the American Revolution the uniform of the 2nd Continental Light Dragoons correctly depicted with white facings as opposed to the inaccurate buff color.
A must for AWI fans.......2007-07-14
Yet another excellent book by Don Troiani. A must for any AWI fan. I found the mixture of paintings and original weapons, uniforms and accoutrements a refreshing touch. However, those who have copies of 'Battles of America' and 'Soldiers of America'will find many paintings repeated in this new book.
A NEW WINDOW ON THE REVOLUTION.......2007-02-04
With nearly two and one-half centuries having passed and literally thousands of books on the topic having appeared since the events of the American Revolutionary War, calling a new volume "pioneering" seems a bit bold. Relative to this important and exciting new gift to students by master artist and collector Don Troiani, though, that term is fully appropriate. In literally no other book to date have such historically valid visual perspectives of our War for Independence been gathered, through both a remarkable array of original artifacts and Troiani's impeccably researched and executed artwork. For this pre-photography American military epoch, no other source yields such a "you are there" perspective
While the bookshelf of "material culture" albums relating to Civil War memorabilia is both broad and expanding nearly every year, the number of significant books on Revolutionary War artifacts and relics ever published can literally be counted on one's fingers, with most of the still best-selling volumes having appeared during the bicentennial years of the 1970s. That sharp contrast, of course, is a direct reflection of the exceptionally greater rarity of the arms, equipment, apparel, and everyday-life items that can be proven to have been used by the armies of the 1770s than is the case with the militaria of the 1860s. Troiani has done all Revolutionary War students a great service by expanding the presentation of such earlier artifacts beyond those from his own fine collection with a startlingly superb array of items from other private and institutional collections, most never before published and many rarely ever seen by the public. These historic jewels are brought to the reader through close-up, full-color photos of such striking detail and beauty as to almost produce the experience of having these fascinating artifacts in one's hands.
The element that weaves together and breathes life throughout this gallery of fine militaria, of course, is Troiani's peerless artwork. With more than 50 of his paintings beautifully reproduced in this volume, the artist has brought true vibrancy to an era and its people almost habitually misperceived as lifelessly archaic or, worse yet, patriotically "quaint." In particular, the single-figure and small-group studies clearly reflect the precise documentation yielded by author James L. Kochan's exacting material culture scholarship. Such world-class historical accuracy, together with artist Troiani's insistence upon "period-correct" faces and physiques, has produced for us a strikingly innovative window upon the Revolution.
A groundbreaking glimpse of America's Revolutionary heritage.......2007-01-30
Not since George Neumann's landmark "Collector's Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Revolution" has there been such a remarkable assemblage of artifacts and images. The former, drawn from public and private collections from across the nation include many items that have never been published, let alone in color. Don Troiani's exquisitely detailed images, some new, some drawn from previous works, provide invaluable context for the objects, as well as documenting the bewildering variety of uniforms worn during the war. Both artifacts and images are described within the impeccably thorough research of noted historian James Kochan. This volume is destined to be the standard reference for the student of the American Revolution that "Echoes of Glory" is to devotees of the Civil War, and is a must for anyone from historian to general reader who is fascinated by the drama of the war that gave birth to America.
A must-have book for the student of the Revolutionary War.......2007-01-29
Although the world is filled with books on the various sorts of things which armed and equipped the Revolutionary War soldier, this book moves into uncharted territory. While Troiani's paintings brings these diverse sorts of soldiers to life, the full color photographs of many of the most important surviving artifacts from the war adds a dimension found nowhere else.
Book Description
In this panoramic tour of America's military past, acclaimed artist Don Troiani once again turns his brush to the wars of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, focusing on the storied battles of those conflicts. From the French and Indian War through the Civil War, Troiani brings his flair for painstaking detail and high drama to such famous battle scenes as Bushy Run, Bunker Hill, Cowpens, Burnside's Bridge at Antietam, Little Round Top at Gettysburg, and Chickamauga. Narratives by leading military historians accompany the paintings and provide background stories that are as exciting as they are informative. For many of the pieces, Troiani has written insightful and often humorous commentary on the joys, surprises, and challenges of the creative process, offering a rare glimpse of the artist at work. Don Troiani's American Battles is his most unique work to date, a must-have for newcomers and old fans alike.
Customer Reviews:
Don Troiani's "American Battles".......2006-11-11
For anyone even vaguely interested in American history, Don Troiani's paintings are a wonderful revelation, bringing the past to life. I already own "Don Toiani's Civil War", "Soldiers in America" and "Regiments and Uniforms of the Civil War", all of which are meticulously investigated and reserched. Troiani's huge achievement is that he is able to combine accurate detail with a marvelous, almost supernatural, empathy with his subjects. His paintings really do bring history to life. The figures flow naturally and inhabited an environment filled with tangible space and light. No stiff and rigid historical painting here. This latest offering combines previously published paintings, found in the others of his books, with newer ones. They cover battles that took place on the American continent from the first colonies in Massachusetts, to the last days of the American Civil War. What is different to his previous books is the addition of much more background information about the artist himself and his methods of working. I would thoroughly recommend this beautifully illustrated book to all lovers of American history and narrative painting. For the military historian and those with an interest in military dress and the soldier's life, it is a 'must have'.
Great........2006-10-31
I recently became interested in Don Troiani's works after purchasing a Civil War Print (The Eagle of the Eighth) at an auction. It was great and after doing a little research found that Don Troiani is one of the best. I recently took a trip to Gettysburg (actually as part of the result of this purchase)and was amazed at what I saw. This is my first purchase of one of his books, but it won't be my last. I'm not an art critic, but I would highly urge anyone interested in the Civil War to purchase one of Mr.Troiani's books or works, they're great.
A "Must Have" Book for Troiani Fans and Militaria Collectors!.......2006-09-05
OK, I am admittedly a huge fan of Don Troiani's amazing artwork and own several of his art prints and all of his prior books. Even then, however, I initially questioned the purchase of his latest book on American battles. Wow ..... am I ever glad I went ahead with the purchase! This new book is intended as a "best of" his artwork and places my favorite Troiani paintings in one single reference volume. If you are a new Troiani fan, or new to the history field, the book is also quite a value considering the huge amount of artwork contained inside.
I was first drawn to Troiani's paintings years ago because of the historical authenticity depicted in each painting. The accouterment for each figure is precise and I found myself even referring to the paintings as a reference source for my militaria collecting. An added benefit of the book is that for the first time Troiani reveals how the paintings were created and explains the unique techniques he employs to achieve an unparalleled level of authenticity. The insider's account of the complexities involved in recreating these scenes makes me appreciate his artwork even more!
Troiani is going to have to work quite hard to top this book which is now proudly displayed on my coffee table to impress guests!
From the mind of the artist.......2006-08-24
Having admired the artwork of Mr. Troiani throughout the years, I've come to recognize certain aspects in each piece. This new book delves into the mindset he had as the research was complete, but the image from his mind had to be put into motion then to canvas. Seeing the photos of modeling sessions and rough sketches expands the experience so much more than just taking in the image. He not only paints a scene with his brush but also with his words when decribing finding the right looking model, tree, field, gun and clothing. What I especially like is finding out who some of the models have been, from the sculptor Ron Tunison to noted collectors of Civil War items. Anyone can be envious of his artistic talent, but when it comes to authenticy, research and pains-taking accuracy no one can compare to Mr. Troiani and this he shares in this wonderful compilation!
* I look forward to his next book in 2007 *
Most of the same...almost.......2006-08-23
As much as I admire the artwork and historical research that goes into Troiani's paintings I'm very disappointed with Don Troiani's latest book AMERICAN BATTLES, The art of the nation at war,1754-1865. The best part of the book is the inclusion of some new Revolutionary War and Civil War paintings and figure studies. I wish Troiani's earlier books would have contained an Artist's Comments section as well as photos of his models and some in progress work. If this had been the case there would have been very little that was "fresh" in this volume. In addition to text for the battle paintings there normally is text for the single figure studies as well as the artifacts from Troian's collection. This time around the figure studies and artifacts are merely "filler" without any descriptive text. I found the title AMERICAN BATTLES a little misleading. The period of 1784-1859 is covered in a mere 7 pages with only one painting really having any text aside from a title.Though I own all of the books featuring Mr. Troiani's work, one can only enjoy a repackaged product for so long. I'd prefer a 4-5 year period between books in order to get a product that contains newer rather than older works.The 2 star rating may be a bit harsh, but there's just not enough to get excited about here.~Gary
Average customer rating:
- Prelude to Glory Volume 5 A Cold Bleak Hill
- By The Dawn's Early Light
- A Cold Bleak Hill
- A Cold Bleak Hill
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Prelude to Glory Volume 5 A Cold Bleak Hill (Prelude to Glory) (Carter, Ron, Prelude to Glory, V. 5.)
Ron Carter
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Customer Reviews:
Prelude to Glory Volume 5 A Cold Bleak Hill .......2007-06-12
Book follows alone with the trials & tribulations of the original people as it moves through the American Revolution
By The Dawn's Early Light.......2006-07-24
I am almost to the end of the last volume of the series. I have so come to appreciate the great sacrifice that our forefathers made to make and keep our country free. My heart was pained and I was brought to tears at the unbelievable things they had to suffer in their battle for independence. The 4th of July has a much deeper meaning for me now. I very much appreciated all the research done by the author to produce such a well written series. I have them all and they are prized.
A Cold Bleak Hill.......2002-01-23
This book is extremely moving and intense. I have gained a great appreciation for the selfless acts and unyeilding faith that our forefathers had. I have learned a great deal about the history of the Revolutionary War as the author has creatively woven in fictional characters and yet accurately described events and locations that are a part of this nations history. I have read the entire series and cannot wait for the next one to be published.
A Cold Bleak Hill.......2001-11-12
This story of our American Revalutionary War, is told so vividly that the reader feels like they are there, experiencing it with the people at that time. It covers the period when George Washington and his troops were at Valley Forge. It is at the same calaber as the rest of this series; "Prelude to Glory". I highly recommend this book to all DAR members.
Book Description
In this first-hand account of the Revolutionary War, Joseph Plumb Martin narrates his true adventures as an eighteen-year-old private in the Continental Army-and gives a rare glimpse of the earthy beginnings of our nation's history.
Customer Reviews:
A great read!!.......2007-08-27
Serious, sad, scary & often funny. Read about US history from someone who was actually there. This young man was a patriot, and a member of our misguided youth, as well. What fun. But not for them.
The Original GI Grunt.......2007-07-23
This priceless memoir is one of those works often quoted, but never read. Countless Rev War historians quote this work by pvt. Joseph Plumb Martin, and many TV documentries do the same. At length I was finally able to obtain a copy of this most elusive, yet oft used work.
Martin's recollections range from the trivial, to the fascinating. His homespun style of writing catches the mood of what the Revolutionary War soldier was. Written many years after these events one can only marvel at the authors ability to recall so much detail. But I think this is the case with many veterans. My father (God rest his soul) who fought in WW2 would have agreed with everything Martins says. Like him, my dad's memory of war events became clearer in his advanced years, and I think this was probably the case with our writer here. While much of it could have been fabricated, there seems too much an air of authenticity to deny its truth.
Martin speaks with the convictions of a determined old rebel, and while may personal feelings lean more toward the British/Loyalist perspective, I can't deny the utter charm this work has for the reader. Intespaced with all the hunger and privation of his expereinces, the old soldier still has the ability to offer wit and humor at his circumstances. Martin's expereinces could well apply to any soldier of both sides, for the British soldier's lot was often not much better, despite all the supposed power of Albion!
What strikes one most about this memoir is how little fighting Martin saw, despite the whole time he spent in the war. Yet his time was almost always spent in hunger and want. This is the universal plight of the soldier no matter what time period we speak of. In the end, Martin rightly faults his country for allowing him and his comrades to suffer so much for so little in the end. His quote that his government expected every last obligation from him, yet was so half-hearted in fulfilling its own in turn I think is a tendency that still haunts us today in the USA. Not much his changed in that regard. The veterans of Iraq today would find much to agree with Pvt. Jospeh Plumb Martin.
There are interesting details about his movements in the New York, New Jersey area, and any person interested in this local history would find this book fascinating. Martin's account of his time as an enginner is also quite interesting. His account of the attack on redoubt's No. 9 and 10 at Yorktown sheds much light on how the stroming parties took those advanced posts. Martin was the original combat engineer. In fact he is the original GI grunt. Forget Vietnam and Iraq, here is the essential US army veteran. Reader's today, whether military historians or not, could gain many fascinating insights into the soldier's daily life, which as I said earlier is unniversal. This book certainly deserves a wider reading audience. Many will find the appealing nature of the author's words worthy of a smile and a nod of admiration. A classic work, essential for reader on the Rev War.
Diary of a Teenage Revolutionary Soldier.......2007-03-14
This is a wonderful book of REAL history, Joseph Plumb Martin's account of his service with the Continental Army throughout the Revolution from beginning to end. This book is a treasure.
A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier.......2007-01-12
This should be a must read for every American. Very consise and very moving. One of the best if not the best narrative of a common soldier in the American Revolution.
First-hand account of a private in the Revolution.......2006-12-24
I generally read about the Plains Indian Wars but this book happily caught my attention. Plumb relates only one (two? sorry, I just can't recall now) battles, while the bulk of the book is one long hunt for much-needed food and clothing. The army was really treated quite bad (except for some of the officers), though it was perhaps the best that could be offered at the time. Martin amazingly portrays a sense of humor throughout. Sometimes you have to read between the lines or realize he means the opposite and is being sarcastic. It might not sound too interesting, but I found myself eagerly reading on and finished the book sooner than I expected. Overall, this book is essential reading, if only to remind us of the hardships these early soldiers experienced in order to give us the free country we live in today.
Book Description
In this gripping chronicle of America's struggle for independence, award-winning historian John Ferling transports readers to the grim realities of that war, capturing an eight-year conflict filled with heroism, suffering, cowardice, betrayal, and fierce dedication. As Ferling demonstrates, it was a war that America came much closer to losing than is now usually remembered. General George Washington put it best when he said that the American victory was "little short of a standing miracle." Almost a Miracle offers an illuminating portrait of America's triumph, offering vivid descriptions of all the major engagements, from the first shots fired on Lexington Green to the surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown, revealing how these battles often hinged on intangibles such as leadership under fire, heroism, good fortune, blunders, tenacity, and surprise. The author paints sharp-eyed portraits of the key figures in the war, including General Washington and other American officers and civilian leaders. Some do not always measure up to their iconic reputations, including Washington himself. Others, such as the quirky, acerbic Charles Lee, are seen in a much better light than usual. The book also examines the many faceless men who soldiered, often for years on end, braving untold dangers and enduring abounding miseries. The author explains why they served and sacrificed, and sees them as the forgotten heroes who won American independence. Ferling's narrative is also filled with compassion for the men who comprised the British army and who, like their American counterparts, struggled and died at an astonishing rate in this harsh war. Nor does Ferling ignore the naval war, describing dangerous patrols and grand and dazzling naval actions. Finally, Almost a Miracle takes readers inside the legislative chambers and plush offices of diplomats to reveal countless decisions that altered the course of this war. The story that unfolds is at times a tale of folly, at times one of appalling misinformation and confusion, and now and then one of insightful and dauntless statesmanship.
Customer Reviews:
Truly a miracle.......2007-10-16
Superb book that must be read as a new look at the totality of war, politics, alliances, Atlantic Rim struggles, and the art of the possible. This is much more than simply a rehash of American Fabian tactics. In fact, it is a "soup to nuts" review of the War from its first bubbling of dissatisfaction, to the British Crown's initial hesitant steps, through the conflagration, Southern Strategy, defeat at Yorktown, and final peace treaty.
The book is broken into four parts, named Going to War, The War in the North, The War in the South, and American Victory. In each of these parts, Ferling does a very good job of looking at the conflict from the perspective of British home politics and worldwide operations, the evolving interactions and effects of the war on the inhabitants of the colonies, Canada and peripheral areas, and potential other combatants of interested parties in the alliances. Additionally, Ferling does a very good job of comparing and contrasting the leadership of each side, mostly American (Washington), British (Lord North, Americas Secretary Lord Germain and generals Gage, Howe and Clinton) and the French.
Ferling starts his book by noting the prevalence of the `warrior spirit' in Colonial America. "Warfare was woven into the fabric of life of Colonial America...hardly any American escaped the sullen impact of hostilities." (p. 15) He concludes this opening noting that "a literature flowered that praised soldiering and sought to infuse young men with qualities that included boldness, heartiness, fortitude and sobriety...young men were to be strong and bold, to renounce indolence and effeminacy." (p.17) In other words, culture counts, and Ferling makes this the cornerstone of this 600 page treatment of the War in America.
By way of immediate pre-history, Ferling then spends some time chronicling the involvement of Colonial Soldiers in the French Indian War. The end result was that the colonists to a large degree more closely identified with Great Britain than ever before, to the point that Ben Franklin declared "I am a BRITON." It then begs the question - with such good will from west to east across the Atlantic, how did it devolve in a few short years to such antipathy and hatred that it would sustain the Colonies through a grinding, difficult war?
To a large degree the answer resides in London and the appointments that King George made to run his affairs. Lord Germain, a former Major General, was a man with very hawkish views who served as one of three Foreign Secretaries (the other two responsible for Northern Europe and Southern Europe). To read Ferling's history is almost to pre-visit the summer of 1914. Both the British and Continental governments are preparing for war. In great detail Ferling lays out the actions and decisions on both sides of the Atlantic that fanned a smoldering discontent into an armed rebellion and war. There are great cautionary lessons in statecraft to be read here. The governments were far more uncertain about what their strategic objectives should be, who should be appointed and with how much authority, where the division of labor and responsibility should be, and then, what the operational campaign should look like to implement those desired strategic effects.
Ferling then moves quickly forward over familiar ground to the Battle of Saratoga, and dissects it for its strategic impact. He shows that Burgoyne had options, many of them good, but chose to take little to no risk at each stage of the campaign, thereby putting himself, his force, and the position of Britain at great risk. While Burgoyne's failed attempt to reach New York resulted in an impressive and crucial victory for the Americans, it also sealed the "Canada question" but to the favor of the Americans. No longer to realistically entertain ideas of invading Canada, it forced the British to still keep garrisons there (in case the Americans did try to invade again) while freeing up the Americans to focus on the mid-Atlantic and the southern colonies. At the same time, the British are now forced to concede that this will not be a quick war, and it emboldens the French and Spanish to start negotiations to see what effects the American War can generate for their own state policies. It is not without irony that to become a free and liberal democracy, the Old World politics of balance of power with two autocratic monarchies must be played by the young American generals, politicians and diplomats.
Ferling then spends considerable text analyzing the "transition year' of 1778. North's government starts to put together a peace commission at the same time that Howe and Germain are pilloried in the press for failing "to secure ground in America." Ferling then segues into 1779 and the "forgotten war" between the `northern campaign' and the `southern campaign.' The key is General Washington, who has been gone from home for 3.5 years, has made mistakes and learned from them, who maintains a vigorous and simple lifestyle, rises early, works hard, retires early, and enjoys phenomenal good health throughout. Inspired by that example, Continental soldiers almost never desert, despite no pay, and frequently, no boots. They are fueled by the "principles of patriotism - they glory in the noble cause of their country." (p.338) By now there is no hope of a peaceful de-escalation - this has become a fight to the finish, and no where is that more evident than in the vicious fighting in the southern Colonies.
Clinton's force, sent to execute a southern `end around' and at least secure the economically rich colonies of Georgia and the Carolinas, and perhaps even Virginia, starts ominously when the British attempt a sea movement in heavy winter storms that beat his ships and soldiers mercilessly for days before they make landfall. Much of this campaign design is built on a hope that the Loyalists of the south will rise up, be armed by the British, and take the fight to the `underbelly of the rebellion.' Again, a failure of the British to carefully consider the politics and the topography of the south, combined with personal friction between the leading British generals (further degraded by unclear strategic guidance and a three month transit time for letters to and from London) plays to the Continental's favor. With such leaders and Daniel Morgan, Thomas Sumter, Andrew Pickens and Francis Marion, Generals Clinton and Cornwallis have a steep challenge to overcome in sparsely populated terrain that is broken by rivers, swamps and foot hills. Of Marion, Ferling notes that he "lived a Spartan existence, ate little, had a passion for order and cleanliness, and that men flocked to serve under him, not because he was endearing, but because he tended to succeed." (p.454)
Ultimately, General Cornwallis and Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton met their match, and then some, in the cagey tactics and hard marching of the Americans. Even Tarleton, vicious in combat (but no more so than others on both sides) and able to drive his men 20 hours a day while covering upwards of forty miles in forced marches, could not out maneuver and defeat decisively the American forces. Finally, in desperation, Cornwallis notifies Clinton that he is entering into Virginia, implores Clinton to de-camp from New York, and join him in Virginia for a combined force decisive campaign. Washington decides, and acts faster, sneaking out of the siege works at New York City, and forced marching to Yorktown, where Cornwallis, formerly brave, decisive, and driving, passively awaits the force and leadership that Clinton never provides.
Nonetheless, as Ferling points out, the victory at Yorktown did not end the war. Two more years of negotiating in Europe were required before a peace treaty could be arranged, agreed to and signed. In the end, the squabbling of European politics was almost as important a precursor to the success of the American Revolution as was Washington and Yorktown. This book does a superb job of analyzing the politics of government, on both sides of the Atlantic, the strategy, campaigns, tactics and individual actions that produced a result almost impossible for anyone, even John Adams, to have envisioned in April 1775. As such , it is an indispensable read to any student of history, warfare, campaign design, and diplomacy.
Almost a Miracle.......2007-10-01
I have read a lot of book on the Revolution but John Ferling has done such a fantastic of job of not only discribing the battles and the different commanders he does a great job of showing both side of the political struggle both in American and with North in England. He does it in a short but very accruate manner that a lot of aurthor miss. This book should be mandatory reading for all 9th grade student in the U.S. History studies. I kown my grandchildren will read it.
Good but where's the rest of it??.......2007-09-20
In short, a good overall narrative with nice prose and not written in an overly dramatic way. However--Dr. Ferling has left out the Indians!!
Revisiting 'the late unfortunate rebellion'.......2007-08-31
Judging by a recent cluster of bestselling titles, it would seem that Americans never tire of reading about how their ancestors worsted the mighty British Empire. As a 'Brit', I expected 'Almost a Miracle' to beat the well-worn patriotic drum, but was pleasantly surprised to find a far more balanced and thoughtful assessment of the Revolutionary War.
This is a chunky book, and the generous page-count gives its author the scope to really get to grips with the topic. A fast-paced narrative, including enough detail to breathe life into the conflict's events and personalities, is balanced by perceptive analysis. There is room not only for the military operations, but also the diplomatic background upon which they hinged.
Professor Ferling boasts impressive credentials as a historian of the Colonial and Revolutionary eras, and his knowledge is reflected in the scholarly foundations of his latest book. As the notes show, his account rests upon a truly vast range of primary and secondary sources, including works published as recently as 2006. To distill this mass of material into a coherent and readable volume is no small achievement in itself, but Ferling also succeeds in refreshing the old story with some provocative verdicts, particularly regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the key players. Not only does George Washington come in for a more realistic assessment than he often receives from awe-struck biographers, but even such traditional bogeymen as Benedict Arnold and Banastre Tarleton here enjoy fairer than customary treatment.
The final chapter, 'Accounting for America's Victory', is especially well written, and will no doubt be quarried by many a hard-pressed college student for decades to come. As Ferling shows, when the British had the best chance of quelling the rebellion, they lacked the inclination to do so, with men like General William Howe pulling their punches rather than going for the knock-out blow. By the time the gloves were finally off, French intervention had transformed the conflict into a world war that Britain could not hope to win. Having just finished Stephen Brumwell's new biography of General James Wolfe ('Paths of Glory') I was intrigued by what might have happened if the aggressive 'Hero of Quebec' had survived to confront the 'rebels' in 1775-76. Would he have shown more boldness than his protege Howe, and crushed Washington when he was still prepared to stand and fight at New York?
Both engaging and authoritative,'Almost a Miracle' offers plenty of raw material for many other such 'what if' scenarios. It now stands as the best overview of the Revolutionary War, and deserves recognition by specialists and general readers alike - on both sides of the Atlantic.
Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence.......2007-08-24
The author of this book is a university professor who teaches military history of the American Revolution. The book is well written and makes a good use of maps and illustrations. The basic premise of the book is: Britain lost the war in the North, and the Americans won the war in the South. He does a good job of backstopping that premise.
He generally follows the war chronologically prefacing each year with a chapter called choices. This is where the political enters in and the planning of campaigns as well. This is followed by a chapter covering the military aspects of that year and you see how the planning lead to events.
He has two chapters in the text of interest. One is a chapter on attitudes and statistics of everyday soldiering etc. This is a very informative chapter. Especially concerning the role of women and minorities and the fate of POW's. Make no mistake this was a brutal and savage war.
The second chapter of interest to me anyway was the one about naval operations. I am a land forces man and so was unaware of the far ranging sea fight.
His conclusion chapter is also quite good. In a sense it is what he was building up to. I think many readers will be surprised at the economic state of the Colonies before, during, and after the war. It is a miracle that the entire society did not totally collapse, so run down was the economy and currency.
This would probably be a very good textbook or casual read for those interested in the subject. The details are enough for the student and the prose and sweep will hold the casual reader. It will disappoint those who are really focused.
There is only limited coverage on the frontier wars and while he does a lot for bring to light the southern campaigns, especially of N. Greene it goes by quickly. He does downgrade the contributions of foreigners such as Steuben and Lafayette. Those inclined to that area or to issues of engineering and mapmaking will be better served by reading The Continental Army by Robert K Wright.
There are excellent sources in the back organized by subject to further your reading on a specific topic. However they are not listed out but lumped together in paragraph format by topic which makes their retrieval diificult.
Book Description
A well-disciplined army was vital to win American independence, but policing soldiers during the Revolution presented challenges. George Washington’s Enforcers: Policing the Continental Army examines how justice was left to the overlapping duties of special army personnel and how an improvised police force imposed rules and regulations on the common soldier. Historian Harry M. Ward describes these methods of police enforcement, emphasizing the brutality experienced by the enlisted men who were punished severely for even light transgressions. This volume explores the influences that shaped army practice and the quality of the soldiery, the enforcement of military justice, the use of guards as military police, and the application of punishment.
Washington’s army, which adopted the organization and justice code of the British army, labored under the direction of ill-trained and arrogant officers. Ward relates how the enlisted men, who had a propensity for troublemaking and desertion, not only were victims of the double standard that existed between officers and regular troops but also lacked legal protection in the army. The enforcement of military justice afforded the accused with little due process support.
Ward discusses the duties of the various personnel responsible for training and enforcing the standards of behavior, including duty officers, adjutants, brigade majors, inspectors, and sergeant majors. He includes the roles of life guards, camp guards, quarter guards, picket men, and safe guards, whose responsibilities ranged from escorting the commander in chief, intercepting spies and stragglers, and protecting farmers from marauding soldiers to searching for deserters, rounding up unauthorized personnel, and looking for delinquents in local towns and taverns.
George Washington’s Enforcers, which includes sixteen illustrations, also addresses the executions of the period, as both ritual and spectacle, and the deterrent value of capital punishment. Ward explains how Washington himself mixed clemency with severity and examines how army policies tested the mettle of this chief disciplinarian, who operated by the dictates of military necessity as perceived at the time.
Customer Reviews:
Concise History of an overlooked Civil War Brigade.......2000-07-06
Never Were Men So Brave by Susan Provost Beller, 1998. This is a short book, (98 pages) intended for a younger audience, while providing a well-written and very complete history of this famous unit. Any person of Irish descent would be happy to own this book. Susan Beller records the glory garnered by the Irish Brigade in some of the most decisive and heaviest battles in the Civil War. Ms. Beller addresses the proven bravery displayed by the actions of the Irish Brigade, (made up of the 69th New York, 63rd NY, 88th NY and the 29th Massachusetts) at decisive battles, and she gives vivid descriptions of the actions of the Brigade through some important characters such as General Thomas Meagher (pronounced MAAAHer). For example, at the bloodiest single day in American history, September 17th 1862, Susan Beller not only tells the story of the vital contribution of the Irish Brigade at the "Bloody Lane", but tells how, when they ran out of ammunition, the Irish Brigade "right-shouldered arms" and marched away in good order from the enemy. She also describes how shaken General Meagher was when his horse was shot and subsequently fell on the General. In this brief book, Ms. Beller provides a complete synopsis of the life of the Irish rebel, Meagher, from his early days in Ireland to his exile in Australia and finally his escape and settlement in America. She also describes important historical events, such as the famous "general absolution" given by Chaplain William Corby. Either one of these individuals would make a fine central character in a movie about the "Irish Brigade"; .... The Irish Brigade, as Ms Beller relates, was involved in some of the most important Civil War battles, and were so effective that it caused Confederate General Robert E. Lee to state, "Never were men so brave", from which the author draws her title. Perhaps Mel Gibson might consider such a movie
Irish Suppression With A Little Civil War Mixed In.......1998-08-15
"Never Were Men So Brave" is a "nice" effort for the sixth or seventh grader looking for general information on Irish emigration in the 1840's or about the American Civil War at the unit level. But a high school term paper it isn't. Ms. Beller's book in no way approaches the detail satisfying those interested in reading regimental or brigade histories (e.g., "The Iron Brigade" by Nolan; "The Last Full Measure" by Moe). The book begins with an elementary -- clearly pro-Irish -- summary of 800 years of Irish Catholic persecution at the hands of the English. This is a subject unto itself, and Beller's cursory treatment is neither thorough or balanced.
The history of the Irish Brigade (63rd, 69th, and 88th New York and 29th Massachusetts) in the Civil War emerges as nearly an afterthought -- absent of detail or depth, leaving the reader hungry for more. Judging by the bibliography, Beller appears to have had the background research in hand but fails to use it to best advantage, even for the target audience. The pictures, illustrations and many of the quotations (espcially from Father William Corby) are nice supplements to an otherwise disappointing treatment.
Book Description
A provocative new biography of the man who forged America's alliance with the Iroquois
William Johnson was scarcely more than a boy when he left Ireland and his Gaelic, Catholic family to become a Protestant in the service of Britain's North American empire. In New York by 1738, Johnson moved to the frontiers along the Mohawk River, where he established himself as a fur trader and eventually became a landowner with vast estates; served as principal British intermediary with the Iroquois Confederacy; command British, colonial, and Iroquois forces that defeated the French in the battle of Lake George in 1755; and created the first groups of "rangers," who fought like Indians and led the way to the Patriots' victories in the Revolution.
As Fintan O'Toole's superbly researched, colorfully dramatic narrative makes clear, the key to Johnson's signal effectiveness was the style in which he lived as a "white savage." Johnson had two wives, one European, one Mohawk; became fluent in Mohawk; and pioneered the use of Indians as active partners in the making of a new America. O'Toole's masterful use of the extraordinary (often hilariously misspelled) documents written by Irish, Dutch, German, French, and Native American participants in Johnson's drama enlivens the account of this heroic figure's legendary career; it also suggests why Johnson's early multiculturalism unraveled, and why the contradictions of his enterprise created a historical dead end.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Irish-British-American.......2007-01-18
William Johnson may be the greatest colonial American in our history. Had there been no revolution, or had the British won, he would be remembered with the esteem we now reserve for "founding fathers". Johnson proved himself a giant in three arenas. First he made a fortune in the fur trade and parlayed his wealth into vast real estate. The Iroquois preferred to deal with him because he respected them, didn't cheat and kept his promises. Secondly, Johnson became a master diplomat. For most of the 18th century, he kept the six Iroquois tribes pro-British and important allies in the French and Indian War. Thirdly, Johnson was a valiant commander in that war, winning the Battle of Lake George, capturing Fort Niagara and assisting in taking Montreal.
O'Toole's book is especially good at bringing out the diplomatic history.
In fact, if you are thinking of joining the Foreign Service, Johnson has left a record that is still of use today. One can learn what it takes to negotiate with a non-Western, non-progressive people who are given to barbarism and who control extensive natural resources.
O'Toole is Irish and never misses any nuances regarding Johnson's heritage. Such an approach is unusual, but does give clues to the man's psychology. What I hoped to find, but did not, were numerous anecdotes and personal asides revealing the fascinating character that was William Johnson. Alas, the 18th century collected little trivia. Still it's a worthwhile read.
Sir Paradox.......2006-12-03
Once I started reading, I found this book hard to put down. It is about a paradoxical man and a fascinating period of history.
Unlike some reviewers, I thought the references to Irish history were a logical link to understanding William Johnson's identity and actions. In the process, I also learned something about Irish history.
My Hero .......2006-08-13
I confess that I was waiting for this book for a long time. By my own admission, William Johnson is probably my biggest hero in Colonial America and his death probably changed the way the revolution in NY turned out (a feared loyal citizen soldier many who rose against his sons would not have done so against him).
This book though left me bored in spots. I find no reason for the author's constant attempt at apologizing for Johnson's conversion to being Protistant nor do I care much about the break down of Irish land ownership. It was not until several chapters in that the book focused on William himself and his time in America.
If the book consitrated more on Johnson as an individual and less on Johnson the Irishman it would have been a better read to me. The most important contributions Johnson made was as a negotiator with the Natives and more time should have been spent building up to this.
I think the author has a great person to write about, but does not do Johnson proper justice. The author should stick more to Ireland and its history in future works. He shows a love of Ireland and its history and his time would be worth spending on that. Writing on Colonial American subject just did not hit home with me.
Guy Johnson on cover?.......2006-04-02
The mystery is why an important book about Sir William Johnson has a picture of a relative and not him on the cover.
The Many Worlds of William Johnson.......2006-03-12
It is refreshing to see a new biography of the fascinating giant of colonial America, Sir William Johnson, a figure who is both crucially important in American history and terribly neglected in the popular American imagination. Fintan O'Toole's book is not the definitive biography of Johnson - for that you need to read `Mohawk Baronet' by James Thomas Flexner. It does, however, cover ground not before fully explored. O'Toole focuses on Johnson's amazing ability to be a man of two worlds - fully integrated into the British imperial world while simultaneously wholly comprehending and moving effortlessly within the world and mindset of Native Americans. He explains this by examining Johnson's heritage and upbringing as the son of Irish Catholic Jacobites, a family that had to learn to survive under the hostile control of the Protestant British power.
O'Toole's book is really much more than a biography. It even goes beyond the scope of its subtitle, which mentions Johnson's role in the invention of America. O'Toole spends so much time on examining the world of Catholic Jacobites in Ireland and Scotland, and explaining how they came to cope with their position of defeat and banishment, that this book is almost as much a study on that lost world as it is of Johnson's life. It is perhaps the best book that I have seen for showing just what impact these defeated Jacobites had on the formation of America.
Sir William Johnson is arguably second only to George Washington in his significance to the early history and formation of the United States of America, and he is second to none in his personal story and colorfulness. This book adds to the literature already available by fleshing out what it was that made this amazing man tick. If you have already read Flexner's definitive biography of Johnson, you will still gain much from reading this one.
This book should appeal to anyone with an interest in colonial American history, the Iroquois Confederation, and the French and Indian War. It should likewise appeal to anyone interested in Irish history, particularly as it applies to the last days of Jacobite culture and diaspora - highly recommended.
Theo Logos
Book Description
Arming slaves as soldiers is a counterintuitive idea. Yet throughout history, in many varied societies, slaveholders have entrusted slaves with the use of deadly force. This book is the first to survey the practice broadly across space and time, encompassing the cultures of classical Greece, the early Islamic kingdoms of the Near East, West and East Africa, the British and French Caribbean, the United States, and Latin America.
To facilitate cross-cultural comparisons, each chapter addresses four crucial issues: the social and cultural facts regarding the arming of slaves, the experience of slave soldiers, the ideological origins and consequences of equipping enslaved peoples for battle, and the impact of the practice on the status of slaves and slavery itself. What emerges from the book is a new historical understanding: the arming of slaves is neither uncommon nor paradoxical but is instead both predictable and explicable.
Average customer rating:
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The Revolutionary War (The Greenwood Press Daily Life Through History Series)
Charles P. Neimeyer
Manufacturer: Greenwood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0313332282 |
Book Description
Nearly everyone in the U.S. has studied the Revolutionary War. Too often, however, historians of the Revolution focus on the activity of the army without noticing what was taking place inside the army. Making liberal use of diaries and correspondence by the soldiers and their families, Charles P. Neimeyer tells the stories of the men and women who fought for the young country's independence. Sometimes starting off as rag-tag groups of men shooting off their muskets at geese just for the thrill of the sound, the soldiers became more disciplined and focused. The army recruited a significant number of African American soldiers, who fought side by side with whites. Women also fought and served in the army, either masquerading as male soldiers or providing support for army operations in camp and on the march. Suffering through times of numbing cold and starvation where men boiled their shoes for food, the sheer perseverance of the soldiers in the ranks ultimately won the war for independence. Presenting stories from letters and diaries of the men and women of the time, this volume reveals the stories of fear, exhaustion, hard work, grief, and exhilaration of the people in the camps and on the march. . Highlights include:
Recruitment, which included just about any healthy man willing to serve, including immigrants and enemy POWs
General Washington's attempts to create a model, respectable army
Attempts at medical treatment, and the ravages of smallpox, which left men dying at makeshift hospitals
African American soldiers in the War
Women's contributions to war efforts, whether in disguise as soldiers, or in filling in for husbands killed in battle
Daily life in the camp: the monotony, the lack of food and supplies, drinking, sleeping in huts and out in the open, games, letter writing and religious observations
The failure to fairly pay the soldiers as they mustered out of service The book also includes a timeline that puts dates and events in better perspective; a comprehensive, topically arranged bibliography; and a thorough index.
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