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Autobiography and Other Writings: Franklin by Benjamin Franklin, Kenneth Silverman (Editor) -- Famous as a scientist, statesman, philosopher, businessman, and civic leader, Benjamin Franklin was also one of the most powerful and controversial American writers of his time, and has been a subject of intense debate ever since: to Matthew Arnold, he exemplified "victorious good sense"; to D.H. Lawrence, he was "the first dummy American." Franklin's classic Autobiography is his last word on his greatest literary creation -- his own invented persona, the original incarnation of the American success story.
For the first time, the authoritative editions of works by major American novelists, poets, scholars, and essayists collected in the hardcover volumes of The Library of America are being published singly in a series of handsome and durable paperback books. A distinguished author has contributed an introduction for each volume, which also includes a detailed chronology of the author's life and career, an essay on the choice of the text, and notes.
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Redcoats and Rebels: The American Revolution Through British Eyes by Christopher Hibbert -- The story of this war has usually been told in terms of a conflict between blundering British generals and their rigidly disciplined red-coated troops on the one side and heroic American patriots in their homespun shirts and coonskin caps on the other. In this fresh, compelling narrative, Christopher Hibbert portrays the realities of a war that raged the length of an entire continent—a war that thousands of George Washington's fellow countrymen condemned and that he came close to losing. Based on a wide variety of sources and alive with astute character sketches and eyewitness accounts, Redcoats and Rebels presents a vivid and convincing picture of the "cruel, accursed" war that changed the world forever. |
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Seacoast Fortifications of the United States: An Introductory History by Emanuel Raymond Lewis -- A wonderfully written book that will interest anyone that has visited one, or more of the many old forts up and down the East Coast of the United States. This book will be extremely fascinating to anyone with the least bit of curiosity about old forts. The author is very knowledgable about the subject matter and does a brilliant job of conveying information in a way that makes it understandable to an amateur, while still being insightful to a professional in the field of coastal fortification history. |
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Great Stories of the American Revolution by Webb Garrison -- Fifty-three fascinating tales introduce readers to the people, places, and events that shaped a nation and changed the world. Indexed and illustrated. |
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Battles of the Revolutionary War, 1775-1781 (Major Battles and Campaigns #3) by W. J. Wood, John S. D. Eisenhower (Editor) -- The second and third volumes in "Major Battles & Campaigns" are at opposite poles of the series format. D'Este, author of previous works on Overlord and Sicily, takes a strategic perspective, focussing on Anglo-American cooperation in the central Mediterranean. Wood's battle history of the American Revolution is tactically oriented. D'Este argues that the Allies and the Germans had essentially the same limited purpose: to keep maximum enemy forces pinned in a secondary theater. Neither of the principal Allied commanders, Harold Alexander and Mark Clark, had the character or the talent to make the Mediterranean theater more than a dead end. D'Este avoids discussing the campaign's grand strategic aspects and ignores British operations in the eastern Mediterranean. Nevertheless, his presentation is sound within its set limits. A paperback edition would be welcome collateral reading for courses in World War II. Specialists will find little new in Wood's pages, but troop movements and command decisions are presented well and perceptively critiqued. In arguing for the uniqueness of Revolutionary battles, Wood fails to delineate clear principles of selection. Neither political, strategic, nor institutional contexts are well developed. This is, however, a useful one-volume update of Christopher Ward's two-volume The War of the Revolution (LJ 9/1/52), the standard operational narrative. |
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A History of the American Revolution by John R. Alden -- |
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Uniforms & Equipment
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The British Army in North America 1775-83 (Men-at-Arms 39) by Robin May -- For sheer guts, the Redcoats' behaviour at Bunker Hill, Saratoga and other bloody encounters has rarely been surpassed. The Americans won, but only just, and then thanks to foreign intervention and a small number of dedicated and valiant patriots who were continually let down by their own people. Robin May's splendid work looks at the British Army that fought in the American Revolution from 1775 to1783. It details the soldiers who faced the difficulties of campaigning in America along with the gross inefficiency and corruption at home which, along with their generals' often blundering conduct, were as deadly enemies as the Americans. |
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US Infantry Equipments 1775-1910 (Men-at-Arms 214) by Philip Katcher -- The development of US Army infantry equipment has been a story of trial and error, of adopting new designs to meet new problems. It was not until 1910 that a whole system of equipment, including everything from the waist belts to the canteens to the cartridge-carriers to the haversack, was officially adopted. Prior to that, each piece of equipment was designed to meet a specific need, without any consideration of anything else the soldier had to carry. Packed with photographs and illustrations, this book explores the history of US Infantry equipments from 1775 to 1910, covering everything from blankets to bayonets. |
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The French Army in the American War of Independence (Men-at-Arms 244) by René Chartrand -- The French forces that fought during the American War of Independence were, to a large extent, a product of the disasters of the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). During that war the fleet had been swept off the oceans, and nearly all colonies had been lost. Sweeping reforms were demanded. From the end of 1762 a series of royal orders dictated by common sense and good planning were signed by the king, and a vast reorganisation was started, ensuring that the army that fought in the American War presented a very different, altogether more formidable threat to her foes. |
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18th-Century Highlanders (Men-at-Arms 261) by Stuart Reid -- The new 43rd Regiment formed in 1739 not only wore bonnets, but had short jackets in place of coats, and belted plaids instead of breeches. In addition to their firelocks and bayonets they were armed with Scots broadswords, pistols and dirks. In the early days a few of them may even have carried circular shields or targets. The British Army was never to be the same again. Stuart Reid explores the history, clothing and equipment of the 18th-century Highland regiments, in a text complemented by a multitude of photographs and illustrations, including full colour plates. |
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General Washington's Army (1) 1775-78 (Men-at-Arms 273) by Marko Zlatich -- During the period 1775-78, General Washington commanded three separate armies: the New England Army of 1775; the one-year army of the United Colonies, renamed Army of the United States in July 1776; and the forces established by the Continental Congress to serve for three years from January 1777, or for the duration. In this, the first of two studies by Marko Zlatich (Men-at Arms 290 continues the treatment, covering the period from 1779-83), the systems used by state and Continental authorities to procure clothing materials, the quantities they obtained and the specifications of the uniforms themselves are all examined in detail. |
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General Washington's Army (2) 1779-83 (Men-at-Arms 290) by Marko Zlatich -- For the early years of the American War of Independence, George Washington's troops were clothed in a variety of uniforms from various sources. With the receipt in late 1778 of over 25,000 uniforms imported from France, much of the Continental army was uniformly clothed in blue or brown coats faced with red. This study by Marko Zlatich focuses on the systems used by state and Continental authorities to procure clothing materials from this point onwards, the quantities they obtained and the specifications of the uniforms themselves. Eight colour plates by the talented Bill Younghusband and a plethora of black and white photographs and illustrations usefully support the author's detailed text. |
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King George's Army 1740-93 (1) Infantry (Men-at-Arms 285) by Stuart Reid -- To most contemporary politicians the 18th century British Army was no more than an unwelcome necessity in wartime and an unjustifiable extravagance in peacetime. Nevertheless, the overall impression which is to be gained from a close study of the Army's own records, and from the surviving letters, diaries and memoirs, is that the British Army of the 18th century was very little different in character or in spirit from today's British Army. It was, above all, a force which was led, not driven, into battle. This book looks at the uniforms and organisation of the infantry of King George's Army. |
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King George's Army 1740-93 (2) (Men-at-Arms 289) by Stuart Reid -- The 18th century was marked by a steady growth in central control of the British Army and a corresponding decrease in the influence enjoyed by individual commanding officers. The most obvious sign of this process was the increasing uniformity of the clothing issued each year to the soldiers. Nevertheless, as far as those who devised the Clothing Regulations were concerned, it was a constant, and invariably quite uphill struggle to enforce compliance. This companion volume to Men-at-Arms 285 takes a further look at the infantry uniforms of the mid-18th century British Army, also covering the various auxiliary infantry formations, such as the Militia, Volunteers, Marines and the troops of the East India Company. |
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King George's Army 1740-93 (3) (Men-at-Arms 292) by Stuart Reid -- The 18th century was marked by a steady growth in central control of the British Army and a corresponding decrease in the influence enjoyed by individual commanding officers. The most obvious sign of this process was the increasing uniformity of the clothing issued each year to the soldiers. Nevertheless, as far as those who devised the Clothing Regulations were concerned, it was a constant, and invariably quite uphill struggle to enforce compliance. This companion volume to Men-at-Arms 285 and Men-at-Arms 289 examines the organisation and uniforms of King George's cavalry and artillery together with those of the Board of Ordnance. |
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Redcoat Officer 1740-1815 (Warrior 42) by Stuart Reid -- The commissioned officer ranks in the British Army from 1740-1815 were almost entirely composed of the affluent and educated - the sons of the landed gentry, the wealthy, and other professional people. This title looks at the enlistment, training, daily life and combat experiences of the typical British officer in the crucial periods of the North American conflicts, the American Revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars. It compliments the author's previous treatments in Warrior 19 British Redcoat 1740-93 and Warrior 20 British Redcoat (2) 1793-1815, which deal exclusively with the common infantryman, and balances these discussions through a look at the 'fellows in silk stockings'. Particular emphasis is placed on the experiences and activities in North America in the late 18th century. |
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Continental Infantryman of the American Revolution (Warrior 68) by John Milsop -- America raised three distinct forces to win its revolution: untrained, short-service militiamen; state troops; and the regular Continentals. The latter were the backbone of the army, providing a disciplined and effective fighting force. Some infantrymen served with Arnold's Lake Champlain fleet as marines, while others fought conventionally in sieges and field battles. This book takes a close look at the Continental infantryman of the period examining all facets of their daily life including recruitment, training, service conditions and combat experiences. Many armies have saved their nation: the Continentals helped build theirs. |
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Royal Scots Greys (Men-at-Arms 26) by Charles Grant -- For almost three centuries the Royal Scots Greys have had the proud distinction of being Scoland's only regular cavalry regiment, famed for their distinguished service record from Marlborough's wars to World War II. Indeed, the Greys at Waterloo form one of the most memorable features of military history. With their cry of 'Scotland forever!' they charged upon the French ranks seizing the imperial eagle of the French 45th Regimental. This book also looks at how this traditional cavalry unit struggled to come to terms with the realities of modern warfare during the Anglo-Boer war and World War I. Equipment and organisation used in all these combats is detailed in full and uniforms are shown in full colour artwork. |
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The Grenadier Guards (Men-at-Arms 73) by David Fraser -- General Sir David Fraser tells the story of this famous regiment; their beginnings, customs, battles and traditions from their formation as 'The Royal Regiment of Guards' in 1656 down to our own times. It is a remarkable story that includes Marlborough's campaigns in the struggle against France, the battle of Waterloo, the Crimean War, and of course two World Wars and beyond. Numerous photographs and illustrations populate Sir David's absorbing text, including eight full page colour plates by renowned military artist Angus McBride, with lengthy commentaries examining in detail the uniforms of the Grenadiers from 1865 to the 1970's. |
Flags and Insignia
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British Colours & Standards 1747-1881 (1) Cavalry (Elite 77) by Ian Sumner -- In this first of a two-part sequence a respected vexillologist describes, explains and illustrates a wide variety of the standards and guidons carried during the 18th and 19th centuries by British Household, Regular, Yeomanry and Volunteer cavalry units. The successive regulations between 1747 and 1868 are supported by tables of 'ancient badges' and battle honours; by many examples of non-regulation practice (in the cavalier tradition of the British cavalry); and by ten dazzling plates by Richard Hook, detailing some 35 flags in full colour. |
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British Colours & Standards 1747-1881 (2) Infantry (Elite 81) by Ian Sumner -- In this second of a two-part sequence a respected vexillologist describes, explains and illustrates a wide variety of the King's and Regimental colours carried during the 18th and 19th centuries by British Household, Regular, Militia and Volunteer infantry regiments. The successive regulations between 1747 and 1881 - when the carrying of colours in the field ceased - are supported by comprehensive tables of 'ancient badges' and battle honours; many careful drawings; and by ten dazzling plates by Richard Hook, detailing some 35 flags in full colour, as well as a number of famous colour-bearers. |
Leaders and Personalities
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American War of Independence Commanders (Elite 93) by René Chartrand -- The commanders who led the opposing armies of the American War of Independence came from remarkably different backgrounds. They included not only men from Britain and America, but from Germany, France and Spain as well. Some were from the great families of the "Old World", while others were frontiersmen or farmers in the "New World". Despite their differing origins, all were leaders in the events that led to the establishment of the United States of America. This book details the appearance, careers and personalities of the commanders on both sides. It covers such famous figures as George Washington and Lord Cornwallis along with less well-known men such as Admiral Suffren and Bernando de Galvez. |
Campaigns and Battles
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The American Revolution 1774-1783 (Essential Histories 45) by Daniel Marston -- The American Revolution has been characterized politically as a united political uprising of the American colonies and militarily as a guerrilla campaign of colonists against the inflexible British military establishment. Daniel Marston argues that this belief, though widespread, is a misconception. He contends that the American Revolution, in reality, created deep political divisions in the population of the Thirteen Colonies, while militarily pitting veterans of the Seven Years' War against one another, in a conflict that combined guerrilla tactics and classic eighteenth century campaign techniques on both sides. The peace treaty of 1783 that brought an end to the war marked the formal beginning of the United States of America as an independent political entity. |
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Boston 1775 -- The Shot Heard Around the World (Campaign 37) by Brendan Morrissey -- The British assault on Breed's Hill and the burning of Charlestown were the first major battles of the American Revolution; after the events at Boston there was no turning back. This detailed text by Brendan Morrissey explores the opposing commanders and forces involved, whilst describing how the sparks at Lexington and Concord ignited the smouldering resentment of the Colonists into the flame of a rebellion. Colonist militia were pitted against British Redcoats in a series of struggles which led the British to evacuate Boston and to George Washington taking command of the fledgling American army. |
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Quebec 1775 -- The American Invasion of Canada (Campaign 128) by Brendan Morrissey -- The American attack on Quebec in 1775 was a key episode in the War of Independence. Capture of the city would give the Americans control of Canada -- a disaster for the British. The subsequent campaign involved a 350-mile trek across uninhabited wilderness, a desperate American attack on the city of Quebec that left one American general dead and another wounded, and a British counterattack that culminated in a brutal naval battle off Valcour Island on Lake Champlain. In this book Brendan Morrissey details the events of this ferocious struggle whose results would have such momentous consequences at Saratoga in 1777. |
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Saratoga 1777 -- Turning Point of a Revolution (Campaign 67) by Brendan Morrissey -- The Saratoga campaign was a watershed, and is widely believed to have been the turning point of the American War of Independence. For the first time British regulars were beaten in open battle by equal numbers of Americans. The Continentals bore the brunt of the fighting, supported by 'hordes' of militia who proved adept at attacking detachments or lines of communication.The after-shock in America (on both sides) and Europe transformed a civil war into a global struggle against the two colonial superpowers of the day, France and Spain, and eventually lost George III his American colonies. |
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Monmouth Courthouse 1778 -- The Last Great battle in the North (Campaign 135) by Brendan Morrissey -- The battle of Monmouth Courthouse was not only the last major action in the Northern theater, it was also the longest and hardest-fought engagement of the entire Revolutionary War. When the British abandoned Philadelphia to return to New York City, American troops harassed their retreat. On the morning of 28 June 1778, General Lee, George Washington's lieutenant, attacked the British rearguard but his attack went badly wrong. The British rearguard, now reinforced, threw Lee's troops into a headlong retreat. Lee was relieved of his command and Washington's Continentals then stood toe-to-toe with the British, bloodily repulsing a series of powerful attacks by crack troops. |
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Guilford Courthouse 1781 -- Lord Cornwallis's Ruinous Victory (Campaign 109) by Angus Konstam -- By the Spring of 1781, the American Revolutionary War had dragged on for almost six years and the outcome still hung in the balance. When the British commander Lord Cornwallis launched his invasion of North Carolina in early 1781, his objective was to destroy General Nathaniel Greene's American army. At Guilford Courthouse on 15 March 1781 the two armies met. In a desperately hard-fought battle the small but professional British army succeeded in fighting its way through three separate lines of American troops -- but at a dreadful cost. Cornwallis lost over a quarter of his command. When news of the 'victory' reached Britain, a politician remarked; 'Another such victory would ruin the British army'. |
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Yorktown 1781 -- The World Turned Upside Down (Campaign 47) by Brendan Morrissey -- By 1781 Britain's struggle to contain the rebels in her American colonies had reached an inglorious stalemate. Six years on from the British defeat by the New England militia at Boston, George Washington's rebuilt Continental Army - with support from the French - now systematically began to seek out and destroy British forces even if protected by seemingly impregnable defences. Yorktown would be a salutary lesson to the British Crown about the odds she now faced in holding on to her colonies. |
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