Stephen Brumwell Book order

Why did the once-ardent hero of the American Revolutionary cause become its most dishonored traitor?

George Washington is a vivid recounting of the formative years and military career of "The Father of his Country," following his journey from brutal border skirmishes with the French and their Native American allies to his remarkable victory over the British Empire, an achievement that underpinned his selection as the first president of the United States of America. The book focuses on a side of Washington that is often overlooked: the feisty young frontier officer and the early career of the tough forty-something commander of the revolutionaries' ragtag Continental Army. Award-winning historian Stephen Brumwell shows how, ironically, Washington's reliance upon English models of "gentlemanly" conduct, and on British military organization, was crucial in establishing his leadership of the fledgling Continental Army, and in forging it into the weapon that secured American independence. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including original archival research, Brumwell brings a fresh new perspective on this extraordinary individual, whose fusion of gentleman and warrior left an indelible imprint on history.

Focusing on the experiences of British Army soldiers in North America and the West Indies from 1755 to 1763, this examination highlights the often-overlooked voices of ordinary redcoats. By utilizing new evidence, it presents a unique perspective on the Army's society, delving into themes such as combat experiences, captivity, the roles of women, and the lives of veterans. Unlike other accounts that emphasize major figures and events, this study prioritizes the individual soldier's narrative, offering a more nuanced understanding of their lives and challenges.

Exploring the life of James Wolfe, this biography delves into the complexities of his character and legacy. It examines whether he should be celebrated as a hero or criticized as a ruthless figure in history. The narrative provides a comprehensive look at Wolfe's military achievements and personal struggles, shedding light on his impact during a pivotal era. Through detailed analysis, the book invites readers to reconsider the dualities of his persona and the historical context in which he operated.

"A fast-moving tale of courage, cruelty, hardship, and savagery."--Pittsburgh Post-GazetteIn North America's first major conflict, known today as the French and Indian War, France and England--both in alliance with Native American tribes--fought each other in a series of bloody battles and terrifying raids. No confrontation was more brutal and notorious than the massacre of the British garrison of Fort William Henry--an incident memorably depicted in James Fenimore Cooper's The Last of the Mohicans. That atrocity stoked calls for revenge, and the tough young Major Robert Rogers and his "Rangers" were ordered north into enemy territory to exact it.On the morning of October 4, 1759, Rogers and his men surprised the Abenaki Indian village of St. Francis, slaughtering its sleeping inhabitants without mercy. A nightmarish retreat followed. When, after terrible hardships, the raiders finally returned to safety, they were hailed as heroes by the colonists, and their leader was immortalized as "the brave Major Rogers." But the Abenakis remembered Rogers differently: To them he was Wobomagonda--"White Devil."