ScottWashburn | 09 Oct 2014 5:05 a.m. PST |
Brandywine: A Military History of the Battle that Lost Philadelphia but Saved America, September 11, 1777 by Michael C. Harris Mr. Harris has written a book that will be a delight for both the novice and the serious student of the American Revolution. This is an extremely readable account but filled with information, mostly taken from primary sources. It is sure to provide many ideas for wargame scenarios. The book sets the stage for the campaign with a fascinating description of the overall strategic situation, the problems confronting British Commander Sir William Howe and the American Commander George Washington, and their respective strategies to meet those challenges. The initial thrust and parry between the armies in New Jersey during the spring of 1777 involved several small battles that are interesting in their own right. Then Harris explores General Howe's decision to embark his army on ships to strike at Philadelphia and Washington's uncertainty about where the British armada was headed. The description of these events conveys the tension both men must have felt wonderfully. When Howe's army finally lands south of Philadelphia and Washington moves to block him, the stage is set for what was, in terms of men engaged, ground area covered, and length of time, the largest battle of the American Revolution. Mr. Harris' description of the battle itself is masterful. Despite a woeful lack of official reports (particularly on the American side) he has managed to piece together the movements of the armies and the fighting that resulted with a level of detail that is amazing. His use of primary accounts by the participants adds a wonderful level of realism. The many maps and photographs of the ground as it exists today are very useful aids in following the action. Mr. Harris' personal knowledge of the battlefield is evident in his descriptions. Gamers should find a lot of very useful material here. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. link
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epturner | 09 Oct 2014 5:33 a.m. PST |
Concur. I have it and it's very well written. Mike did a tour for a group of us and he's very, very good. Eric |
John the OFM | 09 Oct 2014 5:48 a.m. PST |
How did it "save America"? By convincing the French that with a little "expert guidance" they could put a thumb in Britain's eye? Usually Saratoga and maybe Germantown gets the credit for that. Hey Scott! There is an American Revolution Board! Use it! |
ScottWashburn | 09 Oct 2014 5:50 a.m. PST |
John, How did it Save America? Read the book and find out :) |
John the OFM | 09 Oct 2014 8:01 a.m. PST |
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Virginia Tory | 09 Oct 2014 8:21 a.m. PST |
I didn't get the "saved America" subtitle, but the book itself is outstanding--lots of myths debunked, as well as some first rate analysis regarding unit movements, casualties, etc. |
Joes Shop | 09 Oct 2014 12:35 p.m. PST |
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oldnorthstate | 09 Oct 2014 7:36 p.m. PST |
I have not read the book yet but when I visited the Brandywine battlefield last year about this time doing research for my Osprey Combat AWI title I spent some time with the staff at the visitor's center…at the time Mr. Harris' book had been announced on Amazon for preorder…when I mentioned the book to the staff they appeared surprised that someone was writing on the subject and when I told them who had written it there was a very negative reaction…they obviously knew Mr. Harris and several remarked they were not looking forward to his treatment of the battle…take it for what it's worth. db |
ScottWashburn | 10 Oct 2014 4:12 a.m. PST |
I'd say it isn't worth anything. Perhaps the folks at the visitor's center are annoyed that Mr. Harris debunks some of the cherished local myths about the battle :) In any case, I'd pay more attention to the very positive reviews on Amazon and here on this thread (and the other one I created in the "American Revolution" section per John the OFM's suggestion). It seems as though anyone who has actually read the book has nothing but praise for it. |
Virginia Tory | 10 Oct 2014 8:55 a.m. PST |
I saw nothing in the book that should have been grounds for the park staff to be upset (unless, as noted, they don't like the idea of local myths being debunked). The author is pretty clear about when there isn't evidence to support something one way or the other. That's how you're supposed to write history. |
Ironwolf | 10 Oct 2014 11:48 p.m. PST |
I'd rather an author be clear in noting not enough evidence to support one way or the other. Than an author who pushes their own idea or pet theory. |
B6GOBOS | 12 Oct 2014 9:49 a.m. PST |
Interesting. I knew a number of the staff way back in the late 1990's and found them to be well read and very knowledgeable. And the reviews of the book sound very good. Perhaps it was a difference in interpretation of certain events or interpretation of first person accounts? Similar thing happened when the book Paul Revere's Ride by David Hackett Fisher came out. The staff like the book but had very serious issues/disagreement with some of his interpretation of events. |