There are a number of good authors who write about the American Revolution. One of my favorites is David Bonk. I have a number of his books ("Men who are determined to be free", "Trenton and Princeton" and "Continental vs Red Coat"). All are well written and show great research which sets them apart from too much that is published today. So it was with a little surprise (I had not heard of this yet) and a great delight that I saw this at On Military Matters and quickly scooped it up. If you are gaming the period, interested in the period or just need to be inspired please do yourself a favour and check out this book.
The book is hefty and good sized. Its packed with a lot of information. In some ways it can be a one stop shopping for the American Rev War gamer or buff. There is a very handy guide to uniforms to assist you in painting your miniatures. Not only the unusual American and British either. Americans are broken up for uniforms in 1775, 1776 and 1778. Really good stuff here. There is information for your various German states, some loyalists and also the often neglected Spanish. Where it really shines is for the French explaining the various uniform regulations and what was probably worn when. You don't get this information in too many places unless you seriously dig and here it us at your finger tips. In addition there is handy guides about tactics and weapons which should answer any questions you have. Finally a number of very well thought out scenarios are added for you to play. Did I mention pictures? Lots and lots of pictures to inspire you and make you want to up your game in the table top.
In addition to guides for the war by years I was especially impressed by his strategic over views. Once the French and Spanish entered the war it became a global conflict. Britain's war effort and resources were stretched thin and its remarkable they were able to hold to what they did. This part of the war us often overlooked or ignored by too many authors and David deserves great credit for including it.
My favorite chapter is on terrain. How to set up your table and what is North American terrain. He breaks thus up by geographic locations. Brilliant! What is true for New England is not true for South Carolina. How were farms later out, what types if fences and fields were command and buildings are all explained. This is backed up by outstanding pictures if his award winning table top games. I wish more guides included things like this.
I am very glad I picked this up and have greatly enjoyed reading it and looking at the pictures.
Sounds like a great resource to have especially on laying out the table. Bonk and Anderson recently produced an Atlas to the AWI which is excellent.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I think it is a very good resource.
DeleteYes they did. I reviewed it back in February.
https://bravefusiliers.blogspot.com/2024/02/american-revolution-map-books.html
Good review Mark and another one on the "to get" list, it sounds a really good book.
ReplyDeleteThank you Donnie!
DeleteThat does indeed sound like an excellent book on the subject, Mark!
ReplyDeleteI am interested to read your comments on the impact of France and Spain entering the war on the Rebels side. In my biased British point of view, I have always believed that's what won American independence....without that aid, it's possible/ likely there would have been a different outcome, although I understand acknowledging this would be anathema to the legend of America's self creation 😆
The effect of Spain and France entering the war was felt immediately. Philadelphia was ordered evacuated and Clinton had to take a land route to return to NYC. Then, he lost a third of his army when it was sent to the Caribbean to fight the French. More regiments were then sent to assist Canada and Florida. Yorktown almost happened at Newport Rhode Island and also Savannah Georgia except for the intervention of the Royal Navy.
DeleteIn addition Great Britain's resources, already stretched thin were now at the breaking point. Read Bowler's book Logistics and the Failure of the British Army in America 1775-1783 and you see what a remarkable job Great British did.
Would there have been a different outcome without French and Spanish intervention? Difficult to say and my opinions are biased as I am an American (although one who worked very hard as a historian to see and understand both sides views). But it would have been very much more difficult and the war would have lasted much longer otherwise one way or the other.
Mark, that's a great review. Thank you for writing it up. I will also add this to the "to buy" list.
ReplyDeleteEric
Thank you very much Eric! Appreciate it greatly. It would be money well spent
DeleteWould you describe it as a Bonkbuster? 😉 I’m tempted, even though all the toys have gone.
ReplyDeleteI see what you did there 🤔
ReplyDeleteIt’s the bit about terrain that’s attracting me, something that is sadly neglected. I suppose it’s because getting into the ACW taught me there was more to the USA than skyscrapers and monument valley.
DeleteThat was the section that sold me on buying it.
DeleteI've been thinking of getting this book. But I've held off because I'm no novice on the AWI, and felt it might simply repeat things I already know. Your review is starting to change my mind. Do you think it offers info for people reasonably familiar with the war?
ReplyDeleteI would recommend buying it. Although much of the information is available elsewhere here you get it in one handy book.
DeleteAn excellent review and a book now added to my want list:),
ReplyDelete