Product Description

A turning point in the War of Independence, the campaign for Philadelphia set in motion a series of events leading to the defeat of the British and eventual independence for the emerging American nation. From the landing of General William Howe's army at the head of the Elk River, to his eventual capture of Philadelphia, the campaign included some fascinating battles. The initial engagement at Brandywine, the Paoli Massacre and the missed opportunity at Germantown are all examined in detail by Justin Clement, with supporting maps, original artwork and photographs. Recently discovered information about the battle of Brandywine and analysis of the major personalities involved completes this comprehensive account.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #185673 in Books
• Published on: 2007-08-10
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: .40" h x 7.20" w x 9.70" l, .65 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Review
The outcome of the campaign for Philadelphia in 1777 can be seen as the turning point in the American War of Independence. The outbreak of the war two years earlier had created a split between Britain and its North American colonies and it was the actions in taking Philadelphia that precipitated the defeat of the British which led to eventual independence for the emerging American nation. Justin Clements book is part of the Osprey Campaign series and its subject matter sits well in the uniform structure of these excellent titles. The usual sections are here, taking us through the background to the campaign, the opposing commanders and the opposing forces, along with a good concise narrative outlining the chronology of the various encounters. An excellent order of battle shows the numbers of troops present in each formation with a break-down of the casualties sustained by each unit. All this combines to form a good concise reference for one of the most interesting periods of the War of Independence. Stephen Walsh provides the colour battle plates for the main text and the author has been fortunate to have access to some very good colour portraits of the various uniforms of the participating troops. These along with some contemporary black and white plates make it a visually exciting book. As you would expect, Osprey has once again commissioned excellent maps from the Map Studio and bird's eye views of the battlefield from the Black Spot, both of whom make a great contribution to the visual excellence of this series. All in all Philadelphia 1777 is another great title from Osprey. --warbooksoutnow.co.uk

Synopsis
A turning point in the War of Independence, the campaign for Philadelphia, set in motion a series of events leading to the defeat of the British and eventual independence for the emerging American nation. From the landing of General William Howe's army at the head of the Elk River, to his eventual capture of Philadelphia, the campaign included some fascinating battles. The initial engagement at Brandywine, the Paoli Massacre and the missed opportunity at Germantown are all examined in detail by Justin Clement, with supporting maps, original artwork and photographs. Recently discovered information about the battle of Brandywine and analysis of the major personalities involved completes this comprehensive account of an important episode in the American War of Independence.

About the Author
Justin Clement has been a living history re-enactor of the American Revolution for as long as he can remember. He's transcribed several manuscript journals and orderly books and writes research articles for various living history organizations. Recently, he joined the Company of Military Historians. He graduated from the New York State University of Buffalo with a degree in Physics, but history will always remain his passion. He currently lives in Western Pennsylvania.

Customer Reviews

An excellent description of one of the "bloody noses" British army gave to Americans during the Independance War
This is one of the best Osprey Campaigns describing the American Independance War - and this is a high praise, because most of Osprey books on this topic are very good. The Philadelphia Campaign starts with the landing of Howe's Army south of the capital of the rebellion, follows with some first skirmishes, reaches the climax with the battle of Brandywine and then finishes with the fight for the forts on Delaware river and the opening of naval access to the city for the British fleet. The account of events is clear, focused and interesting. Many details concerning individual achievements (or underachievements) are provided, making this story more human. The description of brilliant Howe's victory at Brandywine, won with a daring (and very risky) flank march, is great.
One minor remark - in the description of the naval part of the operation, author didn't describe enough the reasons for which British force first went far south before going back (against contrary winds) to land near Philadelphia. This move meant that British soldiers had to spend five weeks on ships, with great damage to morale and physical condition (and a great loss of precious horses). The reasons behind this strange move are not given and this is a pity because it was the main reason why Howe had to engage Washington with a blunted sword from the beginning.
Maps are very good, and the colour plates are honest, although I am not really a fan of Stephen Walsh style.
This book should be read just after "Saratoga 1777", because it then become clear why Howe's tactical success didn't have more strategic consequences - it will also provide a better understanding of the whole picture of operation in 1777, which was the decisive year of American Independance War. Once you read those two books, you will realise that with Howe's victory it would be enough for Burgoyne just to retreat from Saratoga, even beaten, but with most of his army preserved, to win the whole war. France entered the war only after seeing Burgoyne's capitulation at Saratoga AND Washington's army still preserved although beaten, after Brandywine - and without French intervention there would be no American Independance, at least not in XVIII century....
All in all, a great book. Really worth reading and having.