Description
Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe Compleat Victory is a suitable book for upper-division history courses on the American Revolution as well as military history buffs looking for a page-turner on an important campaign that played a significant role in achieving the independence of the United States. * Matthew Vajda, Kent State University *
The Compleat Victory promises to become a classic account of Saratoga, which Kevin Weddle describes as not merely a battlefield defeat but 'a strategic, operational, and tactical catastrophe' for the British. With a balanced critique of the leadership on both sides and meticulously researched, this interpretation is of particular interest for being written by a former soldier, who served in two combat deployments, in addition to teaching at West Point and the U.S. Army War College, during which he led staff rides to Saratoga. * Andrew J. O'Shaughnessy, author of The Men Who Lost America: British Leadership, the American Revolution, and the Fate of the Empire *
A significant contribution to the military history of the Revolutionary War. * Kirkus Reviews *
The fullest, most accurate, and most readable account of this most decisive battle of the Revolutionary War. * Gordon Wood, author of Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815 and Friends Divided: John Adams and Thomas Jefferson *
A gripping account of a campaign that was crucial in the struggle for American independence. Weddle ably explains both how the Patriots won and how the British lost, teasing out the interactions and offering an explanation at the strategic, operational and tactical levels. * Jeremy Black, author of Fighting for America: The Struggle for Mastery in North America, 1519-1871 *
Kevin Weddle's account of the Saratoga campaign offers a thoughtful and detailed analysis of the strategy, leadership, and tactics of a turning point in the American Revolution. In addition to telling a fine story, he illuminates the motives, decisions, and actions of the principal characters, including the ambitious and pompous John Burgoyne, the aloof and fatalistic Philip Schuyler, the militarily able and politically devious Horatio Gates, and the brilliant and mercurial Benedict Arnold. * Craig L. Symonds, author of The Battle of Midway *
Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Opening Moves Chapter 2: The First Invasion Chapter 3: A New British Strategy Chapter 4: A Question of American Command Chapter 5: Laying the Groundwork Chapter 6: The Fall of Fort Ticonderoga Chapter 7: Defeat, Retreat, Disgrace Chapter 8: Aftershocks Chapter 9: Burgoyne Moves South Chapter 10: The Ordeal of Philip Schuyler Chapter 11: The Murder of Jane McCrea Chapter 12: Not to Make a Ticonderoga of It Chapter 13: Oriskany and Relief Chapter 14: Cat and Mouse Chapter 15: Burgoyne's Dilemma Chapter 16: The Battle of Bennington Chapter 17: Gates takes Command Chapter 18: The Battle of Freeman's Farm Chapter 19: Sir Henry Clinton to the Rescue Chapter 20: The Battle of Bemis Heights Chapter 21: Retreat, Pursuit, and Surrender Chapter 22: British Reassessment Chapter 23: The Fruits of Victory Conclusion: Strategy and Leadership
