Osprey's study of Britain's infantry tactics used during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). The British Army's major campaigns against Napoleon were fought between 1808 and 1813 in the Peninsula (Portugal; Spain; and finally southern France); followed in 1815 by the brief but climactic Waterloo campaign. The British Army was small by continental standards; but it consistently out-fought larger French armies; never losing a major open-field action. Its cavalry and artillery were standard; but its infantry which unlike foreign armies; was entirely made up of volunteers; achieved unique results. Their tactics were brought to a peak of professional perfection by Wellington; but commentators still consistently over-simplify the explanation for his unmatched series of victories. This book will examine the contemporary instruction manuals; and compare them with what actually happened in specific battles; drawing upon a mass of quotations from eyewitnesses. Under other generals who failed to grasp the essentials; the British infantry could be beaten (occasionally) by both the French; and by the Americans; but it was Wellington's perfect employment of their tactical strengths that made them unstoppable. With a detailed look at the effective use of terrain; line vs column maneuvers; and fortification assaults; Philip Haythornthwaite reveals the outstanding tactics of Wellington's army that converted volunteers into war-winning professionals.
#32306 in Books Verso 2010-01-12 2010-01-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.30 x .90 x 5.50l; .87 #File Name: 1844674185320 pages
Review
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Considering this book as the genre of "Testimonio" in Latin American LiteratureBy CustomerIt's a good book that describes the struggles of the Mayan population in Guatemala. It is best to read in conjunction with different articles that criticize this book and also the foreword. This was not written by Rigoberta and it is important to consider the politics of translation as well as transcription. She gave her testimony to Elizabeth Burgos; who collected the information from the interview in Spanish and created the text. At the time when Rigoberta gave her testimony; she only had been speaking Spanish for three years.I read this for one of my college classes at Princeton and I just discussed this book at my book club.Another thing to consider is the genre that this book falls in. It is not a memoir or an autobiography. It falls under the category of latin american literature known as tesimonio. This differs from the direct translation of testimony. I recommend readers do some research on the politics of testimonio and whether or not all that is said is needed to be true.It is a great book to start a conversation on the politics of ethnicity and whether books like these are needed to be entirely truthful or factual!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. if you want to learn what really hard work is ...By artie solomonif you want to learn what really hard work is or if you want to learn how to have a community where people really care about the whole community.; then read this book by a brave and thoughtful indigenous Guatemalan woman. Extraordinary book .0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The book was in good condition and came quickly in the mailBy CustomerI received a different version than the one pictured; but still received the correct book. The book was in good condition and came quickly in the mail. The book itself is a testimonio from a Guatemalan Native and is not for the faint of heart. It is a book that does not hold back detail of torture and pain and has many moments that will make your stomach turn. I would not recommend it for all audiences.This is a powerful; moving recounting of the events that happened to Rigoberta Menchu and the other natives in Guatemala during the late 20th century.
