This study of clothing during British colonial America examines items worn by the well-to-do as well as the working poor; the enslaved; and Native Americans; reconstructing their wardrobes across social; economic; racial; and geographic boundaries.
#2861559 in Books 1991-12-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .50 x 6.14l; 1.03 #File Name: 0313273502192 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For students of counterinsurgency; light infantry tactics; and the American RevolutionBy E. M. Van CourtEvery student of American history (at least those who stayed awake) knows the story of George Washington attacking the Hessians on Christmas Eve.The author of this work was an officer of those Hessians. Ewald articulates the needs of a conventional force using unconventional tactics to oppose an insurgency. Just like the Marine Corps' 1940 Small Wars Manual; many books about the US-Vietnam war; a plethora of current articles about Iraq and Afghanistan; and a host of other works.For the contemporary counterinsurgent; Ewald provides a sense of continuity; a sense that you are not alone; and others have shared the challenges you face. To be fair; there is little said that hasn't been said elsewhere; but that someone described an experience you share in in 1785; 230 years ago; is proof that you are not alone; that others have shared in the trials through the ages. On the other hand; sometimes historical perspective can offer insights that did not emerge from more recent works; like the 1940 Small Wars Manual.For a student of light infantry tactics; Ewald provides two things. First; he provides examples of early dispersed tactics using precision small arms; tactics that required initiative; discipline; and dynamic leadership while breaking with Napoleonic tactics in every way. Second; he commiserates with the junior officer who sees a need for change while facing senior leaders who cannot see beyond their comfort zone in obsolescent concepts. The struggle is real; and goes back centuries; brother. Don't surrender; and don't back down.For students of the American Revolution; Ewald provides a perspective seldom voiced; that of neither the Colonials nor the British; but a British 'military contractor'. We hear the voices of American patriots; and occasionally our French allies (since the war conveniently served their interests); and once in a while we hear the thoughts of Brits who were defeated by a pack of Colonials; but the German mercenaries are seldom; if ever heard from. The bitterness at defeat by a bunch of untrained an poorly equipped peasants stung; and stung hard. This is a voice who deserve to be heard.For a wide range of historians and theorists; this is a valuable work. I can't recommend it highly enough.Edward M. Van Court
