Philadelphia 1777: Taking the capital: No. 176 (Campaign)

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.

Great artwork and an exciting text. The illustrations make it for me. They show a totally different vision of Redcoats in the Revolutionary War.

Lacking in illustrations of the Soldiers involved, good have done so much more to illustrate the changes in the soldiers Uniforms in this particular theatre. Historical text and campaign is good.

Uniformen,Schlachtenverlauf im großen u.ganzen top.

Une campagne parsemée de batailles célèbres.Une contextualisation vraiment intéressante qui montre tout le savoir faire stratégique du général Howe (qui mérite d'être connu pour le coup).Le général britannique a toujours un coup d'avance sur ses adversaires qu'il repousse constamment et la mise en place stratégique, bien évoquée, mérite le respect.Le général américain n'en démérite pas moins et fait preuve de ténacité : il fait face, prend l'offensive.La bataille de Brandywine fait partie de la campagne avec certains aspects évoqués.Germantown également.Evidemment, cet Osprey ne remplace pas un livre sur une sujet mais ses cartes 3D, ses tableaux d'effectif, ses épisodes éclairent correctement les batailles.Les illustrations "maison" sont un peu faibles pour moi qui préfèrent les planches d'uniformes d'autres Osprey.Donc, bien pour la campagne, correct pour les batailles.

I bought this book as I was having a wargamming party in my home in Japan, and one of my guests is from the Philadelphia area. She was tickled pink to read of the areas she knew from growing up in the area. As far as the historical information, I learned many things about this campaign which I was unaware of. Such as the difficulty the British had in trying to advance up from the coast. As well, it is interesting to note that the British stratagey to caputure cities did not produce the results they wanted.

I love the Osprey books on the American Revolution. They give a concise history, make for a quick reference work, and provide enough details to understand the action. The images always include current photographs of the sites, maps, and contemporary artwork of the leaders. The serious researcher can use the Osprey books for an overview before delving into more in depth and detailed studies.

A wonderful reference and a fascinating story.