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Books Related to Philadelphia 1777 Justin Clement - ISBN: 1846030331
An excellent description of one of the "bloody noses" British army gave to Americans during the Independance War - Rated
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.
