W. J. Wood (1917–1997)

I found this to be an engaging book. Wood takes several different battles, and explains them in detail. He talks about the reasons for the battles, the strategies of each side, the results of the battle, and the effects that these battles had on the war. Wood also does a good job of showing both the good and the bad of each side. He points out when the British had exemplary strategies and maneuvers, and also when theie actions brought about defeat. He did the same with the Americans, showing show more their commendable moments, and those moments that they failed to produce a quality strategy. This is a book that any student of military war should read. show less

This is one of my most-consulted books on the American Revolution. Wood presents essays on ten important battles of the war. These include the usual suspects, such as Trenton-Princeton, Brandywine, Saratoga and Guilford Courthouse. However he also examines the backwoods battles at Oriskany and King's Mountain, and the naval battle at Chesapeake Capes which sealed the fate of the British force at Yorktown. Each battle is accompanied by highly useful maps.

good maps and bibliography