THE CAPTURE OF LOUISBOURG, 1758.

BOSCAWEN, Hugh.

ISBN 10: 0806141557 / ISBN 13: 9780806141558

Published by University Of Oklahoma Press, Norman, 2011

About this Item

4to. pp xxxvii, 466. Colour illustrated dust jacket. Original publisher's half black cloth with gilt lettering at spine. Black and white illustrations. Inscribed by the author to historian Richard Holmes: 'To Richard Holmes, with many thanks for his encouragement, wise counsel and friendship since the early days of the Louisbourg 1758 project, from the author.' ISBN: 9780806141558 Fine in fine dust jacket. Front board has small dent at bottom edge.

Seller Inventory # C37279

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE CAPTURE OF LOUISBOURG, 1758.
• Publisher: University Of Oklahoma Press, Norman
• Publication Date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0806141557
• ISBN 13: 9780806141558
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

Louisbourg, France's impressive fortress on Cape Breton Island's foggy Atlantic coast, dominated access to the St. Lawrence and colonial New France for forty years in the mid-eighteenth century. In 1755, Great Britain and France stumbled into the French and Indian War, part of what (to Europe) became the Seven Years' War—only for British forces to suffer successive defeats. In 1758, Britain and France, as well as Indian nations caught in the rivalry, fought for high stakes: the future of colonial America.

Hugh Boscawen describes how Britain's war minister William Pitt launched four fleets in a coordinated campaign to prevent France from reinforcing Louisbourg. As the author shows, the Royal Navy outfought its opponents before General Jeffery Amherst and Brigadier James Wolfe successfully led 14,000 British regulars, including American-born redcoats, rangers, and carpenters, in a hard-fought assault landing. Together they besieged the fortress, which surrendered after forty-nine days. The victory marked a turning point in British fortunes and precipitated the end of French rule in North America.

Boscawen, an experienced soldier and sailor, and a direct descendant of Admiral the Hon. Edward Boscawen, who commanded the Royal Navy fleet at Louisbourg, examines the pivotal 1758 Louisbourg campaign from both the British and French perspectives. Drawing on myriad primary sources, including previously unpublished correspondence, Boscawen also answers the question "What did the soldiers and sailors who fought there do all day?" The result is the most comprehensive history of this strategically important campaign ever written.

About the Author

Colonel Hugh Boscawen served thirty-two years in the Coldstream Guards, with operational service in three theaters, including Op DESERT STORM, before leaving the British Army in 2009. An eighteenth-century naval and military specialist, and a yachtsman, he has contributed to British military doctrine and to various regimental histories and journals.