Overview
This is the first published account of the life of Major General William Phillips, a British officer whose achievements during the American Revolution place him in the ranks of Britain's most successful generals such as Charles Cornwallis. Although he was a commoner, Phillips rose from the rank of cadet in the Royal Artillery Academy, distinguished himself through remarkable achievements in Europe's Seven Years War, and went on to command a field army in America. This story chronicles his extraordinary abilities, leadership, and innovative style which left a lasting mark on British artillery tactics and military leadership. It provides new insights into the captivity of Burgoyne's army, British operations in Virginia in 1781, and the first detailed account of the Battle of Petersburg, Virginia. In this probing biography, suitable for military buffs and historians alike, Davis uncovers new and fascinating materials about Phillips' life, including his connivance with General Cornwallis to change British strategy in the American southern theater. Though Phillips has largely been denied attention throughout history, Davis' work goes a long way toward restoring his rightful place.
Full Product Details
Author: Robert P. Davis ,
Peter Somerville-Large
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Imprint: Praeger Publishers Inc
Volume: No. 179
Dimensions:
Width: 15.60cm
, Height: 2.40cm
, Length: 23.50cm
Weight: 0.539kg
ISBN: 9780313310201
ISBN 10: 0313310203
Pages: 240
Publication Date: 30 September 1999
Recommended Age: From 7 to 17 years
Audience:
College/higher education
,
General/trade
,
Undergraduate
,
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: To order
Stock availability from the supplier is unknown. We will order it for you and ship this item to you once it is received by us.
Reviews
Presents an excellent account of a British professional officer who became entwined in some of the most historic campaigns of the American Revolution but until now has only lingered in the shadow of American History....Mr. Davis, through the use of original journals and correspondence, brings the story of this forgotten soldier to life. It is likewise an excellent source for anyone wishing to further study the highly important Virginia Campaign of 1781 and Phillips' final victory at Petersburg. A highly informative read which I am happy to recommend. -Todd W. Braisted Company of Military Historians & The Brigade of the American Revolution
Author Information
ROBERT P. DAVIS retired from the U.S. Army in 1982 as a First Sergeant, after serving 26 years on active duty including Vietnam in 1968-1969, but he continues to work for the army as a civilian. He is a consultant to the City of Petersburg, Virginia, for its Revolutionary War history and is involved in reenacting and lecturing on Major General Phillips and the Battle of Petersburg. Mr. Davis has been a member of the Company of Military Historians since 1974.
