All The King's Men: The British Redcoat in the Era of Sword and Musket

(Paperback)

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Between 1660 and 1815 British supremacy on foreign soil was near total. Central to this success was the humble redcoat soldier who showed heroism in battle and stoicism in peace, despite appalling treatment. This is their story- of brutal discipline and inedible food, of loyalty and low pay, of barracks and battlefield - of victory, defeat, life and death. 'From Wolfe's audacious scaling of the Heights of Abraham to Wellington's precarious victory at Waterloo, the pages are filled with a heady mixture of heroism, incompetence, devilish tactics and plain good luck. Those wishing to immerse themselves in this golden age of British military success will relish David's fine piece of history.' Sunday Times 'An extraordinary story, packed with drama, incident and great characters. David combines a clear and powerful narrative with shrewd judgements, illuminating vignettes and fresh and telling detail.' Patrick Bishop, Country Life 'Very good, wonderful . . . makes one's heart beat faster. A thoroughly engaging account.' Daily Telegraph 'Highly readable, thoughtful and compelling.' Andrew Roberts, Mail on Sunday 'A wonderful, thoroughly engaging account.' Daily Telegraph

Reviews

An extraordinary story, packed with drama, incident and great characters...Combines a clear and powerful narrative with shrewd judgements, illuminating vignettes and fresh and telling detail -- Patrick Bishop * Country Life *
A heady mixture of heroism, incompetence, devilish tactics and plain good luck. Those wishing to immerse themselves in this golden age of British military success will relish David's fine piece of history * Sunday Times *
He conveys the temper of soldiers' daily lives and their attitude to fighting beautifully...his description of the Battle of Waterloo makes one's heart beat faster * Daily Telegraph *
At a time when the Army is facing cutbacks while being expected to fight distant, unpopular wars on a shoestring, David's book could not be more topical * Sunday Telegraph *
Filled with swashbuckling derring-do, the reek of blood and gunpowder, combined with shrewd analysis of power, war and psychology -- Simon Sebag Montefiore
Highly readable.... Saul David is particularly good at battle scenes, and the incredibly violent 150-year period leaves him spoilt for choice....His insights are thoughtful and his prose style compelling -- Andrew Roberts * Mail on Sunday *
A rollicking account of the rise of the British Army ... the life of the humble redcoat, from the Restoration to Waterloo * Telegraph (Seven) *

Author Bio

Saul David is Professor of War Studies at the University of Buckingham and the author of several critically acclaimed books, including The Indian Mutiny: 1857, Zulu and, most recently, Victoria's Wars: The Rise of Empire. He recently presented 'Bullets, Boots and Bandages' for BBC 4 and is a regular contributor to Radio 4.