Few realize that, aside from those in the UK, the largest contingent of British troops was the approximately 8,000 based in the Colonies of North America. Once it was realized that there was a full blown rebellion underway, the British did what they could to regroup and await more troops for an offensive that was hoped would quickly end the conflict.

The British commander pulled out of Boston and went to Halifax where he could plan the next move. It was seen that the best he could do was to gain control of the Hudson River valley and thus split the colonies. With the real troublemakers in New England and their supplies coming from the Carolinas, it was hoped that this would cause the insurrection to wither on the vine.

The key to all this was the capture of New York at the mouth of the Hudson River. To do that, the British landed on Long Island and moved over the open country and hills, fighting several battles against the newly formed Continental Army. The Continentals were mainly comprised of various militias, led by George Washington, a general who wasn't really the best available (Nathanial Greene was), but he had the ability to hold together the army through all the various trials and tribulations as well as get victories (albeit small) when they were most needed.

This book covers the campaign of General Williame Howe and his troops in the capture of Long Island and New York in 1776. Howe was a bit of an enigma as he was an excellent planner and his troops fought well, yet he did not seem to have his heart into things, allowing the Continentals the opportunity to escape on several occasions, even to the point of allowing them to take their artillery with them!

In line with other books in this series, there are specific sections that are common with all. The origins of the campaign, a chronology of events, the opposing commanders, what the opposing armies were like and the opposing plans are all laid out for the reader. Then there are the two major sections to this particular campaign, that being the one to take Long Island and the one to clear New York itself.

The book provides conclusions on what came after the battles and how the event steered others that followed. The final section, which for this subject is quite small, is what the battlefields are like today. Since this area has been extensively populated and reformed in the last 250 years, very little actually remains.

It is a superb book on the subject and one that all students of American history should have in their libraries. I can recommend to you without reservation.

May 2008

For more on the complete line of Osprey books, visit www.ospreypublishing.com. In the US, it is Osprey Direct at 44-02 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City, NY 11101., where you can get a catalogue of available books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly by a site that has nearly 400,000 visitors a month, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.