This text concerns itself with the performance of the much-maligned British Cavalry in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo. The author reveals that their bad reputation is founded on but a few misadventures; and that greater credit should be given to this regiment.
#1359450 in Books Harry N. Abrams 2002-10-08Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 11.75 x 1.33 x 9.75l; #File Name: 0810935392448 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy ahigherauthorityIf you are a student of Colonial cartography; you simply require this volume in your library0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A beautiful coffee table bookBy CaryI would have liked more close ups for some locations; as much of my interest is genealogical and I wanted to see various areas up close. However the bookm is chock full of maps beautifully renedered; and it's hard to complain about such a wanderful artifact.21 of 21 people found the following review helpful. A book of the first degree; and I don't mean latitudeBy A CustomerAnyone who enjoys historic maps; particularly of colonial America; will be extremely glad they purchased this book. I have absorbed most of the print off the pages; being careful to leave the innumerable high resolution images in the book for future enjoyment. Many of the maps illustrated are of such rarity that one will rarely; if ever; see them elsewhere.The book has 5 main sections:1. Claiming the Land covers 40+ pages; the maps illustrated in this section "tell the story of how Europeans took possession of the land in the New World by royal claims by discovery and exploration; by companies comprised of private investors...; or by wealthy individuals asserting personal holdings. The obvious way... to substantiate ownership [was] by illustrating boundary lines on a chart or map."2. Maps as Symbolic Objects covers 10 pages includes numerous engravings or portraits from the colonial era in which the subjects are holding or studying maps; or in which maps or globes can be seen in the background.3. A Selection of Maps from the Colonial Williamsburg Collection is by far the largest section; covering about 268 pages. Just a few of the notable publishers or cartographers works included in this section are Ortelius; de Bry; Smith; Dudley; Senex; Moll; De Brahm; (John) Mitchell; Popple; Fry Jefferson; Mouzon; Faden...WOW; I guess I shouldn't try to name them all.4. The Atlas of John Custis; 1698 covers about 80 pages. A very thorough and fascinating history of this remarkable composite atlas is followed by a complete analysis of the 94 maps and charts contained therein.5. Philip Lea and the Seventeenth-Century Map Trade covers almost 20 pages and provides an overview of the actual "business end" of the map trade in the 17th century; and a detailed look at Lea's business. This is a topic frequently (and unfortunately) overlooked in many historical map related texts.Are there any flaws? Not really. I did notice that on several occasions the "detail" images of a section of a map offered no better resolution than the full map image. This is more a compliment to the quality of the full map images than an insult to the "details." I believe the author's intent was to draw attention to a particular component of the map with the "detail" images; not necessarily provide "Hubble" resolution.I have no reservations at all in recommending this book; regardless of how many map books are already on your book shelf. The illustrations alone (I counted 482;185) are justification enough for purchasing the book. But I also found the accompanying text equally fascinating and edifying. Reading the book is not a chore or a bore; yet provides a tremendous educational experience. Oops; I didn't mean to imply that educational books are usually boring; but I guess I did. And no; there aren't really 482;185 illustrations; but there are a boatload; and they are of superb quality. Enjoy the book!
