John Jay was a central figure in the early history of the American Republic. A New York lawyer; born in 1745; Jay served his country with the greatest distinction and was one of the most influential of its Founding Fathers. In the first full-length biography in almost seventy years; Walter Stahr brings Jay vividly to life; setting his astonishing career against the background of the American Revolution. Drawing on substantial new material; Walter Stahr has written a full and highly readable portrait of both the public and private man. It is the story not only of John Jay himself; the most prominent native-born New Yorker of the eighteenth century; but also of his engaging and intelligent wife; Sarah; who accompanied her husband on his wartime diplomatic missions. This lively and compelling biography presents Jay in the light he deserves: as a major Founding Father; a true national hero; and a leading architect of America's future.
#1220933 in Books Osprey 2012-02-21 2012-02-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 249.68 x .28 x 7.25l; .65 #File Name: 184908616896 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Ending the myth of the English longbowBy CustomerI like a book that ends a myth; and some English military history myths enjoy far too much widespread belief even to this day. In this easy to read; well-illustrated history; the weaknesses of the longbow are finally laid out with clarity and tactical specificity. Too many amateur history lovers seem to think the longbow was an invincible war winner. Well; if that was so; why did the English lose the war?The author points out that during these last campaigns; not only did the French not outnumber the English during the two pivotal battles; but superior tactical use of cannon and cavalry completely overturned and overwhelmed the English lines. The longbow shows up in Nicolle's writing as an effective weapon; but one whose archers heavily depend on mass formations and field fortifications; two features which both would fail under the nagging long-range fire of cannon at Formigny in 1450 and Castillon in 1453; resulting in wild pell mell melee combat where the advantage flowed to the French men-at-arms and their effective cavalry charges0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good coverage of end of warBy Te BadaCould have used more maps1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Review of The End of English Hegemony in FranceBy MostofizadehThis is an excellent review of the circumstances which led to the loss of English hegemony in Normandy and Guienne. Of note is an analysis of the ineffectiveness of the English military system (archers and dismounted men-at-arms) against the more modern French system that maximized the effect of the "new" gunpowder weaponry.
