This translation of Johann Ewald's classic essay; Abhandlung Uber den kleinen Krieg; published in 1785; describes light infantry tactics in an era of heavy infantry formations. Robert Selig and David Skaggs comment on Ewald's treatise on partisan warfare and its relevance to current military doctrine. They also provide extensive scholarly notations with the text; explaining people; places; and events during the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution; where Ewald had extensive experience as a company commander in the Hessian Field Jaeger Corps. This first English translation should be of real interest to historians of American Revolution and pre-Napoleonic warfare and of special use to military professionals today in the Army and Marine Corps.Captain Ewald; eventually a Major General in the Danish Army; describes the recruiting and training of light infantry troops; and discusses their use both in the Seven Years' War and the American Revolution at length. He provides illuminating insights into light infantry tactics and doctrine.
#39923 in Books 2010-08-03 2010-08-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .3 x 5.50l; .78 #File Name: 0312625944400 pages
Review
69 of 70 people found the following review helpful. Awesome "historical action book"; superb biographyBy Pawel StefanskiAs the author; Alex Storozynski; points out in his tour speeches - this book is not about "Kosciuszko Bridge"; "Kosciuszko Mustard"; "Kosciuszko County"; or any other of several dozens of "Kosciuszko" names; scattered throughout America. It's about the real guy; who lived in one of the most dynamic periods in the modern history - and (before the age of jet travel; mind you!) shuttled back and forth between Europe and America; managing to substantially contribute to the success of the American Revolution; organize his own (ultimately - failed) uprising in Poland; spend some time in jail in Russia; emigrate to America; then go back to Europe to continue his lifelong struggle for Poland's independence. Far ahead of his time in his efforts to free slaves in America; and end the serfdom in Europe; this champion of "liberty for all" died in Switzerland in 1817. While his body was buried in the Wawel's castle in Krakow a few months after his death; his heart was returned to Poland in 1919; only after the country regained its independence in 1918. At mere 280 pages; with 50+ pages of extensive references and bibliography; this extremely well-written book is a fast paced read; which brings to life and to well deserved spot-light one of the greatest; yet so little known; freedom fighters of all ages! See also YouTube video ([...]) of Mr. Storozynski; discussing this book at the Polish Embassy in May; 2009.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Accolades for a neglected American hero.By TralfamidorianSixty years ago; American history books mentioned Kosciuszko; Pulaski; Lafayette and von Steuben in a single sentence as Europeans who came to the Americas to fight for our independence. As junior high school students we did not deliberate on their motives. But in this book Alex Storozynski brings to life the idealism; intelligence and courage of this true patriot; Thaddeus Kosciuszko. Impoverished nobleman; derailed lover; frustrated knight-errant; he came to America with a solid military background. He had the intelligence to remain above the bickering of his superiors and the persistence to see his recommendations carried out; especially in the defenses around West Point. Later in the Revolutionary War he assisted General Greene in wreaking attrition to the army of General Cornwallis. He had the mutual respect of Generals Washington; Gates and Greene.Again; in the 1950s our courses in Western Civ gave short shrift to the history of Central and Eastern Europe; especially Poland and Lithuania; so the events described in the second part of the book; where Kosciuszko returns to his native country; unfamiliar. Storozynski details the chaos of hammering out the world's second written constitution; only to be crushed by the perfidy of greedy Polish nobles and the fears of the autocrats ruling Russia; Prussia and Austria. Kosciuszko plays a secondary role in all this; defending his effete king in a vain attempt to slow the onslaught of the Russians.I think that the reader would benefit by reading a synopsis of eighteenth and early nineteenth century Poland before taking up this biography; but even so; it is a fascinating story about a remarkable man.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great read about a great defender of freedomBy Chris BallThis was a great read about a great figure in the history of human freedom. While it should be mandatory reading for people with interests in Poland; I think it should also be mandatory for anyone interested in freedom. Kosciuszko was key to the American Revolution and a staunch supporter of liberty.Storozynski's writes with a liveliness that is engaging and takes you on a journey that's as enjoyable as it is enlightening.The world could use more leaders like Kosciuszko and more writers like Storozynski.
