The average American knows little or nothing of the great service rendered by Admiral de Grasse; a French admiral; to the cause of American independence in the battle off Cape Henry in 1781. The battle off Cape Henry had ultimate effects more important than those of Waterloo. De Grasse’s action entailed upon the British the final loss of the thirteen colonies in America. This biography by Charles Lee Lewis places this supremely important naval battle off the Virginia Capes in its proper historical perspective; and gives de Grasse the full credit for rendering the aid which made possible the capture of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Washington fully recognized this aid; when he wrote to de Grasse following the surrender of Cornwallis and expressed his gratitude “in the name of America for the glorious event for which she is indebted to you.†Without de Grasse’s victory all the military efforts on land made by Rochambeau; Lafayette; and Washington would have been in vain. The battle off Cape Henry was only one of numerous battles fought by this dashing Gallic sea captain. Over fifty years of his long life; 1722-1788; were spent in the service of Louis XV and Louis XVI; in the Mediterranean; in India; on the North American coast; and in the West Indies. He fought in all the wars of his day; the War of the Austrian Succession; the Seven Years’ War; and the War of the American Revolution which developed into a general European struggle.
#2376875 in Books Overlook Hardcover 2010-06-10 2010-06-10Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.83 x 1.20 x 5.66l; 1.28 #File Name: 1590203232368 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Introspecful History With Personal CommentaryBy CI should have read the other reviews more carefully; this is not a purely historical story of Spartacus; which is what I was looking for. As some of the other reviews before this one indicate; this book is a historical account of Spartacus and ancient roman history; interspersed with the author's commentary on his travels in Italy while gathering the information/reasearch for this book. So along with the historical information; you read about the author's interaction with modern Italian business owners; tour guides; locals; other tourists... Some of this additional stuff is mildly interesting; some of it is banal and boring and I have to power through it to get back to the meat of the historical story. I will read it all; but it is not as interesting a read as I had hoped it would be. If you want just the facts; this is not the book for you; if you like history with personal observations about modern life in Italy; you may enjoy this book.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Nothing wrong; but...By G. StuccoPeter Stothard is a first class classicist. He knows his sources and his Latin; no question about that. However; as I purchased the book; I had high expectations to learn more about Spartacus. I was expecting a book like "The Spartacus War;" only better. I was disappointed; in that the book is a mixture of the author's musings on life and death and his bout with cancer; recollections about his trip and his encounters on the road with various persons; including fellow turists and local guides; historical information about Spartacus and his journey; lots of un-edited pictures and drawings. Again; no complaints about the author's writing; I just felt very un-interested about his commentary on the Spartacus' journey.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Unique blend of history; travelogue; and journey of personal exploration;By Ramblin ManThis is one of the most unique books I have ever read. It is 3 books in one--history; travelogue and a description of one mans personal journey of inner exploration after recovering from cancer. I have been interested in Roman history since I studied Latin in high school. This book explores not just Spartacus' revolt; but the institutions of slavery and gladiatorial combat and its place in Roman society. As the author traces Spartacus' movements; he reports not only on modern day Italy and the travelers he meets; but on the nature of Roman life as reflected in the ruins he finds along the way. For me; it helped me understand better how Rome functioned as an organized society. He also brought a new perspective on travel and how to see my own journeys through new eyes. A great read. Even my wife; who is not interested in history books wants to read it.
