American Colonial Ranger: The Northern Colonies, 1724-64 (Warror) [Paperback]

Gary Zaboly (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 2004 | Series: Warrior (Book 85)

This title examines the development of the Colonial Rangers in this period, and shows how they were taught to survive in the woods, to fight hand-to-hand, to scalp a fallen foe, and to fight across all types of terrain and in all weather conditions. Based on previously unpublished source material, it paints a vivid picture of the life, appearance and experiences of an American colonial ranger in the northern colonies. Covering the battle at Lovewell's Pond in 1725, a watershed event in New England’s frontier history, through to King George's War (1740-1748), the rangers were prepared for the final imperial contest for control of North America, the French-Indian War (1754-1763).

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Insights into the real lives of history's fighting men, packed with full colour illustrations, highly detailed cutaways, exploded artwork of weaponry and armour, and action-packed battle scenes.

About the Author

Gary Stephen Zaboly is a highly regarded expert on the 18th-century Rangers. Gary has written many articles for military magazines, and has illustrated and co-written several books, including ‘Blood of Noble Men’ and ‘Roger's St Francis Raid.’ His artwork appears in permanent exhibitions at The Alamo, Texas, and at the Lake George Historical Association.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (August 20, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841766496
• ISBN-13: 978-1841766492
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.2 x 9.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #518,177 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitive, Vivid, and an Instant Classic, November 27, 2004

By 

Gregory J. W. Urwin "Gregory J. W. Urwin" (Temple University, Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: American Colonial Ranger: The Northern Colonies, 1724-64 (Warror) (Paperback)

The quality of Osprey's illustrated military histories varies widely. Some volumes are produced by qualified authorities who know their respective subjects inside and out. Others are shoddy rush jobs put out by hacks. Gary Zaboly's _American Colonial Ranger: The Northern Colonies 1724-64_ deserves to be ranked among Osprey's best. Indeed, it is unexcelled by any volume that Osprey has put out in the past thirty years.

_American Colonial Ranger_ is the result of decades of intensive research. Zaboly is universally acknowledged as one of the leading interpreters of the history, dress, weapons, and equipment of Rogers' Rangers and the other ranger units raised in the North American colonies to battle the French and their Indian allies. His mastery of a wide array of sources is evident from the text, which is as well written as it is authoritative. Zaboly is not only a skilled wordsmith, but he is also a leading historical artist, and his superbly rendered color plates make this book a feast for the eyes. In too many books of this type, the plates resemble groups of mannequins modeling various uniforms. In _American Colonial Ranger_, six of Zaboly's plates are painted scenes that capture important moments in ranger history -- as well as giving the reader a good view of what these remarkable frontier soldiers wore and carried.

With _American Colonial Ranger_, Osprey has set a new standard for itself and its competitors. It can only be hoped that it will commission Zaboly to turn out more titles as outstanding as this one.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding, with a few caveats, October 24, 2005

By 

Pierre a' Fusil (Naylor, MD) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: American Colonial Ranger: The Northern Colonies, 1724-64 (Warror) (Paperback)

There has been occasional grumbling from Osprey series authors about the limits of the format in the various Osprey series ( Men-at-Arms, Warrior, etc.). Within the 64 page limit for the Warrior series this is a fine reference work. However, it is not an exhaustive study of all Ranger units operating in the time period and geographic region indicated. Mr. Zaboly is clearly an expert in the Ranger units associated with Robert Rogers. But there is very little mention of other Ranger units that existed in the same place and time. The activities of Roger's units are illustrative of most aspects of Ranger operations though. Roger's Rangers exploits are generally acknowledged to represent the pinnacle of Ranger achievements at the time. There are stirring tales of struggle in accomplishing epic raids deep into enemy territory here. There is also no shying away from Ranger participation in the grislier aspects of frontier warfare. Overall, Mr. Zaboly's historical text is informative, substantive and fully informed by many first-hand source documents.

What sets this study apart from other Osprey Warrior series titles though are the illustrations. Mr. Zaboly is an accomplished artist who has illustrated his own work. The numerous drawings by the author that populate this book are vivid illustrations of the way Rangers dressed, encamped, fought and survived in the Eastern wilderness. These outstanding drawings make the modest price of this publication a real bargain. As long as the reader is not dismayed by a tight focus on Roger's Ranger units, this title will not disappoint.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars glorious, April 11, 2005

By 

Michael N. Ryan (Bel AIr, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: American Colonial Ranger: The Northern Colonies, 1724-64 (Warror) (Paperback)

One of my uncles served in the Rangers during world war two, faught in Anzio. My father served in the Rangers in Korea. He idolized Robert Rogers. His favorite novel was North West Passage, and was just as fond of the movie. And if either were alive today, I would send them this book.

This is the best book on the Colonial Rangers I have yet found. though Sketch Book 56 volume one Rogers'Rangers by Ted Spring is a good second. Very informative. Well illustrated. Straight to the point. Each of its sixty three pages is solid information gold.

For those with a desire to know more about this subject this is The Book to get.

It is probably the best book produced by Osprey.