The Boyne and Aughrim: The War of the Two Kings (Great Battles Series) [Illustrated] [Paperback]

John Kinross (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1900624079 | ISBN-13: 978-1900624077 | Publication Date: November 1997 | Edition: illustrated edition

The Battles of the Boyne and Aughrim were both part of William of Orange's campaign against the Catholic forces of James II in 1690-91. These key battles have passed into the vocabulary of conflict between Protestants and Catholics. This book examines the political events which led up to the campaign then looks at the military facts. It describes the type of weapons used, the military tactics, and explains the fact that King Billy's army was made up mostly of mercenaries from Denmark, Holland and Finland, while King James's army had French and German as well as Irish troops. Englishmen fought on both sides.

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About the Author

John Kinross is steeped in church history and is the son of a vicar. He spent much of his working life on the magazine Country Life. Now retired, he keeps bees and is a publisher of apiculture titles. He is the author of Discovering Battlefields of England and The Boyne and Augrim (Great Battles Series).

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Windrush Pr; illustrated edition edition (November 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1900624079
• ISBN-13: 978-1900624077
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,936,958 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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4.0 out of 5 stars A Brief Account, June 15, 2004

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This review is from: The Boyne and Aughrim: The War of the Two Kings (Great Battles Series) (Paperback)

This slender book attempts to discuss the events surrounding the War of the Two Kings in Ireland, 1690 - 91. Otherwsiee known as the first Jacobite War. There are many titles for this conflict in fact. The book provides some general background to the events leading up to the Boyne and Aughrim campaigns. As a general history it suffices, and it does provide one of the few overviews of the entire conflict in Ireland. There is some attempt as well to place the conflict within its wider context as part of the international situation at the time. The influence of Louis XIV's wars is examined, as well as a cursory look at the arms, tactics and armies of the period.

In addition to the Boyne which is given a rather brief account, the author also looks at some of the other events of the war which are not well known outside of the context of the Boyne battle itself. We see the siege of Athlone, as well as the first and second sieges of Limmerick. Patrict Sarsfield's brilliant raid on the Willimaite artillery trayne at Ballyneety gets a small mention and description. A chapter examines the naval aspects of the conflict, and how this might have changed matters if the French had assumed a more aggressive strategy after their victory at Beachy Head in the Channel.

We see Marlborough putting in an efficient apparecne to successfully besiege and take several Jacobite ports along the Irish coast. The final clamatic battle of Aughrim is given a more detailed account and we see how well things were going for the Jacobites until St. Ruth was killed and the betrayal of the Jacobite cavalry on the flank. The resulting rout causes the loss of 7,000 Jacobites to the Williamite loss of 2,000. This was the decisive victory that gave William III Ireland. The Boyne a year earlier was only the first success, albeit made more important because of James II's immediate flight from Ireland.

The author correctly points out how the Irish have seen this battle incorrectly over the centuries. In the North parades are held on July 12th, celebrating the Boyne victory. This is the actual date of Aughrim. The change-over from old style to new style calander has confused the dates for these events. The Irish need to look at this period more objectively, and remove the inaccurate myths associated with it. In particular the North needs to do this, but the South as well could benefit from a more accurate version. This book begins that process, but it is a slender work and not a complete end of itself. A glossary provides some primary source information as well as some interesting orders of battle for the Jacobites. Well worthwhile despite its digressive nature and short durration.