Howe Brothers and the American Revolution (The Norton library) [Paperback]

Ira D. Gruber (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1975

By focusing on the Howe brothers, their political connections, their relationships with the British ministry, their attitude toward the Revolution, and their military activities in America, Gruber answers the frequently asked question of why the British failed to end the American Revolution in its early years. This book supersedes earlier studies because of its broader research and because it elucidates the complex personal interplay between Whitehall and its commanders.

A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1St Edition edition (March 1, 1975)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393007561
• ISBN-13: 978-0393007565
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,379,729 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sympathetic Family Of Warrior-Diplomats, April 28, 2008

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Chimonsho (Turtle Island) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Howe Brothers and the American Revolution (The Norton library) (Paperback)

Well-disposed toward Americans, the Howes were also unusual among British officers for their relatively humane views. Ira Gruber has located and used several key manuscript collections, though he tends to blow his own horn about this research. Still, he makes a good case for their intrinsic importance and interest. Adm. Richard Howe in particular emerges as an exemplary 18C public servant: a model MP with the best rates of attendance and involvement, and a warrior who saw far beyond the battlefield. Ironically, they failed as diplomats due to George III's stubbornness; their commission as peacemakers also came too late in the struggle. Such sympathies compromised their military effectiveness, especially Gen. William Howe who repeatedly failed to achieve decisive victories in 1776-7, leading to accusations of double-dealing and incompetence. Gruber captures these ambiguities in near-definitive style, but more info on their charismatic oldest brother would help. Lord George had a real gift for working with Americans, but tragically died---martyred, esentially---at Ticonderoga in 1758. Admittedly Lord George is a favorite historic figure, but his service and death in North America profoundly influenced his surviving brothers' attitudes and is relevant to this work.