Customer Reviews

Culloden 1746: The Highland Clans' Last Charge (Trade Editions)

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I have been a historic re-enactor for over two years now, Studying Scottish history. I first picked this book up in a comic shop of al places. Since no one else has chosen to do so I will review this book. Peter Harington has written definitive guide to the battle of Culloden. he delivers an unbiased review of the history that leads to and the battle that wasthe last charge of the Highlanders. Perfect for the re-enactor, war gammer,or casual historian. A complete description of the field maneuverings gives the reader a good understanding of how the battle was won and lost. As well the insertion of unproven myths as well as what myths are pure fiction add dynamic flare to the book making it a bit more than your humdrum battle review. If you've ever wanted to know why Scotland is no longer free pick it up ye might learn something me boy.

Peter Harrington provides a balanced summary of the famous Jacobin rising in the '45 in Scotland, which culminated in their defeat at Culloden in 1746. The account of the Culloden campaign and the events leading up to it are depicted in solid prose, which is supported by excellent illustrations and maps. The campaign maps alone are well-worth purchasing this volume, surpassing those in other more detailed accounts.

Like many of the Osprey titles, the section on opposing leaders is inadequate, focusing only on Prince Charles and the Duke of Cumberland. The subordinate commanders such as Murray and Hawley who actually fought the battle are given much shorter shrift. Jacobin reasons for fighting at Culloden are murky in this account. The author also gives too much stress to British modified bayonet tactics to deal with the Highland charge, but this exaggerates the effect of cold steel; the Jacobins were defeated by artillery and massed musketry. The order of battle on both sides is vague, with no strengths provided, which is odd considering that this information is readily available in secondary sources.

The illustrations are excellent but they tend to perpetuate the myth of the Highlander armed with broadsword and target. Information on Jacobin weapons captured at Culloden indicate that only one in five had a sword and that the Jacobins relied on muskets, not swords.

The author's conclusions are solid, with much good information on the aftermath of Culloden. There is no attempt to whitewash the truth here, that the British army which had won a great victory on the field at Culloden, then proceeded to tarnish its reputation with brutal retributions upon Scottish civilians. The author also takes a brief look at alternative options available to Charles. I used this volume as a handy reference when I visited the Culloden battlefield and found the photographs very useful for identifying key features in the engagement. This volume is one of the better early books in the Osprey Campaign series.

Although certain flawed presumptions are made, spelling mistakes are present and there are other minor errors, on balance this is a good resource.

Unlike Stuart Reid's anti-Highland hyperbole, there is a genuine attempt at objectivity here. Well worth the money.