The Jacobite Rebellions 1689-1745 (Men-at-Arms) [Paperback]

Michael Barthorp (Author), Gerry Embleton (Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: Men-at-Arms | Publication Date: January 21, 1982

Between the first Jacobite rising in 1689 and the final collapse of the cause in 1746, the hopes of the House of Stuart were centred chiefly on Scotland. It is often wrongly assumed that the Jacobite rebellions were a contest between England and Scotland. In fact many Lowland Scots share the feelings of the English, and had cause to hate and fear their fellow countrymen in the Highlands. Thus it was to the Highland clans that the Jacobites looked to for their most reliable manpower. In this book Michael Barthorp details the events of the Jacobite rebellions, and the organisation and uniforms of the forces of both sides.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Packed with specially commissioned artwork, maps and diagrams, the Men-at-Arms series is an unrivalled illustrated reference on the history, organisation, uniforms and equipment of the world's military forces, past and present.

About the Author

Michael Barthorp was educated at Wellington College and was commissioned into the Rifle Brigade in 1946. Demobilised in 1948, he served as a Territorial with The Royal Hampshire Regiment before rejoining the Regular Army in The Northamptonshire Regiment to continue a family tradition, ending his career with the Royal Anglian Regiment in 1968. He has since published numerous books on the British Army history and costume, including nine titles for the Men-at-Arms series. He lives in Jersey, Channel Islands.

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (January 21, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0850454328
• ISBN-13: 978-0850454321
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.2 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #663,879 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very nice little volume, July 31, 2004

By 

Michael A Dorosh (Calgary, AB, CANADA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Jacobite Rebellions 1689-1745 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

A very nice little volume enhanced to no end by absolutely brilliant colour plates.

The meat of this book is the text, illustrated almost completely with contemporary paintings and etchings made during the period covered by the book. The first few pages are dedicated to a detailed chronology of the rebellions, followed by a description of the Jacobite forces (with info on the cause itself, the makeup of Highland society, weapons in use at the time (with photos of museum artifacts to support this info), and a brief order of battle of one Jacobite force that took to the field in this period), a look at the Government forces (focussing on the political makeup of the United Kingdom at this time, the organization of the Army, armament in use, and a survey of Regiments that saw action at this time). A final section on uniforms is well done, and augmented by the final section on captions to the colour plates.

The book is obviously only a brief overview, but the colour plates go far in bringing the subject to life - much further than most other treatments of this subject that rely on contemporary art, or simply text, to describe the subject. There is no deeper analysis of such things as rank structure of the British Army, feudal law, Highland recipes etc. just a nice concise history and glimpse at how the combatants dressed and were equipped.

Great starting point, and Embleton's artwork alone is worth the price - very clear, almost photo realistic depictions of soldiers of both sides, in realistic yet not overpowering settings. Probably the best faces of any of the many talented artists in Osprey's stable. The difficulties of rendering tartan cloth have also been well overcome.

Can't think of a single improvement to suggest for a book with the obviously limited intended scope of this one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Jacobite Rebellions, January 15, 2008

By 

K. Murphy "Fortune favors the Bold" (The thriving metropolis of Masury, OH) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Jacobite Rebellions 1689-1745 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

This men-at-arms title examines the origins, appearance, and weapons of the soldiers that fought on both sides of the Jacobite Wars-a series of conflicts that pitted England against the supporters of the desposed House of Stuart, most notably the Highland Clans.

The first sixteen pages of this book are a detailed chronology of the Jacobite Wars, with their background and aftermath, 1644-1788. Next the origins and culture of the Jacobite Highlanders are described, along with their weapons and battle tactics. A useful list of the various clan regiments that took part in the campaigns is included. Following this is a similar section of the British Armies participating in the War, again including a list of important regiments and companies. Lastly, the uniforms of both sides are briefly discussed, though this section is but a simple introduction, especially where the Highlanders are concerned.

As is often the case with Osprey books, the color plates are one of the most rewarding sections of this book, and their commentary is one of the most useful. Though they depict some British soldiers (and also a Scots-allied Spanish infantryman), they naturally focus largely on the Highlanders. The first plate is particularly useful for its depiction of typical Highland warriors from the 17th Century. The book also includes several black-and-white photos and numerous contemporary images of these soldiers.

In short, this is a fine introduction to the Classic 18th Century Highlanders and the lost cause they fought and died for.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book on the Jacobite rebellions, December 4, 2007

By 

danny boy "dbswongv" (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Jacobite Rebellions 1689-1745 (Men-at-Arms) (Paperback)

There are 2 unfair reviews which have nothing to do with this book.
This book by experienced military writer Michael Barthorp is highly readable. Whilst Embleton's artwork can vary now and then, I think that the illustrations here are probably Embleton's best work ever.