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The British at the GatesThe New Orleans
Campaign
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In 1814, the final year of the War of 1812, Britain, with forces made available by the defeat of Napoleon, mounted a massive seaborne assault against the United States. In August of that year the British force burned military installations and public buildings in Washington, forcing President Madison and his cabinet to leave the city. By the end of 1814 the British had sailed southward to launch a risky attack on New Orleans, which was defeated by American forces under the inspired and resolute leadership of Andrew Jackson. The British at the Gates is a fascinating blend of diplomatic, political, social and, above all, military history. It sets the battle within the complete context of the War of 1812, which has sometimes been called the Second War of Independence, describing the issues that led the United States to declare war on Britain. It describes in full the events of the 1814 campaign, including the destruction of Washington and culminating in the Battle of New Orleans. And, unusual among books on the War of 1812, it has a detailed account of the peace negotiations that were going on simultaneously in Europe. Here are the glitter and decadence of New Orleans on the eve of battle, the heroics and crafty dealings of the pirate Lafitte brothers, and the military triumphs and fiascos that preceded the conflict at New Orleans. Reilly's account of the battle itself is detailed, masterful and even-handed, and explodes many myths that have surrounded the event, and he explains why the battle was significant although it occurred after peace had been negotiated at the Treaty of Ghent but before that news had reached the armies. |
The Author Robin Reilly was born and educated in England, and served as an officer in the Royal Artillery. After leaving the army he worked for Josiah Wedgwood and Sons, eventually becoming general manager, before starting a long career as a writer and becoming partner in an art gallery in New Orleans. Among his other books are three on the Wedgwood company and its china, as well as biographies of James Wolfe and William Pitt the Younger. The British at the Gates arises in part from his affection for New Orleans and his fascination with its history. Foreword This edition includes a Foreword by noted War of 1812 scholar Donald E. Graves. Publication history The British at the Gates was first published in 1974 by Putnam's, New York, and Cassell, London, and in the view of many experts it remains the best account of the Battle of New Orleans and the events that preceded it. It was an American Military History Book Club Choice in 1974. This is the first paperback edition. The text has been entirely reset, there are additional pictures, and the maps have been redrawn and expanded. |
420 pages 6 x 9 inches Paperback About 45 illustrations and maps Endnotes and bibliography, index |
Publication: March 2002 in Canada, April in U.S.A. ISBN 1-896941-25-7 In U.S.A.: $18.95 In Canada: $25.95 |
WHAT REVIEWERS SAID ABOUT THE FIRST EDITION... "This is battle history at its best scholarly and lively." Library Journal "Detailed and impressive he places the campaign in the context of the war and the larger world scene against which it took place." Los Angeles Times "An objective and incisive account. [Reilly] holds our interest while he outlines the broad picture of international politics. The tempo increases with the attack on Washington and Andrew Jackson's perilous expedition down the Mississippi; and then the reader is prepared for the big confrontation in New Orleans. The battle scenes are graphic." Publishers Weekly |
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