TUCKER : Mad Anthony Wayne and the new nation (fülszöveg)
Among the intrepid leaders of America's fight for independence, Anthony Wayne was the spirited combat general who stood foremost for daring enterprise and hard fighting. Washington almost invariably assigned him to the front position.
From the deep forests of Canada to the subtropical swamplands and burning sands of the Georgia summer, he was dauntless, skillful, prudent. Though affectionately called "Mad" Anthony (a nickname descriptive only of his easily aroused anger), diligence and prudence were the hallmarks of his leadership. Wayne was also "Hotspur" to the British and "the chief who never sleeps" to the Indians of the Northwest.
Glenn Tucker, well known for a number of books of American history and biography, provides here the most satisfying and engaging account yet written about the general who commanded the Pennsylvania line through many bitterly fought campaigns and who – in contrast – was one of the most dashing, romantic figures of his time.
This is essentially an account of Wayne's military exploits, though clearly interwoven with glimpses of his wife, family, and the woman he loved. It is a portrait of personal bravery, the sharing of hardships, of a stern disciplinarian who could also be regarded so fondly that sick and wounded soldiers would solicit their discharge in order to re-enlist and serve under him.
The battles are described fully, for it is only through an understanding of them that Wayne's character and personality come alive. Monmouth, Brandywine, Germantown, Valley Forge, the spectacular capture of Stony Point, Green Spring, Yorktown and, following the Revolution, the subduing of the Northwest Territories – all came under the spell of this many-faceted but influential soldier.
Throughout, the story of his romance with beautiful and charming Mary Vining of Wilmington shows its effect on the dashing Wayne. Wayne was introduced to her by Lafayette. Her home was a gathering place for French officers as she had an easy command of the French language. Almost every personage of the day was smitten with her beauty but she had fallen for Wayne and waited. When Polly Wayne died, Mary Vining and Wayne finally became engaged and set a wedding date. But the call of duty and adventure separated them one final time, and before he could return from the Northwest he succumbed to the rigors of campaigning.
Nevertheless this volume is mainly about Wayne as soldier and student of warfare. He was an ardent reader of Caesar and Marshal Saxe. When the time came, he left his wealth and properties to the management of others to gain a colonelcy in an early regiment – and go on to his immortal contribution to the new nation.
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| KATALÓGUS | TARTALOM |
