Highlander in the French-Indian War: 1756–67 (Warrior)

This is very possibly the best book from Osprey Military Publishing I have ever read. I have never found any of them to be half as captivating as this one, yet in the same breath it is thoroughly researched and packed with information on the topic.As the title indicates, this book's focus is on the three regiments of Highland infantry who were recruited for service in the New World, and experienced the hellish fighting and campaigning of the French-Indian War. Most of the original recruits were about 18 in age, and were sons of the Highlanders who had charged the Moor of Culloden. The only way the new generation of Highlanders could take to the battlefield in kilt and plaid with the traditional weapons of their forefathers was if they fought afield for the Crown, and so many were urged to 'go for a soldier' by their families.The author takes a fresh new look at the Highlanders serving in America, and the British world in general in the 18th Century. He dispells with some common misconceptions and stereotypes, like that all the Highlanders were giants and born warriors (most were reluctant young farmers standing about 5'4'').Just some of the many fascinating topics explored in this book are the Highlanders' training, the finer details of their dress and weaponry, their medicines and diets, their tactics and the bloody experiences of Indian fighting, as well as their relationships with their comrades, women, religion, other ethnic groups, and even the wild animals of the Frontier.The color plates, by the talented Steve Noon, are some of the best I have yet seen from Osprey. Unfortunately, we only get 7 of them, but they are all colorful and detailed, and some contain hidden humor. The 4 battle-scenes in particular are excellent; the artist does a breathtaking job capturing the raw emotions and expressions of the sword-wielding Highlanders as they clash with the French and the Indians.This book is the first in a new (and in my opinion, a much more attractive) Warrior format. Some of the photographs and drawings are in color, a first for Osprey. Also, like some other recent Warrior titles, the color plates are scattered throughout the text rather than grouped together in the center as in most Osprey books; I find that I like this better, especially since plate commentaries are next to the paintings instead of at the back of the book.In short, this is a detailed, highly informative, hard-to-put-down, and beautifully illustrated guide to the young Highlanders who left their homes for the other side of the earth, some because they were made to, others because they longed for adventure or the chance to avenge their clans' honor. It is a must for anyone interested in Scottish military history or the French-Indian Wars, and serves as something of a sequel to Osprey's many valuable titles on the Jacobite Revolts and the Culloden Campaign.

Three Scottish Highland Regiments served in North America during the French and Indian War phase of the Seven Years' War. These three regiments, the 42nd, 77th, and 78th, managed between them to be present for nearly all the important battles, including Louisbourg, Ticonderoga, and Quebec, and to carve a fine fighting reputation for themselves along the way. This is their story."Highlander in the French-Indian War 1756-67" is an Osprey Warrior Series book, well written by Ian MacPherson McCulloch and illustrated by Steve Noon. Former Canadian military officer and historian McCulloch does an excellent job sketching the deployments of the three regiments in a concise 64 pages. He covers their recruitment, training, uniforms and equipment, and their time on campaign with obvious interest and remarkable attention to detail. The text is much enhanced by a nice collection of maps, photographs, diagrams, and illustrations. The color plates are worth the book all by themselves. Along the way, there are some fascinating insights into both Scottish Highland culture and the British Army of the day. Highly recommended as an introduction to the topic (McCulloch has written a longer history in two volumes, also available on Amazon).

I bought this book as a Christmas present to myself. I have been a Highland reenactor of the American Revolution (2nd Battn 84th RHE) and can also portray a drummer of the 78th Frasers at events in Nova Scotia.I`m also writing a historical novel set in the time period this book covers. This book gives a good overview of the Highland Regiments that were sent to America and Canada.

I bought this volume because I want to know all that I can about the Highland regiments in this period. I wasn't disappointed at all! The text was well written and clear. The illustrations are very good and in places, evocative. Well worth the money and it takes its place with the other OSPREY titles I own.

This booklet is a useful synopsis of the much larger 2 volume set, "Sons of the Mountains", and as such represents decent value for the price. It sets out the findings of original research and restates known but ignored facts, blessedly avoiding the repetition of myths, particularly with reference to events within the former 13 colonies. The three Scottish units covered, the Royal 42nd, the 77th (Montgomery's), and the 78th (Fraser's) soldiered through many hard years of campaigning throughout the canadas and the lower (13)colonies during the French-Indian/7 Years War period. The murderous battles, long debilitating marches through the wilderness, and effects of disease claimed more than 80% of their initial strength, a sobering reminder of the price the infantry invariably pay in war. All in all a good read with plenty of interesting tales to tell.

Entertaining book,yet many historic inaccuracies throughout the book. Esspecially the paintings of the 77th Highland uniforms, the artist took "artistic liberities" in what the uniform should look like. What documentation was used in writing this book? Also, the layout of the Highlander's uniform and gear pictures a Masonic apron. In the Apron is a modern Masonic symbol, with the "G" which was not placed within the Masonic symbols until almost the 19th century.Once again, this book was fun to read, but should not be used as a primary source for research, as there is little or no documentation for the author's research.

Very informative for history buffs interested in the period

Este libro de la serie Warriors de Osprey se centra en los tres regimientos de Highlanders que combatieron contra los franceses en Canadá, dentro de la guerra de los siete años.Comienza con una breve introducción a la situación de la época y especialmente en Escocia.De forma amena se abarcan todos los aspectos de los hombres que formaron estos regimientos, desde el reclutamiento y sus detalles pasando por la instrucción, su vida en las colonias canadienses y su aclimatación al frío y temperaturas extremas, la alimentación, las relaciones con los indios, el tiempo libre y por supuesto la vida en campaña, así como uniformes y equipo.Estos últimos números de Osprey ya vienen con fotos en color insertados entre el texto, así como relación de páginas web para más información.Las laminas, como es habitual son de una gran calidad y complementan el texto de forma genial.En definitiva, buen título para adentrarse en este conflicto y las hombres de estos regimientos escoceses que participaron en el mismo.

sehr informative und spannende dokumentation über die hochlandregimenter der britischen armee in nordamerika.insbesondere über die alltäglichkeiten des einfachen soldaten. absolut empfehlenswert!!!

A readable book with the right amount of detail for those with a general interest in the 7 Year War Campaigns in North America. Book covers the areas of origin, recruitment, equipment, deployment and use of these troops at a palatabale manner without getting bogged down in too much minutiae. One of the better entry level books on the topic.

good information