Author
J. W. (John William) Fortescue
1859-1933
J. W. (John William) Fortescue (1859-1933) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by J. W. (John William) Fortescue
A History of the British Army, Vol. 1 First Part—to the Close of the Seven Years' War
"A History of the British Army, Vol. 1" by Sir J. W. Fortescue is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume explores the development of the British Army up until the conclusion of the Seven Years' War. The author's objective is to trace the origins and evolution of British military forces, detailing major campaigns, organizational structures, and evolved tactics that shaped the Army's identity. At the start of the work, the author contextualizes the history of the British Army, arguing that its true beginnings predate widely accepted dates, extending back to the roots of military organization in the English Civil War. He illustrates how the evolution of English military practices emerged from earlier feudal systems, emphasizing pivotal battles, such as Hastings and Falkirk, that shaped military tactics and unity among English forces. Fortescue also highlights the critical role of trained officers, the transition from local levies to a standing army, and the complexities involved in managing military finance and governance, setting the stage for a comprehensive history that examines both military and political dimensions of the Army's past.
A History of the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own)
"A History of the 17th Lancers (Duke of Cambridge's Own)" by Hon. J. W. Fortescue is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the formation, evolution, and notable campaigns of the 17th Lancers, a British cavalry regiment. The narrative details their origins and operational history, covering key events and figures associated with the regiment, providing insight into military life and tactics of the time. At the start of the history, the author outlines the regiment's early formation in 1759, following significant battles such as the fall of Quebec, which shaped the British military landscape. The preface highlights the challenges faced in compiling this history due to the lack of primary sources, necessitating the use of external documents and accounts from various military records and historical writings. Fortescue introduces Colonel John Hale, who played a pivotal role in raising the regiment and discusses the regiment's dress, equipment, and soldiering practices typical of the era, setting a foundation that illustrates the regiment's pride and distinguished service in British military history.
A History of the British Army, Vol. 2 First Part—to the Close of the Seven Years' War
“A History of the British Army, Vol. 2” by Sir J. W. Fortescue is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The volume covers the evolution and structure of the British Army from 1713 to 1763, detailing critical events such as the Jacobite Rebellion and subsequent military engagements. This work provides insight into the political dynamics that influenced army administration, the challenges faced by soldiers, and the societal perceptions of military life during this period. The opening of the volume addresses the disbandment of the Army following the Peace of Utrecht, outlining the significant number of regiments that were dissolved and the subsequent political maneuvering that sought to reshape the military in favor of the Jacobite interest. It describes the precarious military situation during the early 18th century, particularly with the threat posed by Jacobite uprisings and the weaknesses of the army. Furthermore, it highlights the return of prominent military figures like Marlborough and the complexities of managing military discipline amid growing civil unrest and political factionalism. The intro sets the stage for a deeper exploration of military reforms and conflicts that shaped British military history.
British Campaigns in Flanders 1690-1794 Being Extracts from "A History of the British Army"
"British Campaigns in Flanders 1690-1794" by Sir J. W. Fortescue is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work primarily focuses on the military engagements and strategies of the British Army in the Flanders region during the late 17th and 18th centuries. Readers can expect a detailed exploration of significant clashes against French forces, including analyses of key battles and the evolving nature of warfare during this turbulent period. The opening portion of the book lays the foundation for understanding Britain's military maneuvers in Flanders, highlighting the complicated landscape of alliances and strategies involved in these campaigns. It discusses the geographical significance of Flanders as a battleground, marked by an array of rivers and fortified towns that influenced military tactics. The author introduces the key players, notably King William and various French generals, setting the stage for detailed accounts of battles, including the challenges they faced from logistical issues to the strategic decisions that ultimately swayed the outcomes, emphasizing the importance of leadership and unity among allied forces.
Military History: Lectures Delivered at Trinity College, Cambridge
"Military History: Lectures Delivered at Trinity College, Cambridge" by J. W. Fortescue is a scholarly exploration of military history written in the early 20th century. The book is primarily a collection of lectures that define and examine the scope, significance, and nuances of military history, asserting that it is much more than a mere record of wars. The lectures argue that military history encompasses the broader conflicts and interactions between communities and the institutions that enforce order through force. The opening of the work sets the stage by grappling with the challenge of defining military history. Fortescue discusses various interpretations and ultimately proposes that military history should be understood as the strife of communities expressed through organized conflict among armed men. He illustrates this concept with examples from different types of warfare, such as commercial warfare and civil war, to show that conflicts do not always require conventional military engagements to have their historical significance. This setup not only invites a deeper understanding of military history but also hints at the multifaceted nature of human conflict itself.
The Story of a Red Deer
"The Story of a Red Deer" by Sir J. W. Fortescue is a fictional tale written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the life of a young red deer calf, as well as its observations of the natural world and its interactions with mother and other creatures. The book aims to convey themes of nature’s beauty, the instinctual lessons of survival, and the kinship between the deer and their environment. At the start of the story, the young red deer calf is introduced, nestled safely in a fern patch under the watchful gaze of its mother, a hind. The opening vividly depicts the calf's awakening to the world, filled with sensory details of the landscape, including the warmth of the sun and the sweet scents of the moor. As the narrative unfolds, the mother teaches the calf about safety, respect for other creatures, and its identity as a noble red deer. The calf's journey of growing up amidst the dangers of nature, the bonds within its family, and its budding awareness of the relationships among the animal kingdom lays the foundation for this enchanting story.
The Drummer's Coat
"The Drummer's Coat" by Sir J. W. Fortescue is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the quaint village of Ashacombe in Devon, where the societal dynamics and local lore intertwine, involving themes of war, heritage, and childhood innocence. The narrative centers on the children Dick and Elsie Bracefort, their connection to the village and the legacy of their father, Captain Richard Bracefort, who was lost in battle during the Peninsular War. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the idyllic setting of Ashacombe, characterized by its picturesque landscape and the beloved Bracefort Hall, which holds the story of the Bracefort family. The chapter presents Dick and Elsie enjoying a simple summer day, filled with local traditions, while hinting at the past events that have shaped their lives. Despite the tranquil exterior, the village is ripe with whispers of witchcraft and superstition, particularly surrounding the mute child Tommy Fry, casting a shadow over the otherwise serene community. As the children navigate their innocent adventures and the adult themes of loss and loyalty loom large, the stage is set for deeper exploration of personal and communal histories tied to the allure of a mysterious drummer's coat on display at the Hall.