Culloden?

This book is a history of English military heads who are variously connected to the battle of Culloden.
What I found interesting (as a Scotsman) was the seldom discussed genesis of the British empire by the pacifying of the Jacobites in the mountains of Scotland.
The battle the book is named for occupies the opening chapters of the book, the rest follows the exploits of a few major figures in the empires history as they fought the French for dominion in the Americas, India and Europe.
What I didn’t like was buying a book about Culloden only to spend hours of my life hearing about the well trodden ground of English history. I was let down by the fact that Scotland was merely the narrative launchpad for a story about the British Empire.
Possibly this is my own fault, I hope that next time I buy a book that appears to concern the history of my own place, people and culture that I am not so disappointed.
For those curious about Culloden and it’s role in the birth of the US and Canada, this book is a must.

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A good insight into the personalities of the Day.

If only the Jacobites had not listened to Murray! Who knows how this would have ended up? Good read and excellent historical content.

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Wrong title

This is not a bad book, but it doesn’t exactly do what it says on the tin, as it were. It would be better entitled “Billy’s Boys – What They Did Next”

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Mistitled, but interesting... if not actually entertaining.

To be honest, you could probably swap Dettingen for Culloden, both would still have precious little to do with the story, which is a fair summary with interesting features, of the activities of the British army in the second half of the eighteenth century.
I was informed but not particularly entertained and unfortunately, the narrator has too light and soft a voice and too much a tendency towards effecting an excellent French accent, I missed details as I couldn't hear or pick up properly from the voice and / or accent.
A bit of a disappointment really, a better title and narrator would perhaps merit a much better review.

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2 people found this helpful

Should be titled: 'After Culloden'

If you are looking for a history of Culloden then this book will disappoint. It is largely focused on the careers of Cumberland's officer cadre after the battle; with only a cursory mention of the battle itself in the opening chapters. It's a good book, well read, it just doesn't really live up to it's billing.

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1 person found this helpful

Epic

A diligently researched book , narrated flawlessly, keeping the listener constantly engaged.
would highly recommend.

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Excellent historical context to the '45.

A extensively researched and detailed analysis of the historical context of the '45 .

There are many details and information about the Government troops and the Jacobites which make sense of the resulting actions.

The only aspect that made me laugh was the pronunciation of Scottish names.
Aside from that this is an excellent book.

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Called culloden but has virually nothing to battle

If you're looking for a history of the build up, the Battle, the aftermath....Forget it! It is more concerned with the war of the spanish succession, 7 years war and Wolfe. Waste of time and money I'm afaid

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Not really about Culloden

The first section is around Culloden and is written more from the Government perspective rather than the Jacobites. After chapter 5 it moves into other British military conflicts post Culloden. If you want something specific to Culloden I would look elsewhere.

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