Kevin Weddle’s account of the American Revolution’s Saratoga Campaign, The Compleat Victory, is a well-written chronicle of what is arguably the turning point of the American Revolution.
Weddle walks readers through the British and American perspectives of the battles, the early struggles the Americans had in fighting back British advances from Canada, and the series of strategic miscues made by British leadership and field commanders which paved the way for the surrender of British forces in October 1777. The author then discusses the subsequent turn of events after the American victory, which included not only France’s support of the American cause but also the potential power play to usurp George Washington’s command.
Most of us are aware that the Saratoga battles mark the point when America’s fight for independence went from fighting chance to legitimately possible. Weddle takes our basic knowledge of the campaign and adds the strategic moves and tactics throughout the events of the Saratoga campaign, tying them to create the inside information on how the Americans won in Upstate New York. The Compleat Victory is well worth your time if you have an interest in historical battles and the American Revolution.
MY RATING - 4
