The Battle of Fontenoy 1745 (Hardback)
Saxe against Cumberland in the War of the Austrian Succession
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 208
Illustrations: 20
ISBN: 9781526718419
Published: 9th May 2019
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The Battle of Fontenoy marked a turning point in the War of the Austrian Succession, yet it has rarely been analysed in depth and the Europe-wide conflict in which it played a part is little understood. James Falkner, in this perceptive and original account, puts the record straight by describing the fighting in graphic detail and setting it in the context of the sequence of wars that determined the shape of Europe during the eighteenth century.
Great Britain with her Austrian and Dutch allies fought to ensure that Maria Theresa of Austria should be able to take the throne of the Holy Roman Empire. Ranged against her interests was the might of Louis XV's France, which strove to weaken Austria by promoting a Bavarian aspirant to the Imperial throne. On 11 May 1745 at Fontenoy in the Austrian Netherlands the two sides met in a ferocious day-long struggle that changed course of the war.
James Falkner's narrative gives a fascinating insight into the Battle of Fontenoy itself and more widely into the nature of warfare in Europe 250 years ago.
It is an easy recommendation for someone who is looking for information on the War of the Austrian Succession...
A Wargamers Needful Things
"This is a thoroughly enjoyable and informative book, and one hopes James Falkner delivers more works on the War of the Austrian Succession and the Sven Years War."
Australian Army Journal
A book that I recommend for its depth and for the subject dealt with, the War of Austrian Succession, which I consider useful to know in order to better appreciate other subsequent events.
Old Barbed Wire Blog
Read the full Italian review here
The author has not only provided an absorbing narrative that gives fresh insight into the Battle of Fontenoy but also provides an expert review of the nature of warfare of the period in Europe.
Firetrench
Read the full review here
The Battle of Fontenoy’ is a book that provides a detailed insight into 18th Century warfare and the battle of Fontenoy in particular. It is an essential addition to the library of anyone interested in Cumbria’s military heritage.
Peter Green, Friends Of Cumbrias Museum Of Military Life, Summer 2019
The author has produced an excellent narrative history that brings the battle of Fontenoy alive. The descriptions of the dispositions of the armies and the events of the day are very clear and make the book immensely readable. He also offers insights into the characters of the leading participants and skilfully explains the complicated political background to the campaign. A much enjoyed book and recommended.
Michael McCarthy
Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide
About James Falkner
James Falkner is a leading authority on eighteenth-century warfare and he has made a special study of the military exploits of the 1st Duke of Marlborough. His book, Great and Glorious Days: Marlborough's Battles 1704-1709, is one of the outstanding studies of the subject. His other books include Marlborough’s Wars: Eyewitness Accounts 1702-1713, Marlborough's Sieges, Marlborough's Battlefields, Fire Over the Rock: The Great Siege of Gibraltar 1779-1783, Marshal Vauban and the Defence of Louis XIV’s France, Marlborough’s War Machine, The War of the Spanish Succession, 1701-1714 and The Battle of Fontenoy 1745: Saxe against Cumberland in the War of the Austrian Succession.