Why read Devil of a Whipping?

Book cover of Devil of a Whipping: The Battle of Cowpens

Book description

The real-life battle and heroes that inspired The Patriot On January 17, 1781, in a pasture near present-day Spartanburg, South Carolina, Daniel Morgan's army of Continental troops and militia routed an elite British force under the command of the notorious Banastre Tarleton. Using documentary and archaeological evidence to reconstruct the…

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American history

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Devil of a Whipping as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Andrew Waters

Author

Babits is the master of what I call “forensic history,” combining a comprehensive survey of primary accounts with archaeology, geography, and any other scientific or historical source he can utilize to craft military histories unparalleled in detail and analysis.

Here he turns his forensic eye to the Battle of Cowpens, providing groundbreaking research and perspective on this important American victory.

From Andrew's list on the "Race to the Dan" and the American Revolution.

Dean Snow

Author

This book should not be overlooked. Daniel Morgan was a Colonel in command of riflemen at Saratoga, and his performance there made his reputation. By 1781 Morgan was a general, commanding American forces at the Battle of Cowpens. Morgan led a mix of regular and militia units, which he cleverly deployed to make the best use of their variable skills and limitations. The result was a stunning victory that put the British on the road to Yorktown and defeat.

From Dean's list on the 1777 Saratoga campaign.