Bob Bearor

A very interesting book about a 1758 skirmish in the snow-covered mountains to the west of northern Lake George. The battle was between a group of "American" Rangers lead by Robert Rogers and the French. The Rangers were ambushed, many perished and other escaped via the lake (frozen at the time). This is an interesting account, as the author is a re-enactor and attempted to actually "play out" the battle.

This is a unique form of field research that may uncover impossibilities and support conjectures. The book contains excellent illustrations/maps as to how the battle proceeded and ultimately Rogers escaped.

The author is clearly paritsan to the French and most specifically to their leader that day, Jean Baptiste Levrault de Langis. Langis is credited for his ingenuity, military understanding and general ability. This is contrasted to Rogers, who the author did not see as a stongly as other historians. The book clearly puts Langis on a pedestal (an I agree that by all accounts he was worthy) and is rather critical of Rogers (who certainly had his shortcomings, but by other accounts was a significant addition to the cause). In any case, the book is well worth the read as it provides a great, quick account of a very interesting and unique battle.… (plus d'informations)