The Swamp Fox: How Francis Marion Saved the American Revolution - Softcover

Oller, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0306903199 ISBN 13: 9780306903199

Publisher: Da Capo Press, 2018

Synopsis

In the darkest days of the American Revolution, Francis Marion and his band of militia freedom fighters kept hope alive for the patriot cause during the critical British "southern campaign." Employing insurgent guerrilla tactics that became commonplace in later centuries, Marion and his brigade inflicted enemy losses that were individually small but cumulatively a large drain on British resources and morale.

Although many will remember the stirring adventures of the "Swamp Fox" from the Walt Disney television series of the late 1950s and the fictionalized Marion character played by Mel Gibson in the 2000 film The Patriot, the real Francis Marion bore little resemblance to either of those caricatures. But his exploits were no less heroic as he succeeded, against all odds, in repeatedly foiling the highly trained, better-equipped forces arrayed against him.

In this action-packed biography we meet many colorful characters from the Revolution: Banastre Tarleton, the British cavalry officer who relentlessly pursued Marion over twenty-six miles of swamp, only to call off the chase and declare (per legend) that "the Devil himself could not catch this damned old fox," giving Marion his famous nickname; Thomas Sumter, the bold but rash patriot militia leader whom Marion detested; Lord Cornwallis, the imperious British commander who ordered the hanging of rebels and the destruction of their plantations; "Light-Horse Harry" Lee, the urbane young Continental cavalryman who helped Marion topple critical British outposts in South Carolina; but most of all Francis Marion himself, "the Washington of the South," a man of ruthless determination yet humane character, motivated by what his peers called "the purest patriotism."

In The Swamp Fox, the first major biography of Marion in more than forty years, John Oller compiles striking evidence and brings together much recent learning to provide a fresh look both at Marion, the man, and how he helped save the American Revolution.

About this title

Review:

Advance praise for The Swamp Fox

"Not only a new Francis Marion, but a new American Revolution emerges from these riveting pages. Best of all, John Oller has performed this feat with solid, totally convincing research. His is a book that every American will learn from-and enjoy."-Thomas Fleming, bestselling author of The Great Divide

"John Oller's thrilling narrative drops us into the steamy swamps of South Carolina as Francis Marion and his small militia repeatedly bloody larger, veteran redcoat armies, often serving as the only surviving patriot force between the British and the fall of the colony. The Swamp Fox paints a vivid portrait of the unassuming man who created a new, potent brand of guerrilla warfare, one that balanced audacity with tactical genius and resolute ethics. Oller's engaging work rightfully places Marion in the first ranks of great American heroes."-John F. Ross, author of War on the Run

"John Oller's The Swamp Fox is a much-anticipated, fresh look at the life of Francis Marion, focusing on Marion's distinguished military career during the American Revolution. Incorporating historical material either previously inaccessible or overlooked, Oller offers new perspectives on our lowcountry South Carolina partisan told within an engaging narrative that situates Marion's campaigns within the greater British and American strategies."-Steven D. Smith, Research Associate Professor, University of South Carolina, and author of Archaeological Perspectives on Partisan Communities: Francis Marion at Snow's Island in History, Landscape, and Memory

"A tour de force-a scholarly presentation which has been long needed. Brilliantly written and documented."-Christine Swager, author of The Valiant Dead: The Battle of Eutaw Springs and Come to the Cowpens: The Story of the Battle of Cowpens

"Well-written, well-researched, fast-paced, it deserves a large reading audience."-John Buchanan, author of The Road to Guilford Courthouse

"A detailed and well documented biography...[Oller] brings Francis Marion to life...This is a very detailed and informative book about this man, his life, and his importance in the success of the Revolutionary War...An enjoyable and readable history...It was an absolute pleasure to read and learn about so important an individual to this nations' freedom."--Portland Book Review

"Oller's exemplary knowledge about South Carolina's forgotten tussle during the revolution will engage readers...Highly recommended for military aficionados and students of Southern U.S. history or the American Revolution."--Library Journal
"A well-researched biography...Packed with fascinating tidbits for those who cannot get enough of military histories and/or accounts of the American Revolution."--InfoDad blog

"Oller compiles striking evidence and brings together much recent learning to provide a fresh look both at Marion, the man, and how he helped save the American Revolution."--Idaho Statesman

"Oller has done an impressive job documenting the life and times of Francis Marion...Oller paints a picture of a humble man who believed in the sanctity of human life, who sought to minimize bloodshed when he could."--What Would the Founders Think?

"In this action-packed biography we meet many colorful characters from the Revolution...Oller compiles striking evidence and brings together much recent learning to provide a fresh look both at Marion, the man, and how he helped save the American Revolution."--Readara
"A readable, well-documented biography...Anyone who loves American history or military history would love this book."--Minneapolis Star Tribune
"[Oller's] account of Marion and the South Carolina battleground gives readers a fresh view of a lesser-known Revolutionary War campaign."--Publishers Weekly
"Oller brings precise research (and no little courage) to the challenge of writing a realistic, accurate life of a partisan leader whose exploits have made him a centerpiece of American national mythology...A virtue of John Oller's new biography is his extensive use of Francis Marion's orderly book and other papers to glean interesting details about his day-to-day activities and operations. Swamp Fox will certainly attract a wide readership, especially among students and history buffs."--Michigan War Studies Review

Book Description:

A popular, comprehensive biography of Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox, as seen in the film The Patriot, covering his famous engagements as well as a private side of him that has rarely been explored

About this edition

• Publisher: Da Capo Press
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0306903199
• ISBN 13: 9780306903199
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 400