Gentleman Johnny

General John Burgoyne is one of those unlucky characters with whom history has dealt unkindly. In this biography, which is also to a large extent a history of the American War of Independence, the author has attempted to set the record straight. Burgoyne's early career in the army was hampered by lack of funds, but after studying military methods in France, Italy and Spain, and a short career as a politician and author, he was given junior command in America. His failure and surrender, due to lack of support from his superiors, ruined his career, and he retired to Ireland, where he built up a new private life and devoted his time to writing. Lauran Paine weaves into his narrative a great deal of background information on the politics, both military and civil, of the time. The book includes 14 illustrations.