The Drummer of Minden

The story of a drummer boy in an English regiment shortly before and during the American war of independence. Having very well researched his period, the author gives interesting insight into topical socio-historical aspects such as literacy (reading lessons rigged up as an evening entertainment of sorts for the troops are just that: nobody could learn to read this way), the importance of map-making, and crop roation. The story itself is rather bland, luckily without any gruesome battlefield details. William, the eponymous drummer, well-informed to a rather unbelievable degree for his age and social status, does not come across as a real person but rather a foil against which the above topics are played out.

All in all, a solid if not exciting read. ( )

I had a really hard time getting into this book. Since I did not finish it, I do not intend to publish a review. ( )

An account of William, a drummer, set around the time of the American Revolution. Delves into William's military history from being a recruit to being a drummer, cartographer, sergeant. Mostly a tediously researched account of a regiment during the Seven Years War. Well done if you are a history buff. ( )

Following William, the drummer through his military career from recruit to drummer then on to map maker and sergeant this journey parallels the time prior to, during, and after the American Revolution. It is the story of one regiment during the Seven Year's War 1756-1763, and it's aftermath as England struggles to increase and sustain its empire and its role as a world power.
Well researched and informative but not exciting. ( )