The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World - E.S. Creasy

Description: "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World" by E.S. Creasy - Knickerbocker Classics - Published by Hurst & Company, New York. 448 pages. There is no publishing date provided in the book, but it is likely that it was printed in the late 19th or early 20th century, as Hurst & Company was active as a publisher from 1871 to the early 1900s, with most of their publishing activity occurring in the 1880s and 1890s. Good condition. Previous owner's name ("Mary Moore") written in pencil on front facing page. See photos. "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World from Marathon to Waterloo" by E.S. Creasy is a seminal work in the field of military history. Published first in 1851, this book examines and analyzes fifteen pivotal battles that Creasy argues have had a profound impact on the course of world history. These battles, ranging from ancient to modern times, are selected for their decisive nature, where the outcomes have had lasting consequences on the political and cultural trajectory of civilizations.Content Overview: The book is divided into fifteen chapters, each dedicated to a specific battle. Creasy provides a detailed account of each battle, including the historical context, the forces involved, the key leaders, the strategies employed, and the outcomes. What distinguishes Creasy’s work is not just the detailed military analysis, but also his discussion on the broader implications of these battles, such as their influence on the rise and fall of empires, the spread of religions, and the shaping of national boundaries.The Fifteen Battles Covered:The Battle of Marathon (490 B.C.) – The Athenian victory over Persia, which preserved Greek independence and culture.The Battle of Syracuse (413 B.C.) – A significant conflict in the Peloponnesian War where the Athenian fleet was destroyed, marking a turning point in the war.The Battle of Gaugamela (331 B.C.) – Alexander the Great’s decisive victory over Darius III of Persia, leading to the fall of the Persian Empire.The Battle of the Metaurus (207 B.C.) – A critical Roman victory during the Second Punic War that prevented Carthage from reinforcing Hannibal.The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (A.D. 9) – The ambush and destruction of three Roman legions by Germanic tribes, halting Rome’s expansion into Germany.The Battle of Chalons (A.D. 451) – The defeat of Attila the Hun by Roman and Visigoth forces, stopping the Huns’ advance into Western Europe.The Battle of Tours (A.D. 732) – Charles Martel’s victory over the Moors, which halted the Muslim advance into Western Europe.The Battle of Hastings (A.D. 1066) – The Norman conquest of England, which drastically altered the course of English history.The Siege of Orleans (A.D. 1429) – Joan of Arc’s pivotal role in lifting the siege during the Hundred Years' War, leading to a French resurgence.The Spanish Armada (A.D. 1588) – The defeat of Spain’s great naval fleet by the English, marking the rise of England as a dominant naval power.The Battle of Blenheim (A.D. 1704) – A major victory for the Grand Alliance over the French during the War of the Spanish Succession.The Battle of Pultowa (A.D. 1709) – Peter the Great’s victory over Charles XII of Sweden, signaling the rise of Russia as a major European power.The Battle of Saratoga (A.D. 1777) – A turning point in the American Revolutionary War, leading to French support for the American cause.The Battle of Valmy (A.D. 1792) – The first major victory of the French Revolutionary army, marking the survival of the French Republic.The Battle of Waterloo (A.D. 1815) – Napoleon’s final defeat, which ended his rule and led to a reshaping of the European political landscape.Writing Style: Creasy’s writing is scholarly yet accessible, making complex military strategies and historical events understandable to a general audience. He combines narrative history with analysis, providing readers with not only the what and how of each battle but also the why—explaining why these particular battles were decisive in shaping the course of history.Influence and Legacy: The book was highly influential in the 19th century and remains a classic in military history. Creasy’s work has inspired countless historians, military strategists, and history enthusiasts. The idea of “decisive battles” has become a key concept in the study of military history, and his selection of these fifteen battles has often been the subject of debate, analysis, and emulation in subsequent works.Editions and Legacy: Numerous editions of "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World" have been published since its original release, often with introductions or commentary by later historians. The book has remained in print for over a century and a half, testament to its enduring significance in the field of history. In summary, E.S. Creasy's "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World from Marathon to Waterloo" is a foundational text that provides a compelling analysis of the battles that have shaped the world. Its blend of military analysis, historical narrative, and philosophical reflection makes it a timeless work in the study of history. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy (1812–1878) was a distinguished English historian, jurist, and author, best known for his seminal work, "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World from Marathon to Waterloo." His contributions to history and law left a lasting impact on both fields, and his writings have continued to influence scholars and enthusiasts for over a century.Early Life and Education Edward Shepherd Creasy was born on September 12, 1812, in Bexley, Kent, England. He was the son of a doctor, and his family had a strong tradition of intellectual and professional achievement. Creasy received his early education at Eton College, one of England’s most prestigious schools, where he developed a keen interest in history and literature. After Eton, Creasy went on to study at King’s College, Cambridge, where he continued to excel academically. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1833 and later obtained his Master of Arts degree in 1836. During his time at Cambridge, Creasy was awarded the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for English verse, a testament to his literary talents.Career in Law Creasy pursued a career in law, becoming a barrister after being called to the bar at Lincoln’s Inn in 1837. His legal expertise and dedication led to his appointment as a professor of history at University College London in 1840, a position he held until 1850. During this time, Creasy became known for his engaging lectures and deep knowledge of historical events. In 1860, Creasy’s legal career took a significant turn when he was appointed Chief Justice of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). This role required him to oversee the administration of justice in the British colony, a position that combined his legal acumen with his understanding of colonial governance. He served in this capacity until 1875 when he retired due to ill health.Literary Contributions While Creasy had a successful career in law, he is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to historical literature. In 1851, he published "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World from Marathon to Waterloo," a work that would become his most famous and enduring legacy. The book was an immediate success, praised for its accessible yet scholarly approach to military history. Creasy selected fifteen battles that he believed had a profound impact on the course of world history, arguing that the outcomes of these battles had shaped the political and cultural landscape of the world. Creasy’s writing style was characterized by clarity, thorough research, and a keen sense of the broader implications of historical events. His work resonated with both academic and general audiences, and it has remained in print for over 150 years. The concept of “decisive battles” has since become a key theme in military history, influencing many later historians. In addition to "The Fifteen Decisive Battles," Creasy authored several other works, including:"History of the Ottoman Turks: From the Beginning of Their Empire to the Present Time" (1854) – A comprehensive history of the Ottoman Empire, exploring its rise and impact on Europe and the Middle East."The Rise and Progress of the English Constitution" (1853) – An influential work that examined the development of the English legal and constitutional system from the Magna Carta to the 19th century."The Imperial and Colonial Constitutions of the Britannic Empire" (1872) – A detailed analysis of the constitutional frameworks governing Britain and its colonies.Later Life and Legacy After retiring from his role as Chief Justice of Ceylon, Creasy returned to England, where he lived quietly until his death on January 27, 1878. His contributions to both law and history were widely recognized during his lifetime, and he was knighted in 1866 for his services to the British Empire. Creasy’s legacy endures through his writings, particularly "The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World." His work continues to be a foundational text in the study of military history, and his approach to analyzing the broader implications of historical events has influenced generations of historians. In summary, Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy was a multifaceted figure—a historian, jurist, and author whose works have left a lasting imprint on both the study of history and the practice of law. His ability to synthesize complex historical events into accessible and meaningful narratives has ensured his place as one of the 19th century’s most influential historians.

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