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Quebec 1759: The Siege and the Battle
The capture of the town of Quebec by British forces under James Wolfe in 1759 brought about the ultimate British victory in the contest with France for dominance. The author offers new important evidence and answers questions for the reader in terms of tactics and decision making.
- GenresHistoryMilitary History
Paperback
First published January 1, 1959
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 13, 2026
A detailed analysis of the pivotal battle in which the English captured the capital of New France--Quebec. Stacey focuses on the two opposing generals--James Wolfe and the Marquis de Montcalm. Both of them were killed in the climactic battle on the Plains of Abraham, west of the city.
Stacy points out that neither man was a military genius and that both generals made major mistakes in the 1759 campaign. It seems to have come down to a stroke of good luck, that Wolfe landed his forces on the right point on the St. Lawrence River, to the west of the city. It was a place uncovered by French forces, as Montcalm expected his enemy to attack elsewhere. In the clash of the English and French near the city walls, it came down to a matter of moments as the volleys of the well-disciplined redcoats decimated their foe.
Thus, the French empire in North America fell to those well-trained regulars who, in a later war, were considered "the scum of the earth" ( by Wellington).
Stacy points out that neither man was a military genius and that both generals made major mistakes in the 1759 campaign. It seems to have come down to a stroke of good luck, that Wolfe landed his forces on the right point on the St. Lawrence River, to the west of the city. It was a place uncovered by French forces, as Montcalm expected his enemy to attack elsewhere. In the clash of the English and French near the city walls, it came down to a matter of moments as the volleys of the well-disciplined redcoats decimated their foe.
Thus, the French empire in North America fell to those well-trained regulars who, in a later war, were considered "the scum of the earth" ( by Wellington).
October 4, 2019
Long considered one of the essential works on the battle that determined the course of Canada for the next two centuries. Written by the top military historian of the time (official Canadian Army historian of World War Two). Not an easy style to follow, very 30's and 40's but Stacey does manage to paint clear portraits of the opposing generals, Wolfe and Montcalm and of the situations they found themselves in.
May 8, 2022
This is a great military history book by Oxford educated celebrated Canadian military historian C P Stacey. I bought the version edited by Donald Graves, which is available in the Citadel Musee in Quebec. Provides a very balanced picture of Wolfe and Montcalm, and the overall battle plan that took place in the plains of Abraham. It is interesting to note that some argue that because French lost to British in Canada that the 13 US colonies realised they no longer needed British military protection resulting in their independence. The US independence in turn made UK more open to Quebec's autonomy, leading to Quebec Act. Stacy discusses how originally it was planned to attack via Beauport and montmorency fall, how it was stupid of French not to fortify Levis and how bombing of lower Quebec from Levis was similar to RAf bombing in Germany. Wolfe was helped by luck when he attacked in plains of Abraham, Montcalm was premature in attacking, and by mixing regular with Canadiens, greatly reduced effectiveness of his troops. Reminded me of Normandy landing and how allies made Germans think they would land elsewhere, here it is Beauport. Very good and accessible book
February 12, 2019
Beautifully written military and social history; immensely detailed but always human.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews