The Life of Francis Marion: The True Story of South Carolina's Swamp Fox

by William Gilmore Simms, Sean Busick (Introduction)

Known as the "Swamp Fox," South Carolina's Francis Marion maintained the hope of Patriots in the Southern states in the darkest hours of the American Revolution. In this celebrated volume, the state's greatest author, William Gilmore Simms, traces the life and military exploits of the master of modern guerrilla warfare. With a new introduction by Sean Busick.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, American History, American Revolution, Biography Memoir, American Revolutionary War

372 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1844

About the author

William Gilmore Simms (April 17, 1806 – June 11, 1870) was a poet, novelist and historian from the American South whose novels achieved great prominence during the 19th century, with Edgar Allan Poe pronouncing him the best novelist America had ever produced. In recent decades, though, Simms' novels have fallen out of favor, although he is still known among literary scholars as a major force in antebellum Southern literature. He is also remembered for his strong support of slavery and for his opposition to Uncle Tom's Cabin, in response to which he wrote reviews and a novel.

Reviews

[Michael]

The life and military service of "The Swamp Fox" told in great detail from an early history. The story is much different from the Mel Gibson movie. Here is a man who commanded an army of volunteers to save and preserve the state of South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. He was loved, revered and respected by the soldiers he commanded. His troops were disciplined and effective with little in the way of supplies and support. Marion certainly gave all he had and led from the front. He returned to his home bankrupt by the war. How many of us would give it all for our country?

[George]

The life of Frances Marion

Francis Marion was a true hero of the Revolutionary War and the birth on a nation. He defended the state of South Carolina against the invasion of Great Britain and showed a strong knowledge of how to fight his war and not the excepted practices of Europe. Francis Marion learned by observing the American natives and concealing your whereabouts until the enemy is upon you. Francis Marion also showed that he was not just out to kill everyone that disagreed with his philosophy. I think that Francis Marion is a true hero in American history.

[Susan J Benna]

Enjoyable to the Marion Fan

I found the work to cover substantial ground surrounding his life. While there are historical voids the writer does a fair job filling. The last chapters read the best and give a historical sense of Marion’s impact on contemporary observers.

[SJ]

Enh, thought this was something else. Abandoned.

[Peggy S.]

I wanted to read this book so badly, but the print is too small, even with a magnifying glass!

[Melton Bridgeman]

Not a easy read

[Rachel]

An often-overlooked leader from America's early history. Simms embellished the story (which was originally written by Marion's assistant, if I recall correctly) but the main points are all true and this is a fantastic read.

[Joseph R. Howard]

Thoroughly enjoyable!

[Lynn Calvin]

Amazon received