Resolution: Two Brothers. A Nation in Crisis. A World at War

by Emma Ellis

John Manners, Marquis of Granby, famously led a cavalry charge during the Seven Years War in 1760, losing both hat and wig. A commander of skill and courage, he was cherished by his men and lauded by the British public as an authentic military hero.

Granby predeceased his father, the 3rd Duke of Rutland, and never inherited his title, but left two sons whose contrasting fortunes and tragically short lives are the subject of this meticulously researched and richly illustrated book. Charles became 4th Duke in 1779, sought reconciliation with the American colonies and was Viceroy of Ireland; Robert embarked on a naval career, became flag captain of the Resolution and died of injuries sustained at the Battle of the Saintes.

Based upon the detailed archives held at Belvoir Castle, Resolution is both an enthralling saga of two generations of the Manners family and a finely delineated portrait of aristocratic, political and naval life in mid-Georgian England.

704 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2017

Reviews

[Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This biography explores the lives of two brothers with contrasting abilities who followed very different paths, both in adulthood and in their careers. The authors provide an in-depth and thoughtful analysis of their personalities and decisions, highlighting the strong family bond they maintained throughout their lives. The brothers’ experiences unfold against a backdrop of a tumultuous period in British, European, and American history, and the historical details are both engaging and insightful.

However, upon finishing the book, I was left with the impression that the focus might have been misplaced. Their father, John Manners, 3rd Duke of Rutland, seems to be an even more compelling figure, and a biography of his life might have offered a richer and more rewarding narrative than the one provided about his two sons.