Rating: 
Summary: The Master Does It Again!!
Review: This is the third book of Mr. Ketchum's that I've read, and I'm glad to have read it. Maybe not leaps and bounds ahead of the other two, Decisive Day and Winter Soldiers, but it's a bit better.The writing style of this volume is much more "reader friendly". He teases, entertains, baits, and just conveys easily understandable information. He leaves the reader wanting more, then satifies that need in the next few pages. His comments about what he is writing about are very entertaining. One gets the feeling that he's there, providing play-by-play reporting, but not in an obvious fashion. His use of letters, diaries, and other written material provide a fresh and personal feel to the story. No need to relate the story here. Read the book if you don't know what it's about, you'll enjoy it. My lasting impression: No one can write about the British pomp and Martial Art like Richard Ketchum can. I swear, he must be a Brit himself, and from that Century!! He does it in Decisive Day, and now in Saratoga. I enjoy this SO MUCH, I can't describe it. It is the high point of each of his books. I suggest that you read all three books about the Revolution, and enjoy the time. Thanks very much Mr. Ketchum!!!
Rating: 
Summary: Tremendously detailed yet highly readable prose style.
Review: This was - excuse the hackneyed phrase but it is apt here - a real "page turner." Ketchum gave you the level of detail one would expect in a first rate history. In addition, he wrote the book in such a way that you got to know the principals as people and you cared very much for them and what happened to them. I found myself "rejoining" the characters each night and wondering what would happen next. This was both an adventure tale and a work of history all at the same time. Meticulously researched. I even read the endnotes and other material at the back. A truly exciting book. Thank you, Mr. Ketchum!
Rating:
Summary: Could be the best book I have read!
Review: Well written, with a clear understanding of the strategy and tactics of the battle. Ketchum builds suspense into his narrative, making this a 'page-turner' (if such a thing exists in the military history genre). I have to say, I loved this book. I highly, highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Could be the best book I have read!
Review: Well written, with a clear understanding of the strategy and tactics of the battle. Ketchum builds suspense into his narrative, making this a 'page-turner' (if such a thing exists in the military history genre). I have to say, I loved this book. I highly, highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The best book on Saratoga
Review: When the park experts at Saratago recommend a book, you know its good. I've just finished reading Saratoga by Ketchum for the 3rd time and it gets better each time. (just as Winter Soldiers did) Its long and sometimes tedious, and the maps, when there are maps, are atrocious, but the writing and details are great. I collected copies of maps from several other sources to use as I read the book, marking Regiment and leaders locations, etc. and it makes a huge difference in keeping up with what was going on and it made the action jump off the pages. It was difficult to follow the highly detailed, all encompassing story line the first time I read it without notes and movement charts etc. I was disappointed at the short thrift given to the Oriskany battle between the Indians and Loyalist against Herkimer's Tryon Co. militia (Drums Along The Mohawk fame) and I don't think the treachery of those plotting against Benedict Arnold was deep enough, as well as Washington's inexcusable lack of defense of Arnold against his antagonists. A great book, but a difficult read for anyone except those highly interested and patient enough to get through such a large work.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkable Work
Review: With all of the buzz in historical circles about the works of McCullough and Morris, it seems there are current authors who are not recognized for the fine work they do. Ketcham is one such author. This is a superb account of the campaign which truly broke England's hold on the American colonies. There are several distinguishing aspects in this account...one being the amount of information presented concerning the English view of the campaign. Most American historians seem to accentuate only the American side, however, the inclusiveness of Ketcham's account in terms of English plans and execution adds much to what could have been just an account from the colonial perspective. My wife and I had the opportunity to tour the battlefield this past summer and this really fleshed out what we experienced during our trip. Ketcham's account of the role played by Native Americans in this series of battles is also a revelation. This book is totally accessible to anyone regardless of their historical background. I would compare this book in quality to the recent biographies of John Adams and Theodore Roosevelt. If you are at all interested in the colonial period or the American Revolution, I would definitely commend this book to you. We are so lucky to be living in a time when so many great histories and biographies are so readily available.
Rating:
Summary: Remarkable Work
Review: With all of the buzz in historical circles about the works of McCullough and Morris, it seems there are current authors who are not recognized for the fine work they do. Ketcham is one such author. This is a superb account of the campaign which truly broke England's hold on the American colonies. There are several distinguishing aspects in this account...one being the amount of information presented concerning the English view of the campaign. Most American historians seem to accentuate only the American side, however, the inclusiveness of Ketcham's account in terms of English plans and execution adds much to what could have been just an account from the colonial perspective. My wife and I had the opportunity to tour the battlefield this past summer and this really fleshed out what we experienced during our trip. Ketcham's account of the role played by Native Americans in this series of battles is also a revelation. This book is totally accessible to anyone regardless of their historical background. I would compare this book in quality to the recent biographies of John Adams and Theodore Roosevelt. If you are at all interested in the colonial period or the American Revolution, I would definitely commend this book to you. We are so lucky to be living in a time when so many great histories and biographies are so readily available.
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