Rules of War..

..no not a set of wargame rules, but the latest book by Ian Gale in the Jack Steel series. This is the second one and follows on from "Man of Honour" which I reviewed previously here and here...

..the first book was set against Blenheim - this one is set against Ramillies. Gale has a fairly interesting approach to these major engagements as unlike Cornwell, who works his way up to the major engagement throughout the course of his books, Gale seems to start his books off with the actual engagement, the rest of the book then deals with the aftermath.

..in this case then the story starts off at a cracking pace with Jack Steel (the hero of the story, and a Captain of Grenadiers in a fictional British infantry regiment) taking part in the assault on Autre-Eglise and subsequently, Ramillies. Excellent description of the battle and some good insight into the views of the commanding officers (especially Orkney - who sounds an interesting if not very pleasant character!) when told they had to withdraw from Autre-Eglise following their hard won victory...

Following the assault on Ramillies however, and Marlborough's victory, the rest of the book covers off the aftermath of the battle. Gale goes into some detail on the difficult political position Marlborough faced in Belgium with the start of Belgian nationalism (Marlborough was offered and turned down the governorship of Belgium - I think he knew it was going to be a thankless task!) Also the difficult political position at home - Marlborough never had an easy ride of it.

Most of the second part of the book however, deals with the siege of Ostend. The port was needed to provide a supply line for Marlborough's further campaigns, it was also a base for French privateers who preyed on British shipping in the Channel. Gale packs in some interesting description on Vauban's fortification. Steel of course is selected to lead the forlorn hope in the assault, but not before he experiences a number of other adventures and escapades in and around Ostend.. good book, recommended!