Paths of Glory: The Life and Death of General James Wolfe

General James Wolfe, whose defeat of Montcalm at Quebec in 1759 won Canada for Britain, is one of the great heroes of British imperial history. His death at the moment of victory made his victory a tragic one. Steven Brumwell's outstanding life of Wolfe is based on a major re-examination of the actual records of Wolfe's career and character. Wolfe, who had earlier fought at the battles of Culloden and Dettingen, was a thorough professional. His victory, which contrasted with the failure of other British commanders, set an example to later British generals and admirals, including Nelson. Paradoxically, the ending of the French threat of conquest made Britain's protection no longer essential to the English-speaking American colonies. The conquest of Quebec was therefore a vital precondition of American independence.