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

In 1759 General James Wolfe was killed at Quebec, winning the battle that decided the fate of North America. Just thirty-two years old, Wolfe became a popular hero, immortalised in epic paintings. During the past half century, however, his reputation has waned under assault by critics who see him as a bloodthirsty and priggish mediocrity, famous for one singularly lucky - though crucial - victory. But was there more to James Wolfe than a celebrated death? Stephen Brumwell's highly-praised biography seeks to answer that question, deploying penetrating research and vivid prose to boldly reassess a soldier whose short but dramatic life changed the course of world history.