Won by the Sword

by G. A. Henty

First published 1900

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2.5(5)

Hector Campbell, the orphaned son of a Scottish officer in French service, grows up determined to become a soldier during the final phase of the Thirty Years’ War. His abilities bring him to the attention of Turenne and the young Duc d’Enghien, placing him inside the French campaigns against Habsburg and allied forces.

Hector serves through battles including Rocroi, Freiburg, Marienthal and Nördlingen, gaining responsibility as the war continues to devastate German territories. His rise from an inexperienced youth to an officer with land and rank is set against campaigning in which armies depend on fragile supply, local populations suffer repeated occupation and military success rarely produces lasting peace.