Stephen Brumwell

Stephen Brumwell is an award-winning writer and historian with a special interest in eighteenth-century Britain and North America. Born in Portsmouth, he worked as a newspaper reporter in the west of England before his enduring passion for history prompted him to give up his job and enrol as a mature student at the University of Leeds. After gaining a First in History, he was awarded British Academy funding to research the British Army during the North American campaigns of the Seven Years' War. His doctoral dissertation formed the basis of his first single-authored book, 'Redcoats: The British Soldier and War in the Americas, 1755-63'. This was followed by 'White Devil', which explored the truth behind the legendary exploits of the New England ranger Robert Rogers during the bloody French and Indian War of the 1750s. Having tackled a monograph and a narrative, Stephen's next book project was a biography, 'Paths of Glory: The Life and Death of General James Wolfe'. Challenging traditional interpretations of its subject, it won both the Charles P. Stacey Prize for Canadian Military History, and the Distinguished Book Award of the Society of Colonial Wars of New York. The same concern for credible research and accessible narrative characterizes Stephen's latest book, 'George Washington: Gentleman Warrior' which takes a fresh look at the dramatic and chequered military career of one of history's most pivotal figures. An experienced speaker to audiences on both sides of the Atlantic, in April 2012 Stephen attracted global media coverage after he successfully championed Washington as 'Britain's Greatest Foe' at a lively day of talks held at the National Army Museum, Chelsea. Married with a daughter and son, he lives in Amsterdam.