Memoirs of a Cavalier

By: Daniel Defoe

Narrated by: Sean Criseden

This work of historical fiction is set during the Thirty Years' War and the English Civil War. The full title upon original publication was as follows: Memoirs of a Cavalier; or A Military Journal of the Wars in Germany, and the Wars in England. From the Years 1632 to 1648. Written threescore years ago, by an English gentleman, who server first in the army of Gustavus Adolphus, the Glorious King of Sweden, till his death, and after that in the Royal Army of King Charles the First, from the beginning of the Rebellion to the end of the War.

Public Domain (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The pretended author, ‘Col. Andrew Newport’, a young English gentleman born in 1608, travels on the Continent, starting in 1630, goes to Vienna, and accompanies the army of the emperor, being present at the siege and sack of Magdeburg, which is vividly presented. He then joins the army of Gustavus Adolphus. After his return to England he joins the king's army, first against the Scots, then against the forces of Parliament." (The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature)

Not the Best of Defoe

This is Defoe's least interesting novel, and while the narrator sounds fine, he is not well-prepared for Defoe. He is unfamiliar with British conventions to the point that he reads the £ sign as "Lira" rather than "Pounds." He is hit or miss with British names and towns.

Factual narration recounts details of battles.

There isn't much human interest here, not much personal drama for our cavalier. He is concerned only with his battles. I was most interested in the Swedish army and King Adolphus, somebody I had never learned about, especially his encampment and battle at Leipzig. I have toured in Leipzig, and I know that Thomanerkirche, where Bach led the boys' choir, was there during the Thirty Years War. So, picturing that city and Nurnberg too with battles raging added to my appreciation of places I have been.

In England and Scotland, place names and those of commanders and battles abound. By the time our soldier fights for King Charles, he is enough of a sophisticated strategian to assess at each movement what the King has done right and wrong--mostly wrong!

I listened to each chapter at least twice to digest as much as possible, because I want to be familiar with European wars, but this book might be disappointing to anyone who is expecting an intriguing narrative like Moll Flanders or Robinson Cruscoe. The narrator recounts each movement of dragoons with clear, but matter-of-fact style, quite appropriate for a memoir or journal. Perhaps the strongest emotion is evident in his great friendship and admiration for King Adolphus.

If you are determined to "finish" Defoe, an easy author to exhaust, then go for it!

good book, boring reader

Daniel defoe is one of the greatest writers of adventure stories in English history, while I dont object to an american playing an English cavalier i do object to him sounding like a wet fish. this is the 17 century for pities sake, you've spent have spent have the morning putting you hair in order, half the night drinking sack and your about to charge the guns of breda, not cross the road to by groceries.

Episodic, not cohesive

This account of a young man's journeys and adventures has more period and historical detail than general interest. I can see Defoe's touches here and there in the narrative, but for me it lacks the depth of Milk or Crusoe.

The Thirty Years War To The English Civil War

The book starts before the Thirty Years with an English man joining the Swedish Army. He tells of his life and adventures in the Swedish Army. Then his Life in the Army of King Charles during the English Civil War. I highly recommend.