A review by pemuth59
Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer
4.0
I know what you're thinking. A entire book on Washington crossing the Delaware River? How long did that take, 30 minutes? Well, the history of nations can change in less time than it takes an army to cross a river and, in this case, it certainly did.
This is a wonderful narrative by David Hackett Fischer, who details the saga of George Washington's army from the disaster of New York City to the amazing triumphs in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania campaign of late 1776 and early 1777. Along the way, we get a fascinating glimpse at the inner workings of the British army and its Hessian (German) mercenary forces as its derision turns to anger, then apathy (in a matter of weeks). This fact, combined with the improvisational genius of the Continental Army, allows Fischer to demonstrate that, despite many hardships to come, American victory in the revolution was more inevitable than you might think.
Two readers' notes: Don't be intimidated by this book's heft. This is one history book long on notes and appendices, but its narrative is a breezy 350 pages. Also, even if you read David McCullough's brilliant "1776," "Washington's Crossing" makes a great companion. Although it covers some of the same ground, this story richly deserves both.
This is a wonderful narrative by David Hackett Fischer, who details the saga of George Washington's army from the disaster of New York City to the amazing triumphs in the New Jersey/Pennsylvania campaign of late 1776 and early 1777. Along the way, we get a fascinating glimpse at the inner workings of the British army and its Hessian (German) mercenary forces as its derision turns to anger, then apathy (in a matter of weeks). This fact, combined with the improvisational genius of the Continental Army, allows Fischer to demonstrate that, despite many hardships to come, American victory in the revolution was more inevitable than you might think.
Two readers' notes: Don't be intimidated by this book's heft. This is one history book long on notes and appendices, but its narrative is a breezy 350 pages. Also, even if you read David McCullough's brilliant "1776," "Washington's Crossing" makes a great companion. Although it covers some of the same ground, this story richly deserves both.