Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer

Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution teetered on the brink of failure. David Hackett Fischer's gripping account reveals how George Washington's audacious Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River and subsequent victories at Trenton and Princeton revitalized the faltering cause. The narrative highlights the critical role of adaptability and contingency in these pivotal moments, contrasting the rigid British and German forces with the innovative American approach./n/nFischer's richly detailed storytelling brings to life the strategic decisions and personal courage of Washington and his men. Their triumphs not only salvaged the Revolution but also infused it with renewed purpose and determination, reshaping the course of history.

Reviews

Yellow Crane in the Rain Blog · 2021-07-08

nuanced 4.20

The book illustrates the diverse contributions of different groups to the American Revolution and provides a nuanced understanding of the campaign. It highlights the strategic decisions and the role of contingency in the events.

This review appreciates the book for its nuanced understanding of the American Revolution, highlighting the diverse contributions of different groups and the strategic decisions that led to the success of the campaign. The reviewer praises the book for its ability to illustrate how different groups of Americans and their allies contributed to the campaign. The richly textured narrative provides a deep understanding of the events and the crucial role of contingency in these historical moments.

Quick quotes

Washington's Crossing illustrates how different people (not just British, Germans, and Americans but different groups of Americans such as New Englanders) contributed to the success of the campaign.

Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events.

The book provides a nuanced understanding of the campaign, highlighting the strategic decisions and the role of different groups.

Military Review · 2017-06-09

inspirational 4.50

The book captures Washington's brilliant generalship in an engaging and inspirational manner, richly documented and well-researched. It highlights the strategic and tactical decisions that led to the success of the American Revolution.

This review praises the book for its thorough documentation and engaging narrative, which brings to life the strategic and tactical decisions made by George Washington during the American Revolution. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to capture Washington's brilliance and the inspirational nature of his leadership. The richly textured narrative provides a deep understanding of the events and the crucial role of contingency in these historical moments.

Quick quotes

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David Hackett Fischer has captured Washington's brilliant generalship in this engaging, inspirational, and richly documented work.

The book illustrates how different groups of Americans and their allies contributed to the success of the campaign.

Fischer's work is a testament to the power of good planning, daring initiative, and the ability to instill confidence in one's troops.

The New York Times · 2004-02-15

compelling 4.00

The book is a highly realistic and wonderfully readable narrative that corrects common misconceptions about the American Revolution. It provides a detailed and compelling account of the events leading up to and including Washington's Crossing.

This review commends the book for its realistic and readable narrative, which challenges and corrects many of the myths surrounding the American Revolution. The reviewer appreciates the detailed account of the events leading up to and including Washington's Crossing, highlighting the strategic decisions and the role of different groups in the campaign. The book is praised for its ability to provide a fresh perspective on a well-known historical event.

Quick quotes

David Hackett Fischer's new book, 'Washington's Crossing,' is a highly realistic and wonderfully readable narrative of the same moment that corrects all the myths.

The book provides a detailed and compelling account of the events leading up to and including Washington's Crossing.

Fischer's work challenges common misconceptions and offers a fresh perspective on the American Revolution.

Appears in Lists

Revolutionary War Journal