"Over Washington's own long bullet of a winter, his army had overcome a season of logistical nightmares that would have brought a European force to its knees. Like pig iron stripped of its impurities and annealed into steel, his remaining regiments were emerging stronger for their ordeals. ... Valley Forge had been the crucible they had all come through together, the very reason the forces of the nascent United States were now poised to alter the course of the revolution."
This book is a fascinating account of what took place that important year. It's very well-researched and describes the battles as well as the backgrounds of all the main players from Washington himself to his three favorite aides de camp: Alexander Hamilton, John Laurens, and the Marquis de Lafayette. And it definitely deepened my respect and admiration for George Washington and the men who fought and served with him. But all that rich historic detail means it doesn't always read fast. (A few chapters were a bit of a slog.) Still, I learned a lot. And I'm very glad I read it.
Happy Reading!
Two excellent companion reads:
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| A much faster and equally interesting read. |
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| Check out my review here. |
And if fiction's more your style:
If I ever want to know more about the winter at Valley Forge, I'll know where to go. But personally fiction is usually my preferred method of "learning" history. It sticks more in my mind.
ReplyDeleteI love well-written historical fiction, too. :)
DeleteI love both fiction and nonfiction for learning about history. Often the fiction sends me for a biography or book about the time period. I'm surprised to realize how vague my knowledge is about this period--kind of boiled down to what we would call sound bites today. Thanks for the suggestions.
ReplyDeleteWhen you can combine good fiction with good nonfiction, to me that's the best kind of reading. :)
DeleteOne of my goals is to learn more about American history and politics, so I’ll keep this book in mind. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
This book certainly gives great insight into that Revolutionary period of American history.
DeleteI like books like this—focused, interesting, enlightening. It’s always a great hindsight exercise to wonder why Howe didn’t wipe out the American army when he had the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteHe certainly could have. But I'm very glad he didn't! :D
DeleteThis sounds like a fascinating read. I love learning about this time in history so thank you for the recommendations!
ReplyDeleteI like reading about this time period in history, too! Makes me feel all proud and patriotic. :)
DeleteLooks fascinating. I read a book on the Revolutionary War a few years back and the Valley Forge stuff was fascinating. So much I didn't know. I'll be adding this to my nonfiction TBR as well, I'd like to read it.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about this time period that I find fascinating.
DeleteOh, I actually have an ARC of this for some reason! I've been wondering about it, so I'm glad to hear your thoughts. I'll definitely have to pick it up soon, my knowledge of history at that period is sadly lacking.
ReplyDeleteThere was a lot they talked about in this book that I didn't know either.
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