• Almost a Miracle

  • The American Victory in the War of Independence
  • By: John Ferling
  • Narrated by: David Baker
  • Length: 26 hrs and 57 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (420 ratings)

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Almost a Miracle  By  cover art

Almost a Miracle

By: John Ferling
Narrated by: David Baker
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Publisher's summary

In this gripping chronicle of America's struggle for independence, award-winning historian John Ferling transports listeners to the grim realities of that war, capturing an eight-year conflict filled with heroism, suffering, cowardice, betrayal, and fierce dedication. As Ferling demonstrates, it was a war that America came much closer to losing than is now usually remembered. General George Washington put it best when he said that the American victory was "little short of a standing miracle."

Almost a Miracle offers an illuminating portrait of America's triumph, offering vivid descriptions of all the major engagements, revealing how these battles often hinged on intangibles such as leadership under fire, heroism, good fortune, blunders, tenacity, and surprise. The author paints sharp-eyed portraits of the key figures in the war, including General Washington and other American officers and civilian leaders. Some do not always measure up to their iconic reputations, including Washington himself.

Others, such as the quirky, acerbic Charles Lee, are seen in a much better light than usual. The book also examines the many faceless men who soldiered, often for years on end, braving untold dangers and enduring abounding miseries. Ferling's narrative is also filled with compassion for the men who comprised the British army and who, like their American counterparts, struggled and died at an astonishing rate in this harsh war. Nor does Ferling ignore the naval war, describing dangerous patrols and grand and dazzling naval actions. Finally, Almost a Miracle takes listeners inside the legislative chambers and plush offices of diplomats to reveal countless decisions that altered the course of this war. The story that unfolds is at times a tale of folly, at times one of appalling misinformation and confusion, and now and then one of insightful and dauntless statesmanship.

©2007 John Ferling (P)2013 Audible, Inc.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about Almost a Miracle

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Dramatic Backstory of The War for Independence

An impressive work that draws upon recent historical analysis to show that there was every reason to suppose at the time that the war effort would fail, but that owing to curious juxtapositions of people and events, all the evidence of a miraculous intervention, the darkest prospects suddenly turned to the most glorious triumph. The book conveys an understanding of that crucial period that underlines the hard challenges that Americans faced and the inspiration of George Washington's stellar perseverance and upright character that enabled both military and civilian segments of the population to endure. A most interesting aspect of the book is the insight into the political situations in England, especially after the British disaster at Yorktown. If you want a sweeping understanding of the miracle that established American independence, you would not be disappointed in taking the time to read or listen to this book.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Superb Military History of the American Revolution

A well done example of one of the finest military histories of the American revolution. Rich in detail and story, both individual personalities and background as well as politics and campaign. One of the best I've read.

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6 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Moving and well-researched but overly critical

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

Yes. It is a strong history of the war and its many sub-plots. Its strengths include thorough coverage of "the other side" (Britain) and the way in which it alternates between chronological history and related themes. For example, the author follows the description of a battle with a detour into prisoner of war conditions.

The author seemed overly critical of American leaders. Washington was an imperfect general (who wasn't) but praise is given begrudgingly and criticism is dished out with gusto.

What did you like best about this story?

I bought this book to learn about the Revolution. That was successful; the author covers all aspects of the war.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Battle of Cowpens.

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6 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not as objected as stated.

Although this book contained lots of facts and details , some of the material was flat out wrong or completely misleading. I am not an expert in all this material and I understand that an historian needs to exercise some descretionary reasoning. However, on the subject of General John Sullivan a clear biaed is present. Even a very basic ten minutes of research will show the author is grossly wrong or is dishonest in his opinions. This of course leads one to question the validity of his presentation as a whole. I would pass on this book.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Greatest book I've ever read with in-depth analysis of America is revolutionary war

I like the detailed battle analyses… I also like the reality check concerning the personality habits and conduct of both America's and Britain's honorable men. They were, of course, human. I highly recommend this book, though it is lengthy – it is worth anyone's time.

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3 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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Not worth it!

I will never get another book from this author. He is very critical of everything Washington. Every history book I've read, or listened to, has criticized both Lee and Gates. Even David McCullough, in his book "1776", comments about Lees not following orders!

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Awesome

An exciting and enlightening story of the Revolutionary War. Love this book and the ending

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Tells a story we should all know.

I am unabashedly a history buff. This book of our beginning is so greatly defined that I found one thing missing for me ... a map to follow and mark as the story unfolded. No sugar coating here, just a darned good story! Oh yes, and loved the ending.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Left a lot out.

The research done for this book must have been exhausting. How he was able to get quotes from Washington, Clinton
William Howe, Henry Clinton, John Burgoyne and Charles Cornwallis ;
However, Ferling leaves a lot out. For instant, after big battles he never mentions how both armies handled the dead an dying,.
Did armies just leave them? This brings us another point. He never mentions how the wounded were treated. Did they have hospitals, field medical stations? Also captured, soldiers were put on horrible ’slave ships where many died. He does not mention that either.
Another beef I had, is there is really no description of weapons used; He mentions cannons, but not what kind, the same for the armament of the soldiers carried heavy, smooth bore flintlock rifles with a caliber anywhere from 45 -60 caliber. The armies also use mortars
Both armies used canons (don’t think he mentioned caliber) they also use howitzers as well, NO mention.

I never really got a clear picture of daily camp life, Only at Valley Forge

There were a LOT of things I was not aware of. The American scrit became worthless, only good for toile paper as one soldiers lamented, Only France made available a quite a sizable amount of silver to back the Colonies.
We. for sure could not have one this war without the help of France and her navy. I guess we returned the favor on June 6th.
I do recommend this listen. There is a lot that I was unaware of.

** Btw, many have mentioned the narrator. I felt he was excellent.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Narrator not great

The guy who read this mispronounced numerous words and place names which was really distracting and took away from the content. Great, extensive, well written history but not great reader

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