Washington's Crossing

By: David Hackett Fischer

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 18 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

Pulitzer Prize, History, 2005

This New York Times best seller is a thrilling account of one of the most pivotal moments in United States history. Six months after the Declaration of Independence, America was nearly defeated. Then on Christmas night, George Washington led his men across the Delaware River to destroy the Hessians at Trenton. A week later Americans held off a counterattack, and in a brilliant tactical move, Washington crept behind the British army to win another victory. The momentum had reversed.

The “Pivotal Moments in American History” series seeks to unite the old and the new history, combining the insights and techniques of recent historiography with the power of traditional narrative. Each title has a strong narrative arc with drama, irony, suspense, and – most importantly – great characters who embody the human dimension of historical events. The general editors of “Pivotal Moments” are not just historians; they are popular writers themselves, and, in two cases, Pulitzer Prize winners: David Hackett Fischer, James M. McPherson, and David Greenberg. We hope you like your American History served up with verve, wit, and an eye for the telling detail!

©2004 David Hackett Fischer (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

• Pulitzer Prize Winner, History, 2005

"An impeccably researched, brilliantly executed military history." (Publishers Weekly)
"An eminent, readable historian, Fischer here delivers an outstanding analytical narrative....Fischer's exhaustive research, right down to the Americans' collection of supplies, captures the utter precariousness of the Americans' situation. A must-read for military history fans." (Booklist)

I Love This Stuff

You can't make this stuff up! Washington was fearless! A real life super-hero who's commanding presence, physical prowess, inspired leadership, unwavering belief in his ability to succeed, and his commitment to independence make this a great listen. Don't forget to come to NYC to see the colossal painting at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and while you're here take a ride to NJ across the George Washington Bridge while listening to the part about the retreat from Fort Washington. I promise it will be a ride you will never forget.

AN ORIGINAL STANDOUT !

Ya.. not the same old rehash of the period. How refreshing is that!! He goes into all manner of fascinating areas and puts flesh on the bones of all the other books on this period in fine fashion. DAVID HACKETT FISCHER is a huge stand out historical writer ! I wish audible had his masterpiece- chaplains dream. Unfortunately it seems no Canadian history is ever considered here.

Washingtons Crossing is highly recommended, especially valuable for american history aficionados like myself. Well narrated and masterfully written.

If your wondering why I didnt give it five stars, I now reserve the 5 star rating for those few all time truly outstanding favorites that reside at the pinnacle of my collection- as it should be! I went through my collection and changed most of my 5 star to 4 and I suggest others do the same.1 star utter crap 2 stars poor- 3 stars good 4 stars stand for very good to excellent- 5 stars is reserved for truly OUTSTANDING.

Fischer Brings History Alive

Fischer is my favorite writer of history, though this book held fewer surprises (events unknown to me) than my all-time favorite non-fiction work, _Albion's Seed_, also by Fischer.

Using untold journals and diaries, plus pensioner's narratives housed in the National Archives, Fischer brings to life events and people that shaped the war, and without too great an exaggeration, our lives today. I will be a bit political here, and add that, in my opinion, Washington and the Continental Congress would be appalled and ashamed of American conduct in the Iraq war.

Although Nelson Runger did a much better job in narrating this book than he did in _The Path Between the Seas_ by David McCullough, there must be a better history reader available. Only once during this long book did I feel like he was speaking through a mouth full of saliva. Don't audio books use directors?

American Way of War

One of the few books that I continually reread. Anyone interested in Military Planning should read this

Not what I expected

I love history. This book reads like a history text book which is interesting but mostly facts/data. However, I was hoping for a book that gave personal insight into Washington, his life, who he was and the reasons behind his decisions. Thus said, I was fascinated by the history of the painting and the stories behind each countries involvement. I had no idea about the past history of English invasions world wide prior to 1776, very interesting.

Listened as we toured battlefields. Loved!

We listened to the audio version as we toured the entire eastern seaboard and into the interior. It was vey enlightening. We enjoyed it very much.

Great Listen for History Lovers - 2 HUGE Thumbs Up

So many myths about Washington's crossing are dispelled in this excellent book as it follows the progressi of colonial patriots as they learned to fight a formidable foe by applying lessons learned in battle. My appreciation for the Continental army & the autonomously acting militias who attacked foreign foraging troops grew with every chapter. FASCINATING & RIVETING!

Washington's heroic decision saves our country!

When you order this book, don't get discouraged by the slow pace and tedious details the author uses in the first third of the book to set up the last 2/3 of the book. It will be worth your investment in time. The action picks up and keeps going strong. You won't believe how close we came to losing our whole revolution until one man, George Washington, took a desperate situation by the horns and changed the entire future of our country in this one week in our history. The interview with the author at the end is very interesting too, although you will be glad he didn't choose to read his own book. The narrator lays on the accents a little thick, but otherwise does a passable job. Invest a few hours in a story that is better than any fiction from around this time.

History that Lives and Breathes Today

“Washington's Crossing” by David Hackett Fischer is certainly one of the best books I have read this year. Originally, I had planned to read McCullough’s “1776” when a fellow reviewer put me on to this book. I am pleased to say that this book enjoys both excellent writing and fine narration.

Fischer has an uncanny ability to make his sources (many historical documents, letters, and journals) come alive as living stories. The writing is measured and without embellishment, nevertheless, I felt as if I were present during this crucial period in history. Fischer, who has walked the ground at Delaware and New Jersey, provides a sense of how the landscape played a role in the pivotal battles during the winder of 1776-77. I got a sense for the privations and many setbacks that the Continental Army faced and how the generals and foot soldiers pushed themselves to their limits (and beyond) for a cause they believed in.

Fischer, writing during 2003-04 provides perceptive examples regarding ruinous British behavior as occupiers of the Colonies. Stories of British infantry knocking down doors and thus making additional enemies of several neutral citizens provide eerie parallels to that of another occupying force. British Whigs devoted much energy to steering Britain towards reconciliation with the “insurgents,” while Loyalists felt that a campaign of “shock and awe” would cow the colonies back into line.

In the end, it was a reviving spirit of the importance of liberty that may have saved Washington’s army from disappearing completely after so many setbacks. The brilliant daring of Washington’s crossing into Trenton and the sweeping words of Thomas Paine brought out a vigorous militia during those most trying times. David Hackett Fischer deserves kudos for a fine work that not only describes the events, but helps us to better understand why they remain so important to us here and now.

Riveting!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to a friend. It's so informative and engaging.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Washington's Crossing?

It was so impactful, I remember exactly where I was the first time I listened to it (on our drive to Los Angeles). I had previously been tired but was so engrossed in the book I was wide awake at 3am as we arrived at our destination.

What does Nelson Runger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nelson Runger's narration is superb!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Engaging.... the rest is history.