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)

Simply the best Biography on George Washington

If you could sum up Washington's Crossing in three words, what would they be?

Commader and Chief,only one.

What did you like best about this story?

This shows just what commander and chief really means.Concentrated just on the Revolutionary War,it shows in defeat after defeat,how Gen.Washington never lost hope.He learned to pick his battles after many losses.How in each defeat he changed tactics,rallied his troops and laid out what losing would mean.Patriot is used to easily today,this was a true patriot who saw the future had he lost.The sacrifice to save this nation has never been matched,and doubt it ever will be.Anyone who doesn't come away with a greater respect for who was a great president,needs to read this and 1776,another great book But with asking him to do this,and his own doubts on his ability to achieve victory,he knew if not him,than who would.Odds on defeating the greatest of nations at the time,he took on the task,and never gave up on the glorious cause,which is what he stated in his own words,he achieved what all thought was impossible,with few exceptions.The book was laid out historically correct.The narration and reader was excellent.To date i have read no other book about the Revolutionary War,that not only told of the battles from documents of the time,but tells just how much sacrifice all he and his men endured.The dictionary should have Washingtons picture when it descibes what a Patroit is.Anyone who really wants to know how close we came to never becoming a nation,needs to listen to this.In my eyes there is no better book on these battles,from the American as well as the English view on Washington and his men.All patriots till the very end.The best i have read on this war.The research that went into this book ,is second to none.Find out what a Glorious Cause this really was,and the man who truely gave us the independence we were trying to have .Not to be missed, i can't recommend this any higher,just great all the way around.

Have you listened to any of Nelson Runger’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Simply the best when it comes to biographies,he just fits pefect with these types of books.He brings the story alive and makes you want to listen to more.

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

The only real Commander And Chief,Gen. George Wahington

Any additional comments?

If you want to know who gave us the Liberty and Independence that Thomas Jefferson wrote of in our founding documents,you need to read this.No need to read anything else,if you want to no just what had to be done to become a free Nation.Excellent

Excellent work, wonderful reading!

Dr. Fischer’s ‘Crossing’ is an incredible description of hardship, leadership and ethics anchoring the inception of the greatest democratic society ever created by mankind. The struggle, as aptly framed by Dr. Fischer, was against hegemonic and hierarchical social structure as it was against an oppressive government, born of choices made by individuals. The egalitarian and inclusive ideas of Washington’s conduct, shaped actively by the people whose commander he was, transferred to every facet of modern society the world over. We are indebted to Dr. Fischer for this work and the Late Mr. Nelson Runger, an iconic ‘voice’ talent.

Outstanding

Wonderful history recounted by terrific narration. Brought great history to light for the listener. Excellent book.

A must listen - one of the best

As an audiobooks history buff, I will say that Fischer's Washington's Crossing is one of the best listens I have encountered. In fact, I believe that this book is better heard than read, because some of the detailed asides might make for laborious reading, but are easily digested in the listening mode. This book dispels many myths about this event: the Hessians were not partying and drunk - they were on extreme alert and exhausted from it; the battle did not occur at night - but during the next day. The desperate situation of the Continental Army put the very survival of the revolution at great risk and we owe a lot to George Washington and a few thousand men who underwent extreme, unbelievable hardship to challenge British and Hessians troops that winter and spring. This is on of those books that can have a profound impact on the way you think about the United States and the legacy that we must live up to.

This is better than McCullough's 1776

It's true. Some of the events are covered in both books. This one is simply better. I had a mental picture of all that was happening. The detail is precise. The book will stay with you for a long time and you will find you actually have some understanding of the campaign at Trenton and Princeton. You will not be disappointed.

Washington's Crossing

I love historical fiction, and this is the very best of its genre, a dramatic story splendidly told. Any American who listens to this will be chilled in the spine, both figuratively and empathically, as Fischer describes the incredible feats of perseverence and courage of the foot soldiers. But the greatest thrill is to hear of the indefatigable George Washington, who in the bleakest personal and national moment, had the brilliance and dash to conceive and lead the desperate, freezing but still faithful men in this remarkable and heroic enterprise. If you ever needed to know why he was the father of our country, this account gives ample justification.

more than I expected

beyond providing insights into the challenges Washington faced, this was a fantastic account of the military personnel on both sides.

You only think you know about this event

Fischer removes the myth from the typical retelling of this amazing military victory. And he provides context of the war to that point. And great work of history, well told and well narrated.

awesome fantastic book

This book is a perfect reading for our day and time! Though Washington and others are not perfect, they made proper decisions that affected all of our nation to this very day. He was a great force for good in s great country. This is a must-read for everyone!

Information over story

What did you love best about Washington's Crossing?

Overall this is a great book with just about every kind of detail you could hope for from this fascinating time in history. The only word of warning is that if you are strictly looking for a story, you may find this a little cluttered. If you want to know a ton of cool details and story, like how each army psychologically trained and punished their troops, this is one of the best books you'll find.