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)

Outstanding military history

This was among the best works of military history I've encountered. The story unfolded in a focused, intuitive way, with plenty of the sidebar-type extras that add so much enjoyable texture to this sort of work. My only complaint was the Conclusion, which could have been 75% shorter.

Wonderfully written and told-print version a must!

Brilliant cross-blend of popular history with scholarly research. Previously undiscovered first-hand accounts of the amazing 31 days of December 5, 1776 to January 5, 1777 lend a sparkle to Mr. Fischer's narrative and add color and context. Nelson Runger's reading is vibrant and thoroughly absorbing. (Tip: Get the print version of this wonderful book for the first-rate maps and bibliography it contains!)

Astounding

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. I finished it in three days!

Outstanding!

Normally I read adventure/mystery fiction (ie Cussler's novels about Dirk Pitt and Dan Brown's Davinci Code) and I decided to jump out of my genre to try some history . . . . I got very lucky with this one because it was the best history story I've ever heard. D.H. Fischer tells the story so well that I felt like I was right there with George and his men! It was riveting and interesting and colorful and well thought out and overall an outstanding listen - and it was a history book! Mr. Fischer, please PLEASE give us something on Abraham Lincoln next!

Excellent

Fantastic book which provides great insight into the seminal early victories of the Continental Army under the direct leadership of General George Washington. This book, when coupled with David McCullough's "1776", will give any interested reader an excellent understanding of the mighty struggles and unbelievable achievements of the early American Revolution.

Amazing detail, must read for every American. <br />

The research that went into this book must have taken years to compile. Makes my 90 mile daily commute seem like minutes. Somrtimes I cheat and have to listen to at home to.
I will buy more from this author.

A captivating retelling

Great detail, storytelling, and narration, truly captivating and deeply fleshed out characters. I enjoyed the German accent the narrator assumed when quoting the various Hessian leaders and soldiers especially.

A gripping narrative of dark times

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

Enormously detailed, yet completely gripping, this work brings to life an incredibly important, yet often overlooked, chapter in our nation's history

New Material Updated Research

Using "Washington's Crossing" as the nexus, the author develops the personalities and positions of the major players and then brings them together at the hub of the action. Several surprises; previously unpublished material, make this a great read. Don't hesitate...Washington didn't.

Amazing story of an amazing event

Where does Washington's Crossing rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

David Hackett Fischer's 'Washington's Crossing' may be the best narrative treatment of this pivotal event in American history.

What did you like best about this story?

Fischer gives us hard history, researched, footnoted, annotated in a compelling narrative. If you've seen the print version it's very size is daunting. The audible book and it's skillful narration weaves Fischer's varied stands into one compelling story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I could have finished this in one sitting, I would have. And I might've tried, if Audible's Windows based programs had the ability to speed up the narration!

Any additional comments?

Even if you've read other books on The Crossing or about Washington, read one more: read this one.