The Fate of the Day

The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780

De: Rick Atkinson

Narrado por: Grover Gardner, Rick Atkinson

In the second volume of the landmark American Revolution trilogy by the Pulitzer Prize-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author of The British Are Coming, George Washington’s army fights on the knife edge between victory and defeat.

The first twenty-one months of the American Revolution—which began at Lexington and ended at Princeton—was the story of a ragged group of militiamen and soldiers fighting to forge a new nation. By the winter of 1777, the exhausted Continental Army could claim only that it had barely escaped annihilation by the world’s most formidable fighting force.

Two years into the war, George III is as determined as ever to bring his rebellious colonies to heel. But the king’s task is now far more complicated: fighting a determined enemy on the other side of the Atlantic has become ruinously expensive, and spies tell him that the French and Spanish are threatening to join forces with the Americans.

Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson provides a riveting narrative covering the middle years of the Revolution. Stationed in Paris, Benjamin Franklin woos the French; in Pennsylvania, George Washington pleads with Congress to deliver the money, men, and materiel he needs to continue the fight. In New York, General William Howe, the commander of the greatest army the British have ever sent overseas, plans a new campaign against the Americans—even as he is no longer certain that he can win this searing, bloody war. The months and years that follow bring epic battles at Brandywine, Saratoga, Monmouth, and Charleston, a winter of misery at Valley Forge, and yet more appeals for sacrifice by every American committed to the struggle for freedom.

Timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the Revolution, Atkinson’s brilliant account of the lethal conflict between the Americans and the British offers not only deeply researched and spectacularly dramatic history, but also a new perspective on the demands that a democracy makes on its citizens.

* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF of maps and illustrations from the book.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Rick Atkinson (P)2025 Random House Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Rick Atkinson takes his place among the greatest of all historians. This superb second volume in his Revolution Trilogy is that rare narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Familiar characters become dimensional and complicated, new ones burst to life vividly, and the battles and struggles that created our country now have clarity and meaning.”—Ken Burns

“To read this book by prolific military historian Atkinson is to see the Revolutionary War as both a civil war—loyalists against rebels, with a sizable number of uncommitted colonists in between—and an international war involving numerous European powers . . . As ever with Atkinson, an exemplary work of narrative history.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“From chaotic bloodshed emerges a coherent struggle for freedom in this sweeping second volume of Pulitzer winner Atkinson’s Revolution Trilogy (after The British Are Coming) . . . Epic in scale but rich in detail, this captures the drama and world-historical significance of the revolution.”—Publishers Weekly

Very pleased

This is my seventh or eighth Rick Atkinson book. Each time I come away very thankful for his ability to present the story on a simple, vibrant canvas.

Outstanding work!

A new level of fascinating detail throughout! I enjoyed most of this twice already. Thank you, Rick!

Excellent and captivating narrative

Outstanding. If only every American now living would listen to this story and better understand our founding as a nation.

Fabulous storytelling

Nothing negative. Best history writing EVER, bar none. Atkinson’s trilogy will be a must read forever.

Great

I really like this narrator. And I can’t wait for last installment. Atkinson is a master.

Can't wait for Volume 3

I have long awaited Vol. 2 of Rick Atkinson's Revolutionary War trilogy. My anticipation grew when I learned Grover Gardner would be the reader. Neither disappoints. The book is excellent, giving clear and concise accounts of the many events and battles that happened in the Americas, Britain, and Europe between 1777-1780. Listening to it read by the wonderful Mr. Gardner is chef's kiss. Very highly recommend this - as well as Vol. 1. Hope Volume 3 will be here soon. I was ready to jump right into it at the end of this.
PS -- Always grateful when Audible includes a PDF with history books.

Atkinson + Grover Gardner

A tour de force! I loved it. As good as it gets. Full marks from me.

Really wonderful book

I loved the first book in this trilogy and was excited when the second one came out. It was just as excellent. I’m looking forward to the third and final book.

Edifying and Enjoyable

Fascinating listen with lots of personal detail from all ranks yet always focused on the big picture. It was never boring.

History comes alive

I can hardly wait for the third part of the trilogy. The first two are superb. There is often debate about the ranking of presidents. I think Washington ranks as number one. There are so many reasons why he ranks as number one. In the final battle of the revolutionary war he needed the sponsorship of a merchant to move his troops to Yorktown. Congress and the individual states always had him on a starvation diet.