Washington's Crossing

De: David Hackett Fischer

Narrado por: Nelson Runger

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!

Reseñas de la Crítica

• 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)

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.

Great book

Thoroughly informative and well presented. I appreciated the detail and well researched material. I highly recommend this book.

Will read this again! What a thrilling book.

I have over a thousand books but just read this for a second time. I listen some and read some and then listen some more. I might wait a few months but I will certainly listen again.