Fatal Sunday

George Washington, the Monmouth Campaign, and the Politics of Battle (Campaigns and Commanders Series)

By: Garry Wheeler Stone PhD, Mark Edward Lender

Narrated by: Douglas R Pratt

Length: 17 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Historians have long considered the Battle of Monmouth one of the most complicated engagements of the American Revolution. Fought on Sunday, June 28, 1778, Monmouth was critical to the success of the Revolution. It also marked a decisive turning point in the military career of George Washington. Without the victory at Monmouth Courthouse, Washington's critics might well have marshaled the political strength to replace him as the American commander-in-chief.

Authors Mark Edward Lender and Garry Wheeler Stone argue that in political terms, the Battle of Monmouth constituted a pivotal moment in the War for Independence. Drawing on a wide range of historical sources—many never before used, including archaeological evidence—Lender and Stone disentangle the true story of Monmouth and provide the most complete and accurate account of the battle, including both American and British perspectives. In the course of their account it becomes evident that criticism of Washington’s performance in command was considerably broader and deeper than previously acknowledged.

“This is a superb study, large in scope, detailed in content, and insightful in all that it considers… A marvelous book.” (Robert Middlekauff, author of Washington's Revolution: The Making of America's First Leader)

“An extensively researched and well-written study that provides a new and fascinating perspective on the significance of the Battle of Monmouth.” (The Journal of Military History)

“This is a landmark study of a battle too often overlooked… Lender and Stone have set the standard.” (Ricardo A. Herrera, author of For Liberty and the Republic)

©2016 University of Oklahoma Press (P)2017 Redwood Audiobooks

And then came the defense of Charles Lee.

The authors emphasize their research throughout the book and I do not doubt that is true. However their investigation of details seems to promote recollections, memories, and context that only fit their purpose and discredit the correspondence and writings of many who had actually participated in the events. It is their absolute principled right to do so. However much I disagree with many of their conclusions in the book I nonetheless recommend that interested parties read and examine for themselves. Douglas Pratt gives an emphatic performance and draws interest to every event in the book. Well done.

excellent book, mediocre narrator

The authors did a fabulous job of stripping away the judgments of 20/20 hindsight to credit, and criticize, the actions of the officers. Past writers have led me to loathe Charles Lee, and these authors show that he WAS hard to like, but these authors also showed me that many of Lee's actions were strategically sound despite the later vilifications created after his court martial. A court martial that Lee called for to vindicate himself as past generals like Anthony Wayne had done for more obviously egregious mistakes. The authors fairly criticize Washington for not being explicit enough in his orders, and fairly praise him for his battlefield conduct. This book is welcome, actually essential in my view, in understanding what happened.
The reading voice did not engage me. I put that down to personal prejudice, but the narrator mispronounces several words, and that astounded me. And not in a positive way.
This is still a must to listen to for any Rev War buff, and many will not be as put off by the reading as I was./

a long-overdue review of the Monmouth campaign

A crucial crucible battle of the Revolutionary War, the Battle of Monmouth has long been neglected by historians. At last we have a full-length Book on a critical campaign. absolutely worth the time even if you like I disagree with some of their conclusions

biased

biased in favor of Gen Lee. opinions rather than facts. Lee was insubordinat, jealous. coward.

An engaging bit of Revolutionary War history

One of the best histories of the revolution I’ve read. Certainly the best covering a single campaign. Not only does it provide a balanced account of both the political and military situation, but most importantly it busts some big myths about the battle. This book has permanently changed how I view Charles Lee. It’s always amazing just how much of the history you think you know stems from propaganda or misconceptions at the time. That was certainly the case with Lee’s conduct at Monmouth. Under the circumstances his command was flawed, but not the utter failure many of his fellow officers thought. That’s just one example of many that makes Fatal Sunday an exceptional book.

Excellent!

Opened my eyes to many significant details about this battle and its participants of which I, like probable most others, have been misinformed, especially in regards to General Lee. Over the past 50+ years I have generally ignored a study of this battle, but now in my twilight years am pleased that I acquired this work and thereby have become educated regarding this event. Excellent writing and audible presentation!

Very good

Very good book. However, the narrator should research the proper pronunciation of names, counties and towns.