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)

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.

The truth is better than the myth

What did you love best about Washington's Crossing?

This is not just the story of Washington's crossing.This a very interesting snapshot of the major players[who they are and how they got there] and events [the how and why of what has happened so far] in the American revolution.The amount of detailed information that I had only the sketchiest idea of was amazing.The great thing about this book is that the author spares you a lot of the minutetia that bogs down some history books and gives a good interesting story that continually had me saying to myself......that's interesting,I didn't know that etc.
Most important is the significance and insights he gives you of the crossing itself .
We all know the basics but supposing 300 years from now somebody was trying to explain to someone who just knew the basics of Pearl Harbor or Dolittle's raid on Japan or 911 or Gettysburg etc.......and did a very good job.......That's what this book is like...............
If you enjoy history and a good story,listen to this one.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Washington.you realize even more what a great man he was.
The other characters,like the Howe brothers,the Hessians ,various Americans are also very interesting

What does Nelson Runger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The difference between hearing a good story and reading a good book.

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

Perhaps, My listens tend to be no longer than 30 to 45 minutes while traveling in my job.
I actually enjoyed re-playing many of the chapters and passages again the next day after thinking about them.

highly recommended

illuminating account of the early battles around new york and new jersey. well read and very entertaining. you will not be dissapointed.

Outstanding Washington's Crossing

This is so enlightening and awesome what a blessing thank you so much. So many things brought to light that didn't know from history. This needs to be taught to our children and our grandchildren and to ourselves

Full of great quotes & stories

This was a learning experience within something I love. It Gives you much understanding to the events of that time

I can't beleive we won that war!

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

Yes, because the facts are mind boggling!

What other book might you compare Washington's Crossing to and why?

1776- about the american revolution with a focus on George Washington...

Which character – as performed by Nelson Runger – was your favorite?

George Washington

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When they crossed the delaware river. There were so many things thaT WENT WRONG AND THEY STILL WENT THROUGH WITH THE PLAN!

Any additional comments?

Many people do not realize what so many Americans went through to make this country what it is.

He helpwd created a nation here.

A great glimpse of our history here in America. Outstanding narrative of the different factions that made up the Revolution.

Reader Comments

This book is very informative and therefore highly recommended to everyone, even to those who are not big into history.

Engineer liked this history book

Any additional comments?

I read this book for Strategy and War class and surprised. I usually read science fiction or technical books.