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

I cannot add much to what the other reviewers have written, except to cast my vote for a very well researched, perfectly narrated and extremely readable book. The author explains that while today we celebrate the glory of the year 1776, the Americans who lived it thought of it as terrible and anything BUT glorious. Listening transported me to that time.

I highly recommend this book. One of the best accounts of American history I have experienced.

Compelling history, not a novel

From the description and glowing reviews about this book, I was expecting it to "read" like historical fiction. It's more accurate and educational than historical fiction but not as engaging. With that said, Washington's Crossing was a very good listen, it held my attention and significantly broadened my knowledge.

As Beautifully Read As Beautifully Written.

A detailed and brilliant study that is worn lightly in the writing. It is almost lyrical. Perhaps this is one reason why its reading by Nelson Runger is so flowing and effective. But I think his stentorian efforts also has to do with his skill and professionalism. Bravo to both of them!

great story with bonus at the end

the story revolves around the the early years of the war as it involves NJ and NY. Washington's ability to turn untrained militia into a foil that baffles the greatest army in the world is nothing short of amazing.

the bonus of having nelson runger interview the airport was just a fun way to end the reading.

Simply Great

This is a great book for anyone interested in the Revolutionary Era. It's well written and well read. I also agree with the earlier reviewer that head-to-head this book is better than 1776. However, the 2 books work very well together, since 1776 covers the Boston and NY campaigns in much greater depth. If you only read one, read Washington's Crossing. If you read both, start with 1776.

One of the best

This book was very well written and the narration was outstanding. What made this my favorite Revolutionary War book is that it answered questions that most books do not: What was the history of the Howe brothers prior to the war? Who were some of the Hessian leaders and how did they come to be in America? And some basic questions like what is enfilade fire? These are the kind of questions that are generally not answered in other histories, but is one of several things that separates this from other books. The author just does an outstanding job of drawing the complete picture. I would highly recommend this book.

The critical crossing

This work of history sheds light on the winter of 1776. Weaving explanatory narrative and quotations from participants, the author creates a view of the most critical time of the American revolution. A time when Washington and what remained of his army turned and attacked the hitherto victorious Hessians and British at Trenton and Princeton. Those battles and the "forage war" fought without quarter later that winter by the previously despised New Jersey militia, commenced the destruction of the British Army in America. An exceptionally good book and an inspired reading by the narrator that makes listening to it a pleasure.

Masterful!

It's easy to see why this book won a Pulitzer. Fisher is a master historian, and this is one of those cases where you may think you know the story, but you know only a smidgen. Fisher weaves the tale of events leading up to Trenton in illuminating fashion, and it actual crossing event is a fascinating story in and of itself - so many things went wrong that night. The portrait of Washington is illuminating, and the reader's respect for the man can only grow as one sees his wisdom, adaptability, and character shine through along with his humanity. There is still so much to be learned from him if we were only paying attention.

The story is so fascinating and rich in detail, I'm not sure I can even comment on the audio part. It must have been good because this was a "can't turn it off/put it down" experience.

As a history buff and occasional teacher, I highly recommend this book as well as Fisher's book on Champlain. Fisher is really a national treasure, in the same elite class of writers with David McCullough, Gary Wills, Ron Chernow, and Gordon Wood

Can be tough to listen to

How could the performance have been better?

I found the narration to be somewhat aggravating. The speaker's cadence is very slow-paced and throughout the first three or four hours I had to will myself to continue listening to it vs. buying a hard copy of the book. Some may find his style appealing, but I did not.

Worth the ride across with Washington!

This book is a wonderful listen. You'll have a new respect for George Washington and the remarkable feats he accomplished. The pre and post crossing stories are great too. Runger first class job as narrator.