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.

Great

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

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.

Never more relevant than now

As the fate of American democracy hangs in the balance and a mad would-be king works to unleash chaos and decline on the United States and the world, it’s inspiring to encounter Rick Atkinson’s magnificently detailed and comprehensive history of how the United States came to be be.

Great history!

Facts and opinions that I have never heard before. But I do love most of his writings.

Phenomenal

I love how the series is organized sequentially by location. It makes it really easy to follow

Fabulous storytelling

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

History!!!

The tiny details are absolutely fantastic. You can tell how well researched the book is from the start!

The level of historical detail and accuracy

If you want to know the history of the revolution and the struggles of our forefathers this is a great resource. Oh that we should have such courage in 2025 and beyond.

Very enjoyable

Excellent storytelling. Excellent narration. I enjoy that the author tells the story of an event from first hand sources.

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.