The Guns of Independence ****1/2
by Jerome A. Greene. Based on a bicentennial era Park Service
publication intended for park employees, this updated version gives us the
most complete account yet of the decisive siege. In the first
scholarly treatment of the siege in decades, the author uses numerous
sources neglected in other studies, including archeological studies from
the 1930s and 40s, and accounts by participants, foreign and domestic.
Unmatched in detail and scholarship, and chocked full of insight and
information not found anywhere else, this book is a valuable addition to
any Revolutionary War enthusiast's library. After a brief overview
of the events leading up to the campaign, Greene gives a detailed view of
the thinking of the commanders and the decisions they faced, the methods
of 18th century siegecraft, the progress of the siege,
and little known events that had an important impact. The reader
will see the campaign in a whole new light, and understand it like never before. Indeed, you cannot fully understand Yorktown until reading this
book. The book's excellent maps and battlefields photos not only help explain
the siege, they beg the reader to pack his bags and go for a visit. Only
some minor flaws and lack
of a map of the initial Allied approach keep the
book from a five star rating. Please see an excerpt from the book
concerning
Abercrombie's Sortie as an example of the
scholarship and detail.
The Guns of
Independence: The Siege of Yorktown, 1781, signed by
the author. When ordering your signed copy
direct from the publisher, please use the coupon code "John020530S"
so that this website will receive a portion of the proceeds, helping defray
expenses. Thank you!
Washington's Crossing ***** by
David Hackett Fischer. This is a rare book indeed. It gives a
detailed myth-busting account of the decisive battles of Trenton and
Princeton along with excellent analysis of the events. Ignored in
other accounts, Fischer shows the importance of patriot risings in New
Jersey which were caused by the harsh actions of some British and German
troops. The resulting British lack of control of the state greatly
aided Washington's efforts. The failure of other American troops to
cross the Delaware is explained when the author details the unique ice
conditions below the fall line at Trenton. Although he doesn't deny
the importance of great men and their decisions, Fischer shows that
Washington had really no choice but to attack. Further, he shows how
Washington's handling of councils of war made for a command arrangement
superior to aristocratic British methods. More than previous
authors, Fischer shows the hardships of the march on Trenton, the
importance of the artillery, and vital but generally overlooked second
battle of Trenton. The British panic after Princeton and the forage
war which followed is shown to have been vitally important in keeping the
British under-supplied and largely immobile. Finally, Fischer shows
how succeeding generations have interpreted and celebrated Washington's
crossing, in art and prose.
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