I’ve recently read Washington’s Crossing by David Hackett Fischer. The book won the Pulitzer Prize for History in 2005. After reading the book, it would be no surprise to me if it has won other awards. Fischer is also known for his book Albion’s Seed: Four British Folkways in America (1989) and Paul Revere’s Ride (1994) among others.
The book covers a moment and a man. The moment is when a small, defeated continental army in the winter of 1776 crossed the Delaware on Christmas night to defeat and change the momentum of the war and eventually history itself. The person is non-other than George Washington. The book itself is not a light read, but Fischer’s style of writing keeps you interested in every moment. Fischer begins the book by comparing and contrasting the British and Hessian regulars with the diverse farmers and pheasants of the continental army. The book itself encompasses the winter of 1776-77. Fischer not only goes into great detail about the historical battles, but other pivotal moments, people, and events that changed history during that cold winter.
The myth of George Washington comes alive in Fischer’s book. This can be seen in many aspects. Washington leads and defeats a ragamuffin army against the biggest and best army in the world. Washington demonstrates strong, egalitarian, smart leadership with his officers, army, and ordinary people. Lastly, Fischer inspires the reader with the inspiring leadership of Washington on the battlefield.
The book is thrilling and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Revolutionary War or George Washington.
The book covers a moment and a man. The moment is when a small, defeated continental army in the winter of 1776 crossed the Delaware on Christmas night to defeat and change the momentum of the war and eventually history itself. The person is non-other than George Washington. The book itself is not a light read, but Fischer’s style of writing keeps you interested in every moment. Fischer begins the book by comparing and contrasting the British and Hessian regulars with the diverse farmers and pheasants of the continental army. The book itself encompasses the winter of 1776-77. Fischer not only goes into great detail about the historical battles, but other pivotal moments, people, and events that changed history during that cold winter.
The myth of George Washington comes alive in Fischer’s book. This can be seen in many aspects. Washington leads and defeats a ragamuffin army against the biggest and best army in the world. Washington demonstrates strong, egalitarian, smart leadership with his officers, army, and ordinary people. Lastly, Fischer inspires the reader with the inspiring leadership of Washington on the battlefield.
The book is thrilling and I would recommend it to anyone interested in the Revolutionary War or George Washington.
1 comment:
Well said.
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