George Washington's Surprise Attack
A New Look at the Battle That Decided the Fate of America
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- $20.99
Publisher Description
Extensively researched and superbly argued in Tucker’s compelling narrative, this in-depth examination of George Washington’s ‘military miracle’ at the Battle of Trenton unquestionably confirms the vital importance of that stunning victory.” —Jerry D. Morelock, PhD, editor in chief at Armchair General
Like many historical events, the American Revolution is sometimes overlooked, ignored, or minimized by historians because of common shrouding in romantic myth or interference from stubborn stereotypes. Here historian Phillip Thomas Tucker provides an in-depth look at the events of the Battle of Trenton, weeding out fiction and legend and presenting new insights and analysis. Stories from many forgotten individuals of the war, including officers and soldiers from both sides, bring to life the Continental Army’s desperate circumstances and shocking victory. Myths that Tucker debunks include the Hessians’ slovenly drunkenness, Washington acting alone in creating the attack strategy, and Rall’s incompetence as a leader largely contributing to his troops’ defeat.
By exploring the forgotten aspects of one of America’s most famous battles, revealing Trenton’s story proves to be even more fascinating. In the end, America’s founding was nothing short of miraculous, and no chapter of America’s story was more miraculous than Washington’s improbable success at the battle of Trenton, where America’s fate was decided to almost everyone’s amazement on a dark, snowy morning.
Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
The image of George Washington standing on his boat's prow, directing his troops across an icy Delaware River, burns in the American historical consciousness, as on that snowy night in December he led his troops into a decisive battle with the Hessians encamped near Trenton, N.J. But in this repetitious book, historian Tucker (Exodus from the Alamo) pulls back the shroud of legend surrounding the battle of Trenton, revealing the details of this turning point of the American Revolution. Drawing on tactical military history, Tucker points out that Washington led his legion of rustic farmers and rag-tag revolutionaries to victory by using double envelopment a strategy that Hannibal used in 216 BCE as well as one of the most important lessons of Indian warfare: the surprise, lighting strike attack. Contrary to longstanding theories that Washington won because of the incompetence of Hessian leader Col. Johann Gottlieb Rall, Tucker validates Rall's tenacity and deep military leadership. He also gives credit to unsung heroes in Washington's army like Cpt. Daniel Neil and Pvt. William McCarty who helped secure victory. Unfortunately, Tucker overshadows his argument by tiresomely proclaiming the "miracle" of this "improbable victory," and hedging his descriptions of its consequences.
