George Washington's Surprise Attack: A New Look at the Battle That Decided the Fate of America - Hardcover

Tucker, Phillip Thomas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1628736526 ISBN 13: 9781628736526

Publisher: Skyhorse, 2014

Synopsis

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.

About this title

About the Author:

Phillip Thomas Tucker, PhD, is a writer and historian who has edited and authored more than two dozen books and written over sixty scholarly articles. After earning his PhD in 1990, he took a position as civilian historian with the Department of Defense and specialized in air force history. He lives near Washington, DC.

Review:

"Tucker combines a detailed analysis of Trenton as a brilliantly conceived and executed military operation with a convincing argument for the battle as the defining moment of the American Revolution."
--Dennis Showalter, Ph.D., Colorado College

"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, Ph.D., Armchair General

"A historian offers a blow-by-blow re-creation of George Washington's 1776 Christmas crossing of the Delaware and the capture of Trenton . . . Tucker (Barksdale's Charge: The True High Tide of the Confederacy at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863) appears to have missed no details: the varying intensity of the snow, sleet and wind; every feature of the topography; the positions of each cannon; the nuances of the attack and counterattack.  He's out to expose myths, especially the supposed incompetence of Hessian commander Col. Johann Rall and the holiday drunkenness of his troops.  Tucker also highlights overlooked aspects of the fight, such as Washington's distinctly American battle plan (employing guerrilla tactics of frontier warfare and anticipating artillery tactics perfected by Napoleon), the unusually varied composition of the Continental Army and the crucial roles played by Washington's top lieutenants . . . Tucker's account brims with colorful information--about the delicacy of Washington's military maneuver, the double envelopment, about a female sniper firing on the enemy, about 'the solid Hessian wall . . . of walking muskets'--that vivifies this pivotal episode in American history."
--Kirkus Review

"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."
--Peabody Institute Library

"Historian fills in the gaps of Washington's surprise attack during the Battle of Trenton."
--New Jersey Times

"Phillip Thomas Tucker attempts to parse fiction from fact.  He provides an in-depth look
(more than 600 pages, with notes) at the events of the Battle of Trenton, presenting new insights and analysis about a battle that holds a mythical place in American history."
--New York History Blog

"Despite being one of the most important victories of the American Revolution, there are many aspects of the battle that have yet to be fully explored.  In George Washington's Surprise Attack, historian Phillip Thomas Tucker examines the tactical influences which shaped Washington's risky plan, from Celtic military tradition to frontier warfare of the French and Indian War, and in the process demonstrates how Washington changed from a conventional eighteenth century military commander whose decisions depended upon a large number of trained troops at his disposal to one who began to understand the strengths and potential of small unit tactics."
--Peribo

"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 the unsung heroes in Washington's army . . .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."
--Publisher's Weekly

About this edition

• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1628736526
• ISBN 13: 9781628736526
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 664