by Jeffrey A. Denman.
Hardback (6.2×9.3 inches). 214 pages. 2026.
Subtitle: George Washington’s War in the North
Washington certainly kept the Americans in the war during the last few years — despite shortages of every kind, a devalued currency that saw American farmers ignore the Continentals’ paper money and sell to the British for hard coin, and frustrated efforts at combined operations with the French.
He constantly wanted to attack New York City, and did drive in outposts and such, but also declined to engage the main British Army directly in NY, NJ, and CT. He also authorized the American offensive in the Wyoming Valley that burned villages, farms, and crops of the Native American allies of the British.
Eventually, patience and perseverance triumphed and the French Navy drove off the British Navy just long enough for Washington to coordinate and march American and French troops to Yorktown.
One typo: “accepting the sword for a subordinate” (p174) is likely “from” given the context at Yorktown.
The book contains six black and white photos, 13 black and white illustrations, and 19 black and white maps (period and contemporary).
It’s all well told with less about the individual battles and skirmishes and
more about Washington’s command presence, deft touch with placating Congressional, French, and American military factions, and working through supply and pay problems and even a couple mutinies.
Enjoyed it.
— Reviewed by Russ Lockwood
