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Revolutionary War #3
Victory at Yorktown
New York Times bestselling authors Newt Gingrich's and William R. Forstchen's George Washington series continues-a novel about faith, leadership, and the triumph of the American cause
It is 1781, and Washington and his army have spent three years in a bitter stalemate, engaging in near constant skirmishing against the British. The enemy position in New York City is too strong, all approaches blocked by the Royal Navy. At last, two crucial reports reach Washington. The first is that the French have briefly committed a fleet to the American coast. The second is that British General Cornwallis, driven to distraction by protracted warfare in the Carolinas, has withdrawn into Yorktown. Washington decides to embark on one of the most audacious moves in American military history. He will force-march nearly his entire army south more than three hundred miles, in complete secrecy, counting on a blockade of the Chesapeake Bay by the French navy, fall upon Cornwallis, and capture his entire force. It is a campaign ladened with "ifs" but the stalemate must be broken, otherwise America, after six long years of war, will crumble.
Sgt. Peter Wellsley must pave the way for the army, neutralizing any loyalists who might provide warning. On the other side, Allen Van Dorn receives reports from civilians that something is afoot and is tasked to find out what. As Wellsley moves to block any leaks, Van Dorn tries to penetrate the screen. When one of the former friends is captured, both must decide where their true loyalties lie during the heat of the Battle of Yorktown, as Washington's professional army, once a "rabble in arms," executes the war's most decisive contest.
With Victory at Yorktown, critically acclaimed authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen have reached the pinnacle of their talents in a tour de force narrative of one of America's most important heroes.
It is 1781, and Washington and his army have spent three years in a bitter stalemate, engaging in near constant skirmishing against the British. The enemy position in New York City is too strong, all approaches blocked by the Royal Navy. At last, two crucial reports reach Washington. The first is that the French have briefly committed a fleet to the American coast. The second is that British General Cornwallis, driven to distraction by protracted warfare in the Carolinas, has withdrawn into Yorktown. Washington decides to embark on one of the most audacious moves in American military history. He will force-march nearly his entire army south more than three hundred miles, in complete secrecy, counting on a blockade of the Chesapeake Bay by the French navy, fall upon Cornwallis, and capture his entire force. It is a campaign ladened with "ifs" but the stalemate must be broken, otherwise America, after six long years of war, will crumble.
Sgt. Peter Wellsley must pave the way for the army, neutralizing any loyalists who might provide warning. On the other side, Allen Van Dorn receives reports from civilians that something is afoot and is tasked to find out what. As Wellsley moves to block any leaks, Van Dorn tries to penetrate the screen. When one of the former friends is captured, both must decide where their true loyalties lie during the heat of the Battle of Yorktown, as Washington's professional army, once a "rabble in arms," executes the war's most decisive contest.
With Victory at Yorktown, critically acclaimed authors Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen have reached the pinnacle of their talents in a tour de force narrative of one of America's most important heroes.
345 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2012
About the author
Newt Gingrich
128 books551 followersNewt Gingrich is well-known as the architect of the “Contract with America” that led the Republican Party to victory in 1994 by capturing the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives for the first time in forty years. After he was elected Speaker, he disrupted the status quo by moving power out of Washington and back to the American people. Under his leadership, Congress passed welfare reform, the first balanced budget in a generation, and the first tax cut in sixteen years. In addition, the Congress restored funding to strengthen defense and intelligence capabilities, an action later lauded by the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
Today Newt Gingrich is a Fox News contributor. He is a Senior Advisor at Dentons, the world’s largest law firm with more than 6,500 lawyers in 50 countries and offices in more than 125 cities. He advises the firm’s world-class Public Policy and Regulation practice. He is also a Senior Scientist at Gallup.
From May 2011 to May 2012, Newt Gingrich was a candidate for the Republican nomination for President of the United States, winning the South Carolina and the Georgia primaries. The campaign was especially notable for its innovative policy agenda, its effort to bring new coalitions into the Republican fold, and for Newt’s debate performances. His $2.50 a gallon energy plan set off a nationwide discussion about the use of America’s energy resources.
But there is a lot more to Newt Gingrich than these remarkable achievements. As an author, Newt has published twenty-nine books including 14 fiction and nonfiction New York Times best-sellers.
Non-fiction books include his latest, Breakout, in addition to A Nation Like No Other, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, To Save America, Rediscovering God in America, 5 Principles for a Successful Life, Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less, Real Change, A Contract with the Earth, Winning the Future: A 21st Century Contract with America, To Renew America, Lessons Learned the Hard Way, Saving Lives & Saving Money, Window of Opportunity, and The Art of Transformation. He is also the author of a series of historical fiction books including, Gettysburg, Grant Comes East, Never Call Retreat: Lee and Grant the Final Victory, 1945, Pearl Harbor, Days of Infamy, To Make Men Free, To Try Men’s Souls, Valley Forge, and Victory at Yorktown. These novels are active history studies in the lessons of warfare based on fictional accounts of historical wartime battles and their aftermaths. His latest novel, Treason, is the sequel to Duplicity and is a thriller of Washington intrigue and international terrorism.
Newt and his wife, Callista, host and produce historical and public policy documentaries. Recent films include The First American, Divine Mercy: The Canonization of John Paul II, A City Upon A Hill, America at Risk, Nine Days That Changed The World, Ronald Reagan: Rendezvous with Destiny, Rediscovering God in America, Rediscovering God in America II: Our Heritage, and We Have the Power.
In his post-Speaker role, Newt has become one of the most highly sought-after public speakers, accepting invitations to speak before prestigious organizations throughout the world. Because of his own unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Newt is able to share unique and unparalleled insights on a wide range of topics. His audiences find him to be not only educational but also inspirational. For more information about Newt’s speaking engagements, please visit the Worldwide Speakers Group.
Widely recognized for his commitment to a better system of health for all Americans, his leadership in the U.S. Congress helped save Medicare from bankruptcy, prompted FDA reform to help the seriously ill and initiated a new focus on research, prevention, and wellness. His contributions have been so great that the American Diabetes Association awarded him their highest non-medical award and the March of Dimes named him their 1995 Citizen of the Year.
To foster a modern health system that provide
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
August 21, 2013
This is one of the worst books I've ever read. 7th grade English teachers should use it for grading practice. And to lower their expectations. A masterpiece of poverty, it lacks everything. It is "The Room" of historical fiction.
February 20, 2018
Newt Gingrich's Revolutionary War books are a great way to "re-learn" history, for those of us who have forgotten more than we know today; or for young people to get a real sense of what America's founding was really like: blood, guts, and tears. Co-author William Forstchen is a real master of dialogue, character, and fictional pace.
November 7, 2017
Not technically perfect...as with a few publications these days I find a few syntactic errors, but LOVE the way crucial American history is brought to life with some imagination.
April 25, 2018
Very well written, with accurate historical context
February 25, 2021
The characters and dialogue, as in the books before it, are all first rate. The amount of history taught via this series is amazing. This book seems to have crammed too much into one novel. Some very important items, such as Benedict Arnold, are not given enough page time. And the description of the last battle did not seems as in-depth as what I am used to by these authors. Minor negative points aside this was a great series.
December 15, 2012
While I give this book 4 stars, it is because of rounding. If I could give partial stars it would be somewhere between a 3.5 to 3.75
It begins the day before the hanging of the British Major John Andre ( of Benedict Arnold fame ) and the authors cover the intel war between Washington and the British. The two major fictional characters are both in charge of intel for their respective sides. This seems to one of the major themes of the book. The authors also send one of the major characters to South Carolina/North Carolina to be with Greene at Gilford Courthouse. The scene then shifts back to New York and the worry about what to do with Cornwallis and will the French Fleet finally stir out of Rhode Island.
The Washington Gingrich and Fortchen protray is a man who has very tight control of his emotions and a very strict idea of what the image of Commanding General should be. At the same time they portray a man who is about at his wits end and realizes that if the French fleet does not come through and complete the blockade at Yorktown, he could very well lose the war.
In spite of its title, the Battle of Yorktown is not the focus of the book. In fact it doesn't start until the last 100 pages or so and most of it takes place "off screen" so to speak. IMO this is mainly about the relationship between Washington and the French.
Even though the fictional characters are the same as the previous two books in the triolgy I didn't find their stories as well written or as compelling in this entry.
It begins the day before the hanging of the British Major John Andre ( of Benedict Arnold fame ) and the authors cover the intel war between Washington and the British. The two major fictional characters are both in charge of intel for their respective sides. This seems to one of the major themes of the book. The authors also send one of the major characters to South Carolina/North Carolina to be with Greene at Gilford Courthouse. The scene then shifts back to New York and the worry about what to do with Cornwallis and will the French Fleet finally stir out of Rhode Island.
The Washington Gingrich and Fortchen protray is a man who has very tight control of his emotions and a very strict idea of what the image of Commanding General should be. At the same time they portray a man who is about at his wits end and realizes that if the French fleet does not come through and complete the blockade at Yorktown, he could very well lose the war.
In spite of its title, the Battle of Yorktown is not the focus of the book. In fact it doesn't start until the last 100 pages or so and most of it takes place "off screen" so to speak. IMO this is mainly about the relationship between Washington and the French.
Even though the fictional characters are the same as the previous two books in the triolgy I didn't find their stories as well written or as compelling in this entry.
July 28, 2018
‘Victory at Yorktown’, by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen. Published 2012. Three and ½ Stars out of Four.
This book was an enjoyable work of historical fiction set during the final year of the American Revolution. It features several engaging fictional characters from both the Continental as well as the British side, along with the historical titans of the time, most prominently, the Father of our Country, General George Washington. Well written and informative, it gives insight into the motivations and sometimes conflicting alliances of the Patriots and Loyalists. It is Part 3 in a series by the authors about the War for Independence, and I plan on finding the first two books to read as well.
A few of my favorite quotes from the novel:
‘This was a different army than any of this age. Men of the British, French, and especially Hessian and Prussian ranks would have been flogged unmercifully for such effrontery, but this army? In part this was what these men were fighting for. Army discipline or not, it was the freedom of speech, the freedom to be heard…”
And:
‘For this day, the world had, indeed, been turned upside down. “A rabble in arms” of free citizens, with but a handful of them ever trained for war, had risen up in defense of their rights as free men, had finally triggered a global war as a result, lost countless battles, but always kept coming back for more. Now at this very moment, before them, humbled and humiliated, would pass the finest infantry in the world in abject surrender.”
And, spoiler alert…America wins her Independence:)
This book was an enjoyable work of historical fiction set during the final year of the American Revolution. It features several engaging fictional characters from both the Continental as well as the British side, along with the historical titans of the time, most prominently, the Father of our Country, General George Washington. Well written and informative, it gives insight into the motivations and sometimes conflicting alliances of the Patriots and Loyalists. It is Part 3 in a series by the authors about the War for Independence, and I plan on finding the first two books to read as well.
A few of my favorite quotes from the novel:
‘This was a different army than any of this age. Men of the British, French, and especially Hessian and Prussian ranks would have been flogged unmercifully for such effrontery, but this army? In part this was what these men were fighting for. Army discipline or not, it was the freedom of speech, the freedom to be heard…”
And:
‘For this day, the world had, indeed, been turned upside down. “A rabble in arms” of free citizens, with but a handful of them ever trained for war, had risen up in defense of their rights as free men, had finally triggered a global war as a result, lost countless battles, but always kept coming back for more. Now at this very moment, before them, humbled and humiliated, would pass the finest infantry in the world in abject surrender.”
And, spoiler alert…America wins her Independence:)
May 25, 2017
A Review of the Audiobook
Published in November of 2012 by Macmillan Audio.
Read by William Dufris
Duration: 12 hours, 2 minutes
Unabridged
Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen conclude their Revolutionary War-based trilogy with an up-and-down look at the final year of real action in the war (October of 1780 to October of 1781).
The actual battle descriptions are quite good in the book. The book is absolutely great with its explanation of the strategies employed to maneuver Cornwallis into the Yorktown fortifications, the coordination between the French and American forces and demonstrates just how narrow this victory really was.
However, the audiobook starts out with a two hour overwrought description of the execution of Major Andre. Andre was the British officer that conspired with the infamous American traitor Benedict Arnold. While this scene was used referred back to often throughout the rest of the book, the scene itself was very repetitious and entirely too long to make it's point. I nearly quit the audiobook completely after an hour of it.
William Dufris did a great job with all of the accents the book, especially the French officers.
See all of my reviews of books by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
Published in November of 2012 by Macmillan Audio.
Read by William Dufris
Duration: 12 hours, 2 minutes
Unabridged
Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen conclude their Revolutionary War-based trilogy with an up-and-down look at the final year of real action in the war (October of 1780 to October of 1781).
The actual battle descriptions are quite good in the book. The book is absolutely great with its explanation of the strategies employed to maneuver Cornwallis into the Yorktown fortifications, the coordination between the French and American forces and demonstrates just how narrow this victory really was.
However, the audiobook starts out with a two hour overwrought description of the execution of Major Andre. Andre was the British officer that conspired with the infamous American traitor Benedict Arnold. While this scene was used referred back to often throughout the rest of the book, the scene itself was very repetitious and entirely too long to make it's point. I nearly quit the audiobook completely after an hour of it.
William Dufris did a great job with all of the accents the book, especially the French officers.
See all of my reviews of books by Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen here: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/searc...
June 1, 2017
I read quite a few reviews when I first started this book. There were so many condemning the quality of the writing that I was not looking forward to it. I would love to know what they were talking about. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Not my usual genre or favorite historical period in American history, I was engaged by the characters and I learned a lot of things (and yes, I verified many of them through other sources. This is, after all, a novel). I will be the first to admit that I am not a historian but I am a voracious reader of both fiction and non-fiction. This book was well written (there were a couple of bumps but not enough to pull me out of the story) and I honestly don't get what the critics were talking about. If you like historical fiction, and even if you aren't a huge fan of it, this book is worth a second look. You may be surprised.
February 17, 2016
I'm giving this a second star for some minimal research, though there's nothing new here and there are historical errors. This is a book written without passion or apparent motivation to do anything other than to make money. Stilted prose, unimaginative storytelling, an insipid love story, and unbearable cliched English filled with grammar and usage errors render this book barely readable. The taking of redoubts 9 and 10 at Yorktown is brushed over with barely a mention.
There are better books if you're interested in the siege of Yorktown that don't waste your time with predictable and bad fiction.
There are better books if you're interested in the siege of Yorktown that don't waste your time with predictable and bad fiction.
March 11, 2013
From a history perspective the story is spot on, as is to be expected from someone who taught history at the collegiate level as Mr. Gingrich did. From a storyteller's perspective, however, the book suffers. This was an incredibly pivotal time in our history, and that of the entire world, and yet the book fails to deliver that sense of excitement and emotion. If anything, it's a bit dry and the characters come off as flat rather than the exceptional people they were. Frankly, I was a little disappointed.
December 26, 2016
listened to on CD. UG! Hated this book, took me forever to get through it and I love the authors. The main characters, besides Washington/Hamilton etc are boring and there story arcs didn't really excite me all that much. If you know American history then you know how the story comes out. The parts of the book that don't involve the fictional characters are interesting.
Read at your own risk.
Read at your own risk.
August 17, 2017
This work is part of a series, possibly the final book. I have some knowledge of the American Revolution and was familiar with most of the content in the story but presented in this way, as a Historical Fiction the authors have given voices to the many who made history. I was entertained and deeply moved at times. Well done.
August 29, 2018
Best Gingrich and Forstchen book thus far. It is a story about the Revolution commanders, through the eyes of the Patriot soldiers and the people. It weaves tails of best friends fighting against each other.
December 6, 2012
An outstanding book to finish the series. I enjoyed the details of the parade and battle of Yorktown.
July 3, 2017
If you are interested in history but find Non Fiction too dry at times, Bill Fortschen makes the American Revolution come to life with this three book series culminating in Victory at Yorktown
August 31, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It has a good mixture of history and fiction, and I like the writing style of the authors.
October 7, 2018
Excellent Book. Could not out it down.
April 13, 2019
Having spent several summers working as a park ranger at Yorktown, I was looking forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. Only the last 1/3 of the book deals with what actually occurred at Yorktown. This is unfortunate, as the three week siege had many interesting events that could have been included. Where is Alexander Hamilton’s attach on redoubt #10, for example? Why is there no mention of the desperate plight of the British inside Yorktown during the siege or the British escape attempt that was thwarted by a sudden storm? I was disappointed that these and other interesting aspects of the siege were not included in this book.
October 20, 2020
Kind of cool that I finished this story on the 239th anniversary of the auspicious occasion itself. This was my favorite of the books in this Revolutionary War trilogy. The characters were well defined, the storytelling good and the sense of history right on target. I felt as if I was at Yorktown while reading it. If you ever have a chance to visit the Yorktown historic site, it's well worth the time.
September 16, 2021
Gingrich and Forstchen have completed a masterful novel that rings true as they examine the final acts of the Revolution from the eyes of Washington and those serving the nation during the campaign to finally defeat the British army. The challenges and struggles necessary to bring about victory are well depicted. Although, a novel those who desire to know more about the beginnings of our country will benefit from this work.
August 3, 2024
This was book 3/3 in the George Washington series. To be honest, before I read the first book in the series, I didn't expect anything but mediocre. I was pleasantly surprised. This book included personalities such as Comte de Rochambeau, Benedict Arnold, and Alexander Hamilton. Best historical series I've read in awhile. 367 pages
September 19, 2024
A must read for those who like history
This book was a very good read , as it brings history alive in a story form. You get a good idea as to what it was like in the final days of fighting in the revolution , and how close we came to losing it all., and why George Washington is our greatest President.
This book was a very good read , as it brings history alive in a story form. You get a good idea as to what it was like in the final days of fighting in the revolution , and how close we came to losing it all., and why George Washington is our greatest President.
April 1, 2018
Some historical fiction adds much to a story, but in this case it was more of a distraction. The fictional characters did not come through as authentic and the depiction of the historical characters seemed contrived.
August 13, 2019
Very enjoyable trilogy!
On a par with the excellent “Killer Angels!” Don’t miss these books! Well written. Like all good writing, puts the reader into the drama. The way history should be learned.
On a par with the excellent “Killer Angels!” Don’t miss these books! Well written. Like all good writing, puts the reader into the drama. The way history should be learned.
September 26, 2020
Victory!
The final book in the Revolutionary War trilogy did not disappoint. Well developed characters and a fast moving story line kept my attention. It is good to remember what our ancestors went through to establish freedom from England.
The final book in the Revolutionary War trilogy did not disappoint. Well developed characters and a fast moving story line kept my attention. It is good to remember what our ancestors went through to establish freedom from England.
June 11, 2021
George Washington is a fascinating person to read about, and these authors bring the General and the Revolutionary War into vivid focus. I have not read the first two books in the trilogy, but enjoyed this one. There is some language, but it is well told.
February 4, 2023
I enjoyed this series. I have nothing but admiration for the soldiers of our revolution. I think, being a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, I felt the glory of combat was laid on a bit thick. But this is an enjoyable set of books.
October 4, 2025
It gets one less star than the others because I wasn’t impressed with the number of errors that were in this book. That and it would switch between characters mid paragraph which made comprehension of the book difficult. Otherwise, it’s a great conclusion of the revolution.
August 4, 2017
Hilarious. Don't read this fictional representation expecting amazing things. Also, Newt Gingrich?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews