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Brandywine: A Military History of the Battle that Lost Philadelphia but Saved America, September 11, 1777
Finalist, 2014, Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Book Award
Winner, 2015, American Revolution Round Table of Richmond Book Award
"Brandywine Creek calmly meanders through the Pennsylvania countryside today, but on September 11, 1777, it served as the scenic backdrop for the largest battle of the American Revolution, one that encompassed more troops over more land than any combat fought on American soil until the Civil War. Long overshadowed by the stunning American victory at Saratoga, the complex British campaign that defeated George Washington’s colonial army and led to the capture of the capital city of Philadelphia was one of the most important military events of the war. Michael C. Harris’s impressive Brandywine: A Military History of the Battle that Lost Philadelphia but Saved America, September 11, 1777, is the first full-length study of this pivotal engagement in many years.
General Sir William Howe launched his campaign in late July 1777, when he loaded his army of 16,500 British and Hessian soldiers aboard a 265-ship armada in New York and set sail. Six difficult weeks later Howe’s expedition landed near Elkton, Maryland, and moved north into Pennsylvania. Washington’s rebel army harassed Howe’s men at several locations including a minor but violent skirmish at Cooch’s Bridge in Delaware on September 3. Another week of hit-and-run tactics followed until Howe was within three miles of Chads’s Ford on Brandywine Creek, behind which Washington had posted his army in strategic blocking positions along a six-mile front. The young colonial capital of Philadelphia was just 25 miles farther east.
Obscured by darkness and a heavy morning fog, General Howe initiated his plan of attack at 5:00 a.m. on September 11, pushing against the American center at Chads’s Ford with part of his army while the bulk of his command swung around Washington’s exposed right flank to deliver his coup de main, destroy the colonials, and march on Philadelphia. Warned of Howe’s flanking attack just in time, American generals turned their divisions to face the threat. The bitter fighting on Birmingham Hill drove the Americans from the field, but their heroic defensive stand saved Washington’s army from destruction and proved that the nascent Continental foot soldiers could stand toe-to-toe with their foe. Although fighting would follow, Philadelphia fell to Howe’s legions on September 26.
Harris’s Brandywine is the first complete study to merge the strategic, political, and tactical history of this complex operation and important set-piece battle into a single compelling account. More than a decade in the making, his sweeping prose relies almost exclusively upon original archival research and his personal knowledge of the terrain. Enhanced with original maps, illustrations, and modern photos, and told largely through the words of those who fought there, Brandywine will take its place as one of the most important military studies of the American Revolution ever written."
Winner, 2015, American Revolution Round Table of Richmond Book Award
"Brandywine Creek calmly meanders through the Pennsylvania countryside today, but on September 11, 1777, it served as the scenic backdrop for the largest battle of the American Revolution, one that encompassed more troops over more land than any combat fought on American soil until the Civil War. Long overshadowed by the stunning American victory at Saratoga, the complex British campaign that defeated George Washington’s colonial army and led to the capture of the capital city of Philadelphia was one of the most important military events of the war. Michael C. Harris’s impressive Brandywine: A Military History of the Battle that Lost Philadelphia but Saved America, September 11, 1777, is the first full-length study of this pivotal engagement in many years.
General Sir William Howe launched his campaign in late July 1777, when he loaded his army of 16,500 British and Hessian soldiers aboard a 265-ship armada in New York and set sail. Six difficult weeks later Howe’s expedition landed near Elkton, Maryland, and moved north into Pennsylvania. Washington’s rebel army harassed Howe’s men at several locations including a minor but violent skirmish at Cooch’s Bridge in Delaware on September 3. Another week of hit-and-run tactics followed until Howe was within three miles of Chads’s Ford on Brandywine Creek, behind which Washington had posted his army in strategic blocking positions along a six-mile front. The young colonial capital of Philadelphia was just 25 miles farther east.
Obscured by darkness and a heavy morning fog, General Howe initiated his plan of attack at 5:00 a.m. on September 11, pushing against the American center at Chads’s Ford with part of his army while the bulk of his command swung around Washington’s exposed right flank to deliver his coup de main, destroy the colonials, and march on Philadelphia. Warned of Howe’s flanking attack just in time, American generals turned their divisions to face the threat. The bitter fighting on Birmingham Hill drove the Americans from the field, but their heroic defensive stand saved Washington’s army from destruction and proved that the nascent Continental foot soldiers could stand toe-to-toe with their foe. Although fighting would follow, Philadelphia fell to Howe’s legions on September 26.
Harris’s Brandywine is the first complete study to merge the strategic, political, and tactical history of this complex operation and important set-piece battle into a single compelling account. More than a decade in the making, his sweeping prose relies almost exclusively upon original archival research and his personal knowledge of the terrain. Enhanced with original maps, illustrations, and modern photos, and told largely through the words of those who fought there, Brandywine will take its place as one of the most important military studies of the American Revolution ever written."
528 pages, Hardcover
First published November 19, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 19, 2025
Military historian Michael C. Harris sets out in his first book to illustrate the Continental defeat at Brandywine in all of its grit and glory, proving that this battle in particular had profound effects for both sides during the Revolutionary War. With a phenomenal opening, the second paragraph alone grabs the attention of those unfamiliar with the battle itself—declaring Brandywine as the longest single-day engagement in the entirety of the Revolution at eleven hours. Another oft-forgotten broken record involves more troops participating in this battle than at any other (roughly 30,000). After shifting through the various legends and sources used by previous works featuring the battle, Harris delivers a concise prelude to the events of the American Revolution that led up to the year 1777.
Two items are noticeably unique and extremely useful in Harris’s work from the beginning, the first of which involves a summary of each of the individual participants of the engagement and their respective portraits—a cast of characters that includes Lord Stirling, Cornwallis, and Casimir Pulaski among others. Secondly, subchapters are included throughout each of the seventeen chapters, complete with a distinguished and functional title for appropriate reflection and convenience. Harris assesses that the Philadelphia campaign began with essential communication errors between William Howe and his superiors back across the pond, while at the same time Washington’s army was recuperating—and recruiting—in Morristown after a slough of victories the previous year in New Jersey.
General Howe comes off as very evasive and untrusting of both his superiors and those British officers and Loyalists in and around his circle, at times only filling his brother (Admiral) Richard in on his projected movements and plans on engaging with the enemy. While Washington’s leadership in battle is at times criticized for reasons apart from his Fabian tactics, Harris points out his cunning ability to read through Howe’s “captured” correspondence—aptly reasoning that the General had other plans for Philadelphia, rather than the letter insisting and hinting that he follow Burgoyne’s well-supplied (or so they thought) troops in the early march of the Saratoga campaign. Nonetheless, Howe’s fleet managed to keep the Continental army constantly on edge as it was spotted in one port and on to the next, always keeping its enemy at a loss in questioning the intentions and whereabouts for an amphibious landing.
In the end, the destination proved to be only about twenty miles closer to Philadelphia, after a month of sailing and the loss of valuable horses and fresh provisions—not to mention the welcome addition of even more recruits to Washington’s army. Indeed, one of the monumental precursors to Brandywine would be the introduction of Lafayette to Washington’s circle, who was then just recently arrived as a volunteer of both nobility and prestige—a common theme of those Europeans interested in ascending the ranks for the Cause of Independence. After recounting some of the unfortunate plundering by both British and Hessian soldier alike, Harris takes the time to expand upon the valued roles of Washington’s camp followers, aide-de-camps, and servants—as well as each commanding officer and their respective division under them:
The result of this checkered history was that by the time Washington’s army arrived in southeastern Pennsylvania along the Brandywine, a powerful undercurrent of distrust existed toward John Armstrong’s Pennsylvania militia. Armstrong, a native of Ireland and member of the Continental Congress, had the misfortune of commanding the least trusted organization attached to Washington’s army. His Pennsylvania Militia Division numbered about 3,000 men.
Similarly, he succinctly breaks down the divisions, regimental standards, military practices and tactics, upward mobility, guns (smoothbore, apart from Patrick Ferguson’s rifle), artillery, and firing techniques of the British army. A little more than halfway through the book, the first rounds of fire open on the morning of September 11th, 1777, and it’s here that Harris’s prior work at the National Park is all the more invaluable. The reader will find unique personal photos of each hill and homestead that was used for defensive and rallying points during the battle, as well as his vivid descriptions of the landscape, topography, and timeline of the events as they happened. The early stages are quite monumental, as Washington unknowingly escapes death’s reach twice—by both dodging cannon fire, and the sharpshooter Patrick Ferguson’s honorable intentions of not shooting another man’s back.
As in the introduction, Harris debunks the Thomas Cheyney legend that involves the local patriot finding Washington and letting him know of an imminent enemy attack—a tale corroborated upon by prior historians, with no primary sources as basis. He also proves false the long-standing myth that Hessians played a pivotal role in the early stages of the battle—countering with the fact that these brave soldiers weren’t actually able to fire a shot, for they had unfortunately fallen behind and couldn’t keep pace with their British comrades. This is a familiar and welcome theme to Harris’s work, and his arguments against these and other studies conducted by previous historians fortunately do not come off as conceited, smug, or patronizing.
As the account of the day’s engagement comes to a close, the numerous battle maps are shadowed only by Harris’s own camera lens—where each picture is followed by a useful summary of the positioning of the Continental and British forces, as well as the overlooked landmarks that proved vital for offensive and defensive measures. Harris allows a stunning and tragic look on the battle’s aftermath from the eyes of none other than Dr. Benjamin Rush, who bravely risked going beyond enemy lines in order to care for the wounded. It goes without saying that Harris’s work is unquestionably the definitive study of Brandywine, holding the torch for years to come and leaving his audience eager for his follow-up on the showdown at Germantown. A multitude of photos, illustrations, and maps are found throughout, as well as the addition of eight distinct and highly fascinating appendices.
Two items are noticeably unique and extremely useful in Harris’s work from the beginning, the first of which involves a summary of each of the individual participants of the engagement and their respective portraits—a cast of characters that includes Lord Stirling, Cornwallis, and Casimir Pulaski among others. Secondly, subchapters are included throughout each of the seventeen chapters, complete with a distinguished and functional title for appropriate reflection and convenience. Harris assesses that the Philadelphia campaign began with essential communication errors between William Howe and his superiors back across the pond, while at the same time Washington’s army was recuperating—and recruiting—in Morristown after a slough of victories the previous year in New Jersey.
General Howe comes off as very evasive and untrusting of both his superiors and those British officers and Loyalists in and around his circle, at times only filling his brother (Admiral) Richard in on his projected movements and plans on engaging with the enemy. While Washington’s leadership in battle is at times criticized for reasons apart from his Fabian tactics, Harris points out his cunning ability to read through Howe’s “captured” correspondence—aptly reasoning that the General had other plans for Philadelphia, rather than the letter insisting and hinting that he follow Burgoyne’s well-supplied (or so they thought) troops in the early march of the Saratoga campaign. Nonetheless, Howe’s fleet managed to keep the Continental army constantly on edge as it was spotted in one port and on to the next, always keeping its enemy at a loss in questioning the intentions and whereabouts for an amphibious landing.
In the end, the destination proved to be only about twenty miles closer to Philadelphia, after a month of sailing and the loss of valuable horses and fresh provisions—not to mention the welcome addition of even more recruits to Washington’s army. Indeed, one of the monumental precursors to Brandywine would be the introduction of Lafayette to Washington’s circle, who was then just recently arrived as a volunteer of both nobility and prestige—a common theme of those Europeans interested in ascending the ranks for the Cause of Independence. After recounting some of the unfortunate plundering by both British and Hessian soldier alike, Harris takes the time to expand upon the valued roles of Washington’s camp followers, aide-de-camps, and servants—as well as each commanding officer and their respective division under them:
The result of this checkered history was that by the time Washington’s army arrived in southeastern Pennsylvania along the Brandywine, a powerful undercurrent of distrust existed toward John Armstrong’s Pennsylvania militia. Armstrong, a native of Ireland and member of the Continental Congress, had the misfortune of commanding the least trusted organization attached to Washington’s army. His Pennsylvania Militia Division numbered about 3,000 men.
Similarly, he succinctly breaks down the divisions, regimental standards, military practices and tactics, upward mobility, guns (smoothbore, apart from Patrick Ferguson’s rifle), artillery, and firing techniques of the British army. A little more than halfway through the book, the first rounds of fire open on the morning of September 11th, 1777, and it’s here that Harris’s prior work at the National Park is all the more invaluable. The reader will find unique personal photos of each hill and homestead that was used for defensive and rallying points during the battle, as well as his vivid descriptions of the landscape, topography, and timeline of the events as they happened. The early stages are quite monumental, as Washington unknowingly escapes death’s reach twice—by both dodging cannon fire, and the sharpshooter Patrick Ferguson’s honorable intentions of not shooting another man’s back.
As in the introduction, Harris debunks the Thomas Cheyney legend that involves the local patriot finding Washington and letting him know of an imminent enemy attack—a tale corroborated upon by prior historians, with no primary sources as basis. He also proves false the long-standing myth that Hessians played a pivotal role in the early stages of the battle—countering with the fact that these brave soldiers weren’t actually able to fire a shot, for they had unfortunately fallen behind and couldn’t keep pace with their British comrades. This is a familiar and welcome theme to Harris’s work, and his arguments against these and other studies conducted by previous historians fortunately do not come off as conceited, smug, or patronizing.
As the account of the day’s engagement comes to a close, the numerous battle maps are shadowed only by Harris’s own camera lens—where each picture is followed by a useful summary of the positioning of the Continental and British forces, as well as the overlooked landmarks that proved vital for offensive and defensive measures. Harris allows a stunning and tragic look on the battle’s aftermath from the eyes of none other than Dr. Benjamin Rush, who bravely risked going beyond enemy lines in order to care for the wounded. It goes without saying that Harris’s work is unquestionably the definitive study of Brandywine, holding the torch for years to come and leaving his audience eager for his follow-up on the showdown at Germantown. A multitude of photos, illustrations, and maps are found throughout, as well as the addition of eight distinct and highly fascinating appendices.
June 29, 2024
Military history doesn't get any better than this! Harris did his research and his book is thorough and as accurate as possible. He uses original sources and gives the viewpoints of soldiers and officers of both sides, as well as civilians, also on both sides--or neutral. So he puts you right into the battle.
The battle he writes about is not one of the better known ones of the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania, was a defeat of the Americans and led to the British Army's capture of America's capital, Philadelphia. Not one of Washington's better days, as he was outflanked by Britisher Gen. Howe--again. But, as Harris points out, while some of the Americans were routed, especially the Pennsylvania militia, many Americans put up a good fight and cost the Redcoats heavily.. When the bulk of the American Army retreated, it was in good order and ready to fight again. In this way, the results fit in with Washington's overall strategy, to keep the army together, avoiding heavy losses, and finally wear the British down.
Harris extensively covers the entire campaign leading up to the battle, and also the aftermath, with an analysis of the battle at the end. And did I say he includes many excellent maps? He does, as well as photos of battlefield sites as we can see them today. Again, a superb job! For military & American history fans--5/5 stars.
The battle he writes about is not one of the better known ones of the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania, was a defeat of the Americans and led to the British Army's capture of America's capital, Philadelphia. Not one of Washington's better days, as he was outflanked by Britisher Gen. Howe--again. But, as Harris points out, while some of the Americans were routed, especially the Pennsylvania militia, many Americans put up a good fight and cost the Redcoats heavily.. When the bulk of the American Army retreated, it was in good order and ready to fight again. In this way, the results fit in with Washington's overall strategy, to keep the army together, avoiding heavy losses, and finally wear the British down.
Harris extensively covers the entire campaign leading up to the battle, and also the aftermath, with an analysis of the battle at the end. And did I say he includes many excellent maps? He does, as well as photos of battlefield sites as we can see them today. Again, a superb job! For military & American history fans--5/5 stars.
February 19, 2022
“Their affairs will be growing worse—our’s better: so that delay will ruin them. It will serve to perplex and fret them, and precipitate them into measures, that we can turn to good account. Our business then is to avoid a General engagement and waste the enemy away by constantly goading their sides, in a desultory way.” Alexander Hamilton, Washington’s aide de camp
Drawn heavily from primary sources by those who were there, Harris details the engagement which he thinks set America on the sure road to independence. Detailed to unit commanders and their biographies, weather, and politics. Perhaps too exhaustive for casual readers, but valuable documenting what really transpired.
“[M]y prayers went with the ball that it might finish Washington & the Rebelion together.” For the second time that day, the most important man in America barely escaped severe injury or death.
Harris carefully documents and dismisses many of the popular, but fictious anecdotes concerning the battle. Excellent maps. Several “Betsy Ross Flag” myths are exposed.
“Not just chusing to take the Bull by the horns we disappointed Washington and turned his Right.” [English general] James Grant, October 20, 1777
Howe witnessed the slaughter at Breed’s Hill in 1775 and strove to never repeat it. Washington hoped for repetition and that hope blinded him to what Howe was really doing and Flat Bush, White Plains, and now at the Brandywine River. Howe had only one trick, but Washington never learned it.
'Knowledge of the fords and other terrain features could have made the difference. In this regard Washington failed the army; the army did not fail Washington. By contrast, despite operating in hostile territory, Howe’s army succeeded in getting all the information it needed to achieve it main goal of flanking the American army and driving into its rear.'
Drawn heavily from primary sources by those who were there, Harris details the engagement which he thinks set America on the sure road to independence. Detailed to unit commanders and their biographies, weather, and politics. Perhaps too exhaustive for casual readers, but valuable documenting what really transpired.
“[M]y prayers went with the ball that it might finish Washington & the Rebelion together.” For the second time that day, the most important man in America barely escaped severe injury or death.
Harris carefully documents and dismisses many of the popular, but fictious anecdotes concerning the battle. Excellent maps. Several “Betsy Ross Flag” myths are exposed.
“Not just chusing to take the Bull by the horns we disappointed Washington and turned his Right.” [English general] James Grant, October 20, 1777
Howe witnessed the slaughter at Breed’s Hill in 1775 and strove to never repeat it. Washington hoped for repetition and that hope blinded him to what Howe was really doing and Flat Bush, White Plains, and now at the Brandywine River. Howe had only one trick, but Washington never learned it.
'Knowledge of the fords and other terrain features could have made the difference. In this regard Washington failed the army; the army did not fail Washington. By contrast, despite operating in hostile territory, Howe’s army succeeded in getting all the information it needed to achieve it main goal of flanking the American army and driving into its rear.'
January 18, 2017
Harris' comprehensive look at the Battle of Brandywine goes into detail about how the battle played out on September 11th, 1777. But it is much more than just an analysis of the troop movements during the largest and longest single-day battle of the Revolutionary War. The first third of the book sets the stage by giving a brief explanation of the causes of the war, a summary of the first two years of the conflict, and a brief bio of the major characters involved in the battle. It continues with a detailed account of the lead-up to the 1777 campaigning season. After presenting this background information, Harris then analyzes the entire Brandywine Campaign, beginning with General Howe's troops embarking on the water route from New York to the Delaware Bay, and then up the Chesapeake Bay,and overland through Delaware. The book is very well researched and the author debunks many of the oft-repeated myths and legends that have been passed down through various accounts of the battle. This is an excellent examination of the Brandywine campaign and I would recommend it for anyone interested in rolling up their sleeves and getting in-depth into the American Revolution.
January 5, 2025
In this day of skimming instead of reading, and shallow thinking instead of rigorous analysis, Brandywine proved a terrific in-depth read exploring all facets of this battle in southern Pennsylvania. It’s a must-have for any student of the American Revolution. The maps were great too and really helped enhance the author’s excellent research and crisp writing.
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October 21, 2025Extensive and well researched report of the battle and it’s aftermath. Especially appreciated the clarification of myths, arguments among scholars, and disputes in the historiography.
April 27, 2020
The book really helped me understand this critical campaign. For the battle itself it was like having a tour guide walk with you over the battlefield.
January 11, 2025
I had such a hard time finishing this. It appeared to be meticulously researched but was, at times, a snooze fest.
January 4, 2017
Fascinating read and a thorough explanation of the largest battle of the revolutionary war and why Washington lost. Off topic, but of interest to me, as a physician, is the action Washington took during the winter after this battle. Starting during the winter of 1777 Washington took the bold and controversial move to inoculate the soldiers in his army against smallpox infection using a technique called variolation. During the winter encampment at Valley Forge, Washington went even further, demanding that his entire army be inoculated – an action that required great secrecy since inoculated soldiers were incapacitated for a period of time. By some reports, death by smallpox in the ranks dropped from 17% of all deaths to a low of 1% of all reported deaths – a tremendous reduction. Historian Elizabeth Fenn, author of Pox Americana: The Great Smallpox Epidemic of 1775-1782, claims that “Washington's unheralded and little-recognized resolution to inoculate the Continental forces must surely rank with the most important decisions of the war…"
June 1, 2018
Outstanding
Outstanding
A excellent book. Covers a pivotal battle in early American history. The ony thing I would say it needs is more maps covering the battle.
Outstanding
A excellent book. Covers a pivotal battle in early American history. The ony thing I would say it needs is more maps covering the battle.
December 19, 2019
This was tough to rate. As a historical document it is well researched and documented and based on that should have garnered a higher rating. However, the book was often tedious and very dry.
October 9, 2022
Harris has undertaken a work that was sorely lacking in the historiographical studies of the American Revolution. As is referenced several times, the Battle of Brandywine was the largest single day battle of the American Revolutionary War. As such, it deserves serious academic consideration, and Harris had accomplished that. Brandywine has largely been ignored in major military studies of the Revolution, greatly owing to the fact that the majority of those studies were conducted by Americans, and the battle was a loss for the Continental Army.
Harris beautifully incorporates primary firsthand accounts from participants throughout his narrative. By allowing them to speak for themselves, the reader comes away with a much more immersive feeling of having been an observer, rather than someone reading a stale, dusty tome of afterthought reminiscences of a long forgotten event. His abilities and skill as a researcher are displayed nicely, as he meticulously footnotes any discrepancies of historical record, to ensure the reader has “facts”, augmented by possible likely occurrences, without adamantly defending them as historical truth.
Any student of the American Revolution would be wise to consult “Brandywine” and take advantage of Harris’ impressive knowledge and research.
Harris beautifully incorporates primary firsthand accounts from participants throughout his narrative. By allowing them to speak for themselves, the reader comes away with a much more immersive feeling of having been an observer, rather than someone reading a stale, dusty tome of afterthought reminiscences of a long forgotten event. His abilities and skill as a researcher are displayed nicely, as he meticulously footnotes any discrepancies of historical record, to ensure the reader has “facts”, augmented by possible likely occurrences, without adamantly defending them as historical truth.
Any student of the American Revolution would be wise to consult “Brandywine” and take advantage of Harris’ impressive knowledge and research.
October 3, 2018
As an historian, I expect and desire any historical book I read to be accurate (as much as it can be), entertaining, and comprehensive. This book is all three. Mr. Harris is a master at taking such a complex battle, and weaving all its parts together in such a way as to make it all coherent and exciting. My ancestor, Pvt. Joseph Fox, of the 13th Virginia Regiment, fought at Brandywine, and I had to know where he was and what he did. Knowing his regiment, I was able to pinpoint his whereabouts that far off day of 9/11/1777. The author described the prelude to the battle in detail, the battle itself, the personalities, the significance, the aftermath, and a history of the battlefield itself, 241 years of it. I live close enough to the battlefield to visit, which I have done twice, and now that I have read this book, I shall return, book in hand, as the maps between its covers are numerous and detailed. Thumbs up, and 5 stars.
June 9, 2022
This book presents the largest land battle of the American Revolutionary War in a clear and thorough manner. You’ll understand how Brandywine Creek in eastern Pennsylvania became the site of the battle. The pre-battle strategy of each commander along with the why and how the battle actually played out despite the best laid plans of each commander, Lord Willian Howe and George Washington. Again, this is a very readable history that explains the critical nature of this engagement. This author relies heavily of contemporaneous documentation of the participants in this historic battle. That methodology results in the debunking of several myths associated with this battle. And, despite the defeat the Americans suffered here at Brandywine, which open the path for the British to occupy Philadelphia, this book makes clear how the American Army escaped total destruction and lived to fight for many more days and months.
May 6, 2018
Very detailed, yet engaging, history of the Battle of Brandywine Creek. By including enough background information leading up to the battle, the author sets the stage perfectly, allowing the reader to comprehend the details offered. Meticulous research combines with familiarity with the actual battlefield, resulting in a readable account offering new insights to what happened on this field two centuries ago.
I was surprised to find that there is little history written on this battle. This book fills that gap admirably. I would enjoy walking the field with the author.
I was surprised to find that there is little history written on this battle. This book fills that gap admirably. I would enjoy walking the field with the author.
October 2, 2021
Very entertaining story written in an engaging narrative supported by primary sources that also addresses historical myths and inaccuracies perpetuated over the past two centuries. Michael Harris's first hand knowledge of the battlefield further enriches his analysis. In addition to useful maps ands pictures included in the narrative, multiple appendices contain additional historical insights. Having grown up and driven by this battlefield as a child, I'm eager to revisit with new insights gleaned through this book. I look forward to reading Germantown in the future.
February 15, 2023
An excellent history of the Battle of Brandywine. I found it especially interesting since I live in the area of Howe and Washington's military activity. The author seems to have carefully marshaled the available primary sources and he relates and debunks several myths associated with the battle. I appreciated the short biographies of key characters illustrated with reproductions of their portraits and the appendices which address particular questions, such as Were the Stars and Stripes used at Cooch's Bridge? and what became of key characters after the battle.
November 19, 2025
I found this to be a very good book on the battle. Well written, and seemingly well researched. It is quite detailed without being too dry a read. The maps are good, and while not plentiful, give a decent account of the action. I found the appendices quite interesting, though the one regarding Sullivans defense of his leadership I found dull. Definitely recommended for anyone interested in a detailed account of the battle.
April 29, 2021
Mr. Harris has written an excellent history of the campaign up to and through the Battle of Brandywine. He allows the participants to tell the story, undertaken extensive research into primary and secondary sources, and finishes with sharp and well reasoned analysis. The maps are helpful and illustrations well chosen. Well done!
April 10, 2019
A well written account of the battle of Brandywine. Harris provides a thrilling narrative of the action, and makes it easy to follow along. A little heavy on the order of battle, but it is a military history after all. The primary source material really made the battle come alive.
February 21, 2020
Great read of important battle in early years of our revolution.
Good read. Well researched. Good history of events leading up to battle as well as the actual fighting. Especially well done topographical research to the area and down thru Delaware and Maryland.
Good read. Well researched. Good history of events leading up to battle as well as the actual fighting. Especially well done topographical research to the area and down thru Delaware and Maryland.
March 19, 2020
A well written and informative read.
October 15, 2020
Excellent detailed and well-researched account of the events leading up to and through the Battle at Brandywine.
March 25, 2021
Highly detailed.
April 11, 2021
The part I read was alright, but it was a bit dry for my taste.
January 11, 2023
Comprehensive.
June 29, 2025
Spectacular. I loved this book, and learned a great deal from it. Some military histories are kind of sloppy and cumbrously written, but this was very well-researched and written. Many books on the AWI adopt an unconsciously patriotic tone, as if the Americans could do no wrong, but this one is clear that the Continental soldier was as much of a thieving drunk as his red-coated enemy (but neither was as bad as the Hessians). The claim in the subtitle that the battle “saved America” is never substantiated in the text, but it was probably a publisher’s addition. Still, a vital piece of American history that we should know more about!
EDIT: just finished my 2nd read thru within 12 months, again, what a spectacular book. Why is Brandywine an important battle? Because Washington was learning from his mistakes. The Continental Army was outflanked and defeated, but the panic and flight that had characterized Long Island was nowhere to be seen. Sullivan attempted to hold Birmingham Hill but was driven back, Greene actually managed to fight a successful rearguard action to cover the army’s retreat. The laurels of victory were denied the Americans in this battle, but they deserved none of the shame. And after all, Howe took Philadelphia, but in turn, Philadelphia took Howe.
EDIT: just finished my 2nd read thru within 12 months, again, what a spectacular book. Why is Brandywine an important battle? Because Washington was learning from his mistakes. The Continental Army was outflanked and defeated, but the panic and flight that had characterized Long Island was nowhere to be seen. Sullivan attempted to hold Birmingham Hill but was driven back, Greene actually managed to fight a successful rearguard action to cover the army’s retreat. The laurels of victory were denied the Americans in this battle, but they deserved none of the shame. And after all, Howe took Philadelphia, but in turn, Philadelphia took Howe.
May 31, 2024
As good as I was hoping an account of this particular battle could be. The author’s exhaustive effort to keep to the facts (his bibliography is massive, so there was obviously a lot of research that went into this book) and dispel myths makes this book an excellent read. I live in Philadelphia, and I’m enjoying reading about the Revolutionary War history of this particular area. Next…Valley Forge.
December 10, 2024
A thorough account of the lead up and the fighting in the largest battle of the American Revolution and possibly Washington's worst outing a commander. The narrative is clear and well written with good maps. I like how the author debunks a lot of myths about the battle, almost all fabricated by American historians who like a bit of drama, all the more since the British won a pretty thorough victory here.
December 24, 2015
A very thorough and well-researched account of the Battle of Brandywine and the summer campaign that preceded it. A bit on the detailed side - casual history buffs, consider yourselves warned. The author takes pains to trace accounts back to primary sources, and identifies stories of people and actions that, while well known, are probably apocryphal.
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