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Facing Washington's Crossing: The Hessians and the Battle of Trenton
They crossed the ocean to fight in someone else's war. They came for glory, honor, and plunder. Instead, they became America's most famous captives.
In Steven Bier's groundbreaking book, Facing Washington's Crossing: The Hessians at the Battle of Trenton, old stereotypes are shattered and new information emerges. Using newly translated documents, rare hard-to-find material, and obscure nearly-forgotten sources, Facing Washington's Crossing rewrites our understanding of the Battle of Trenton.
Bier maintains a gripping narrative, following the military exploits of a Hessian Brigade through six brutal battles. From their crushing victories in New York to the shocking reversal in the snow-covered village of Trenton, witness how professional European soldiers faced an enemy unlike any they had encountered.
Bier offers a fresh perspective by narrating the story through Hessian eyes, presenting fascinating details: shipboard cockfights, St. Elmo's fires, how the militaristic Hessians were influenced by the peaceful philosopher Voltaire, when the Royal Navy accidentally landed the Hessians on a deserted island, and how Emanuel Leutze's iconic painting of Washington crossing the Delaware was created in a tavern.
The author traces the Hessian Prince's decision to hire out his army, the army’s harrowing voyage across the Atlantic, and the numerous clashes leading up to Trenton. Washington’s Crossing and the subsequent battle itself are fully recounted, providing a much-needed understanding of the Hessian experience.
For 250 years, the story has been told mostly from one side. Now the essential counterpoint is finally revealed.
In Steven Bier's groundbreaking book, Facing Washington's Crossing: The Hessians at the Battle of Trenton, old stereotypes are shattered and new information emerges. Using newly translated documents, rare hard-to-find material, and obscure nearly-forgotten sources, Facing Washington's Crossing rewrites our understanding of the Battle of Trenton.
Bier maintains a gripping narrative, following the military exploits of a Hessian Brigade through six brutal battles. From their crushing victories in New York to the shocking reversal in the snow-covered village of Trenton, witness how professional European soldiers faced an enemy unlike any they had encountered.
Bier offers a fresh perspective by narrating the story through Hessian eyes, presenting fascinating details: shipboard cockfights, St. Elmo's fires, how the militaristic Hessians were influenced by the peaceful philosopher Voltaire, when the Royal Navy accidentally landed the Hessians on a deserted island, and how Emanuel Leutze's iconic painting of Washington crossing the Delaware was created in a tavern.
The author traces the Hessian Prince's decision to hire out his army, the army’s harrowing voyage across the Atlantic, and the numerous clashes leading up to Trenton. Washington’s Crossing and the subsequent battle itself are fully recounted, providing a much-needed understanding of the Hessian experience.
For 250 years, the story has been told mostly from one side. Now the essential counterpoint is finally revealed.
356 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 30, 2025
Very little new historically here. Most of the information in the book is available in several books about Hessians and/or Washington Crossing
December 9, 2025
Well written account of the role of the Hessian mercenaries in the Revolutionary war, specifically in regard to the Battle of Trenton(Washington crossing the Delaware). All sorts of interesting historical tidbits. Who knew there was a tobacco farm on Long Island. The author presents the story through the eyes of the individuals involved so it reads more like fiction. Extensive footnotes and documentation further enhance the book.
Recommended!
Recommended!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews