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Emerging Revolutionary War
Victory or Death: The Battles of Trenton and Princeton, December 25, 1776—January 3, 1777
An overview of the military actions and battlefields of three consecutive engagements during the "ten crucial days" of the American Revolution.
December 1776: Just six months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington and the new American Army sit on the verge of utter destruction by the banks of the Delaware River. The despondent and demoralized group of men had endured repeated defeats and now were on the edge of giving up hope. Washington feared "the game is pretty near up."
Rather than submit to defeat, Washington and his small band of soldiers crossed the ice-choked Delaware River and attacked the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey, on the day after Christmas. He followed up the surprise attack with successful actions along the Assunpink Creek and at Princeton. In a stunning military campaign, Washington had turned the tables, and breathed life into the dying cause for liberty during the Revolutionary War.
The campaign has led many historians to deem it as one of the most significant military campaigns in American history. One British historian even declared that "it may be doubted whether so small a number of men ever employed so short a space of time with greater or more lasting results upon the history of the world."
In Victory or Death, historian Mark Maloy not only recounts these epic events, he also takes you along to the places where they occurred. He shows where Washington stood on the banks of the Delaware and contemplated defeat, the city streets that his exhausted men charged through, and the open fields where Washington himself rode into the thick of battle. Victory or Death is a must for anyone interested in learning how George Washington and his brave soldiers grasped victory from the jaws of defeat.
"Maloy faithfully recreates the patriotic story of Washington's crossing and brings the events of this period to life. The inclusion of the travel guide with turn-by-turn directions and photographs of what the places look like today makes the story more tangible and gives readers the ability to follow and walk in the footsteps of the Continental Army." --Michael Britt, ON POINT Magazine
December 1776: Just six months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington and the new American Army sit on the verge of utter destruction by the banks of the Delaware River. The despondent and demoralized group of men had endured repeated defeats and now were on the edge of giving up hope. Washington feared "the game is pretty near up."
Rather than submit to defeat, Washington and his small band of soldiers crossed the ice-choked Delaware River and attacked the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey, on the day after Christmas. He followed up the surprise attack with successful actions along the Assunpink Creek and at Princeton. In a stunning military campaign, Washington had turned the tables, and breathed life into the dying cause for liberty during the Revolutionary War.
The campaign has led many historians to deem it as one of the most significant military campaigns in American history. One British historian even declared that "it may be doubted whether so small a number of men ever employed so short a space of time with greater or more lasting results upon the history of the world."
In Victory or Death, historian Mark Maloy not only recounts these epic events, he also takes you along to the places where they occurred. He shows where Washington stood on the banks of the Delaware and contemplated defeat, the city streets that his exhausted men charged through, and the open fields where Washington himself rode into the thick of battle. Victory or Death is a must for anyone interested in learning how George Washington and his brave soldiers grasped victory from the jaws of defeat.
"Maloy faithfully recreates the patriotic story of Washington's crossing and brings the events of this period to life. The inclusion of the travel guide with turn-by-turn directions and photographs of what the places look like today makes the story more tangible and gives readers the ability to follow and walk in the footsteps of the Continental Army." --Michael Britt, ON POINT Magazine
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 7, 2022
"In many respects, the American Revolution's memory has been ruined by the very victory it achieved. Many people today view the Revolutionary War as a fait accompli. The perceived inevitability if American independence by modern Americans has resulted in trivialization of its actual history. The Founding Fathers are lavishly praised and lionized for the creation of the United States whereas the fact that this was the result of an extremely bloody war that teetered perilously on the edge of defeat is often forgotten. The contingency of events, the decisions of and actions by individuals, all changed the course of American history at Trenton and Princeton."
I loved this book. I'd give it more than five stars if possible.
I wanted to learn more about the New Jersey campaign and this book was absolutely perfect for it!
I've always had trouble understanding the course of battle and troop movements, but this book has such great descriptions and detailed maps that I got everything on the spot. I also loved the small details and quotations that this book supplied me with.
It did leave me kind of sad, though, I feel sad because of how the legacy of the New Jersey campaign is being erased.
I'm not even American! I'm Russian for everything's sake! And I care about this!
I'm glad that this book has reflected on that matter.
Anyways.
AWESOME BOOK! Big cheers to Mr. Maloy for writing this.
Will definitely be using this for references in the future.
March 30, 2018
First I have to say I am a friend of the author and quite frankly was reading because he is my friend. I was very pleasantly surprised....it is well written and interesting. He really brings to life the "old white men" we are used to seeing in paintings and books.
August 25, 2024
I don't follow military battles and tactics as a rule, but I am interested in the Battles of Trenton and Princeton because they happened right here in New Jersey. I know the locations where they took place.
"Victory or Death" was the password used prior to Washington's Crossing the Delaware. The army had a series of losses up to this point, so it was imperative that there was a victory or the army might disintegrate.
The author tells the story in a very matter-of-fact style that is easy to read but is also very thorough.
"Victory or Death" was the password used prior to Washington's Crossing the Delaware. The army had a series of losses up to this point, so it was imperative that there was a victory or the army might disintegrate.
The author tells the story in a very matter-of-fact style that is easy to read but is also very thorough.
October 12, 2025
Interesting read. Considering that most of the sites are not as they were the author makes the supreme effort to set a tour of the prominent sites associated with both battles. The historical text although general in detail covers the battles well. There are modern photos and some battle maps to assist with the content of the book. Good read.
April 1, 2026
Outstanding
What I enjoyed the most was the simplicity of how the information was presented.
Also the maps were easy to follow each battle.
I highly recommend the book.
What I enjoyed the most was the simplicity of how the information was presented.
Also the maps were easy to follow each battle.
I highly recommend the book.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews