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Valley Forge
The #1 New York Times bestselling authors of The Heart of Everything That Is and Lucky 666 return with an unforgettable and perhaps the most underappreciated chapter in American history--the inspiring, page-turning account of Valley Forge, the Continental Army winter camp where George Washington turned the tide of the American Revolution.
On December 19, 1777, some twelve thousand members of America's nascent Continental Army staggered into Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, a small encampment twenty-three miles northwest of British-occupied Philadelphia. The starving and half-naked force was reeling from a string of demoralizing defeats at the hands of the King George III's army, and barely equipped to survive the coming winter. Their commander in chief, the focused and forceful George Washington, was at the lowest ebb of his military career. With the Continental Congress in exile and its treasury depleted, the American Revolution appeared lost.
As the days and weeks passed, however, Washington embarked on a mission to transform his troops from a bobtail army of citizen soldiers into a professional fighting force. Keeping a wary eye out for a British attack, he was aided by a trio of home-grown generals as well as a young coterie of American advisors and foreign volunteers led by Alexander Hamilton, John Laurens, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Within six months Washington had achieved his miracle.
Valley Forge is the riveting true story of an underdog United States toppling an empire. Using new and rarely seen contemporaneous documents--and drawing on a cast of iconic characters and remarkable moments that capture the innovation and energy that led to the birth of our nation--the New York Times bestselling authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin provide a breathtaking account of this seminal and previously undervalued moment in the battle for American independence.
On December 19, 1777, some twelve thousand members of America's nascent Continental Army staggered into Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, a small encampment twenty-three miles northwest of British-occupied Philadelphia. The starving and half-naked force was reeling from a string of demoralizing defeats at the hands of the King George III's army, and barely equipped to survive the coming winter. Their commander in chief, the focused and forceful George Washington, was at the lowest ebb of his military career. With the Continental Congress in exile and its treasury depleted, the American Revolution appeared lost.
As the days and weeks passed, however, Washington embarked on a mission to transform his troops from a bobtail army of citizen soldiers into a professional fighting force. Keeping a wary eye out for a British attack, he was aided by a trio of home-grown generals as well as a young coterie of American advisors and foreign volunteers led by Alexander Hamilton, John Laurens, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Within six months Washington had achieved his miracle.
Valley Forge is the riveting true story of an underdog United States toppling an empire. Using new and rarely seen contemporaneous documents--and drawing on a cast of iconic characters and remarkable moments that capture the innovation and energy that led to the birth of our nation--the New York Times bestselling authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin provide a breathtaking account of this seminal and previously undervalued moment in the battle for American independence.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published October 2, 2018
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About the author
Tom Clavin
44 books509 followersTom Clavin is the author/coauthor of eleven books. His most recent is That Old Black Magic: Louis Prima, Keely Smith, and the Golden Age of Las Vegas.
His articles have appeared in Cosmopolitan, Family Circle, Men's Journal, Parade, Reader's Digest, and others.
He was a contributing reporter for the New York Times for fifteen years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
December 19, 2018
The authors obviously did a lot of research for this book. They used a lot of letters and diaries from participants and there were many interesting details. There was a lot about military strategy, diplomatic negotiations and bureaucratic wrangling. It’s not that I didn’t learn things from this book, for example I had no idea that there were rudimentary smallpox vaccines and submarines at the time of the Revolutionary War, but how many times do you need to read that the army was untrained, cold and hungry? I found the book well written but repetitive. It’s probably a case of there being more here than I really wanted to know, but ultimately I enjoyed the book. It made me want to read a biography of Lafayette. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.
February 17, 2019
Our Foundation History is a favorite reading subject of mine. Since I have gone through numerous books about this subject and many of the people involved in this history it is difficult to find something new and informative. Since our early history has been examined so thoroughly by countless authors and historians it suffers from repetition by anybody attempting the effort today. The task seems almost hopeless and doomed to be faulted for simply rehashing matters already covered in previous work by other authors. This apparently doesn't stop some people from making the attempt regardless and when they actually find a point of view and/or information as yet not common knowledge then the reader is rewarded. This book is such a work and I give it 4 stars for the effort.
While the book's title would clearly indicate the subject and scope of the book it is much more. Its timeline is roughly from just before Brandywine and Germantown to just after Monmouth Courthouse. This corresponds to events leading up to the Winter encampment of 1777/78 to the breaking of camp and Clinton's abandonment of Philadelphia. One of the facts noted in the book that I never realized, though I should have, is that the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse was the last military action Washington participated in until Yorktown and Cornwallis' surrender three years later. It was during this three year period that events in the Revolution shifted to the South. This book, however, is focused on what occurred during the legendary ordeal of Valley Forge.
That Valley Forge was the low point in our Revolution is well known and understood but the details are frequently omitted in many histories. The authors hint at the reason for this by bemoaning the lack of record from the viewpoint of the common soldier. The only reliable record of the daily existence of the average soldier comes from the well known diary of Joseph Plumb Martin and that of letters by a Patriot doctor recounting the conditions of the men he was treating. All other accounts of the plight of these soldiers comes from Washington's letters and reports to the Continental Congress some 80 miles away. The authors of this book do their best to illustrate what these men had to endure but they also demonstrate that this suffering had a transformative effect on the resolve of these men. This transformation was discovered and polished to a brilliance at the hands of Baron von Steuben who the authors credit with professionalizing the Continental Army. This transformed army emerged from the depths of Valley Forge adequately able to meet and stand up to the British during their Philadelphia retreat and then engage them at Monmouth which the authors designate as a turning point of the Revolution.
What was most interesting to me in this book was the detailing of Washington's troubles. While we all know that he had difficulty with logistics and supplying his men with food, clothing, equipment, and medical attention we rarely are given any indication of his other problems and their effect. I have read about the efforts of Generals Lee and Gates and their attempts to replace Washington and I knew about the Conway Cabal. I never really understood or knew about the lengths these people went to to undermine and sabotage Washington and his efforts. Washington was aware of what these men were doing and yet did nothing on his own behalf as such actions might unduly affect the army and the cause they were fighting for. That he was able to endure these personal attacks while attempting to keep his army intact is beyond comprehension. The level of frustration and anger had to be enormous and he swallowed it lest internal fights divide the army and doom the Revolution. Reading this book can't help but give the reader a new respect for Washington as well as all the others that survived the trials of that eventful Winter.
While the book's title would clearly indicate the subject and scope of the book it is much more. Its timeline is roughly from just before Brandywine and Germantown to just after Monmouth Courthouse. This corresponds to events leading up to the Winter encampment of 1777/78 to the breaking of camp and Clinton's abandonment of Philadelphia. One of the facts noted in the book that I never realized, though I should have, is that the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse was the last military action Washington participated in until Yorktown and Cornwallis' surrender three years later. It was during this three year period that events in the Revolution shifted to the South. This book, however, is focused on what occurred during the legendary ordeal of Valley Forge.
That Valley Forge was the low point in our Revolution is well known and understood but the details are frequently omitted in many histories. The authors hint at the reason for this by bemoaning the lack of record from the viewpoint of the common soldier. The only reliable record of the daily existence of the average soldier comes from the well known diary of Joseph Plumb Martin and that of letters by a Patriot doctor recounting the conditions of the men he was treating. All other accounts of the plight of these soldiers comes from Washington's letters and reports to the Continental Congress some 80 miles away. The authors of this book do their best to illustrate what these men had to endure but they also demonstrate that this suffering had a transformative effect on the resolve of these men. This transformation was discovered and polished to a brilliance at the hands of Baron von Steuben who the authors credit with professionalizing the Continental Army. This transformed army emerged from the depths of Valley Forge adequately able to meet and stand up to the British during their Philadelphia retreat and then engage them at Monmouth which the authors designate as a turning point of the Revolution.
What was most interesting to me in this book was the detailing of Washington's troubles. While we all know that he had difficulty with logistics and supplying his men with food, clothing, equipment, and medical attention we rarely are given any indication of his other problems and their effect. I have read about the efforts of Generals Lee and Gates and their attempts to replace Washington and I knew about the Conway Cabal. I never really understood or knew about the lengths these people went to to undermine and sabotage Washington and his efforts. Washington was aware of what these men were doing and yet did nothing on his own behalf as such actions might unduly affect the army and the cause they were fighting for. That he was able to endure these personal attacks while attempting to keep his army intact is beyond comprehension. The level of frustration and anger had to be enormous and he swallowed it lest internal fights divide the army and doom the Revolution. Reading this book can't help but give the reader a new respect for Washington as well as all the others that survived the trials of that eventful Winter.
October 6, 2018
Valley Forge. Now that’s a subject worthy of its own book. If nothing else, there’s George Washington. Washington attracts great writers you know. Ron Chernow was compelled to give us a life of Washington while David McCullough gave us 1776, so it’s no surprise to me that the bestselling author team of Bob Drury and Tom Clavin were pulled to Valley Forge. Valley Forge made for one of the greatest chapters of Washington’s celebrated life and contributed immensely to his mystique. Drury and Clavin give it the treatment it deserves in this fine book.
The authors struck the right balance in setting up the famous winter in Valley Forge, telling its story, and describing what followed along with its significance. Part 1 tells us of a series of failures that led into the dismal winter. Wait till you read of Brandywine. That this book ends in great victory makes the whole story something of a microcosm of Washington’s amazing life. He had more losses than most any famous general, yet he always preserved to ultimate victory. Defeat never crushed him, the odds never defied him, and he is the poster child of fearlessness in battle. He could rally men that seemed beyond it. All in all, he makes for thrilling reading as this book turns out to be.
It would be unfair, though, to call this only a biography of an episode of Washington’s life. There are all kinds of heroes and villains to be found. For example, you will despise Charles Lee by book’s end. There’s plenty more across the field among the Redcoats too.
The famous winter is great drama as well. The suffering was real—so real that the victories in the following spring seemed unreal. My only complaint with this book is that the authors were perhaps more skeptical of some of the Christian elements than seemed necessary. I know legends always have a potential of growing, but the evidence of Washington’s genuine Christianity is greater than what’s found here.
If you love either Washington or the Revolutionary War, or for that matter any well-written slice of history, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The authors struck the right balance in setting up the famous winter in Valley Forge, telling its story, and describing what followed along with its significance. Part 1 tells us of a series of failures that led into the dismal winter. Wait till you read of Brandywine. That this book ends in great victory makes the whole story something of a microcosm of Washington’s amazing life. He had more losses than most any famous general, yet he always preserved to ultimate victory. Defeat never crushed him, the odds never defied him, and he is the poster child of fearlessness in battle. He could rally men that seemed beyond it. All in all, he makes for thrilling reading as this book turns out to be.
It would be unfair, though, to call this only a biography of an episode of Washington’s life. There are all kinds of heroes and villains to be found. For example, you will despise Charles Lee by book’s end. There’s plenty more across the field among the Redcoats too.
The famous winter is great drama as well. The suffering was real—so real that the victories in the following spring seemed unreal. My only complaint with this book is that the authors were perhaps more skeptical of some of the Christian elements than seemed necessary. I know legends always have a potential of growing, but the evidence of Washington’s genuine Christianity is greater than what’s found here.
If you love either Washington or the Revolutionary War, or for that matter any well-written slice of history, you will thoroughly enjoy this book.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
March 6, 2019
A pop history that is definitely cashing in on the popularity of the musical Hamilton, as it features characters from the show (Hamilton, Laurens, & Lafayette) more than their actual historical participation should really warrant, often to the exclusion of other important figures. (I love Hamilton, don't get me wrong, but it's historically inaccurate at times, and this book adds fuel to that fire.) Additionally, the authors manage to get some of the background details wrong, and gloss over anything that doesn't fit their narrative. I spotted several completely incorrect facts and a lot of fudging throughout. Far too many of the footnotes in the book refer to secondary sources rather than primary material, which is often a sign of sloppy scholarship.
Last of all, they throw around an awful lot of hyperbolic language that I suppose adds to the melodrama, but reads very oddly in a book that is supposed to be non-fiction. Their descriptions of people and events often sound like they belong in a 30s pulp magazine.
At least the book is fairly compact, it is decently organized, and I think it is probably a good gateway book to more accurate and scholarly works about the American Revolution. I should probably only give this one two stars, but since it was an easy read and I often found the hyperbole funny, I'll be generous and go with three.
Last of all, they throw around an awful lot of hyperbolic language that I suppose adds to the melodrama, but reads very oddly in a book that is supposed to be non-fiction. Their descriptions of people and events often sound like they belong in a 30s pulp magazine.
At least the book is fairly compact, it is decently organized, and I think it is probably a good gateway book to more accurate and scholarly works about the American Revolution. I should probably only give this one two stars, but since it was an easy read and I often found the hyperbole funny, I'll be generous and go with three.
August 19, 2024
Since reading a children's novel set in the Revolutionary War when I was a kid in elementary school, I've been hooked on learning about the Revolution. When I saw that Drury and Clavin had written a new work on Valley Forge, I felt compelled to read it. I kept waiting for the right moment to read it and February with Washington's birthday seemed the right time.
I was delighted to learn more about Washington and the people surrounding him at this time. Valley Forge seems to have developed such mythology over the years and while reading this book I realized that it isn't so much myth as truth. The soldiers were indeed suffering and the Continental Congress and state governors were not inclined to relieve it.
There are many heroic people of this book including Washington, Hamilton, Lafayette, John Laurens and Baron Von Steuben among others. I felt that the authors did a great job in highlighting these leaders.
For anyone who enjoys American History I would highly recommend this book.
I was delighted to learn more about Washington and the people surrounding him at this time. Valley Forge seems to have developed such mythology over the years and while reading this book I realized that it isn't so much myth as truth. The soldiers were indeed suffering and the Continental Congress and state governors were not inclined to relieve it.
There are many heroic people of this book including Washington, Hamilton, Lafayette, John Laurens and Baron Von Steuben among others. I felt that the authors did a great job in highlighting these leaders.
For anyone who enjoys American History I would highly recommend this book.
January 19, 2019
“His presence alone stopped the retreat,” the marquis [de Lafayette] recalled in his memoirs. “His graceful bearing on horseback, his calm and deportment … were all calculated to inspire the highest degree of enthusiasm. I thought then as now that I had never beheld so superb a man.”
Another look at the founding of the United States. While the title implies a focus on the winter of the Revolution’s discontent, the text covers the whole war--in fact, most of the life of George Washington. Because, make no mistake, while there were many other stories involved in our founding, the central and critical role was played by the enigmatic planter from Virginia.
“He apologized to Lafayette for the threadbare clothing and substandard armaments of his troops. Without hesitation the Frenchman replied that he had come to the United States [sic] to learn from the Americans, and not to teach. Washington never forgot the moment.”
Unlike the better histories this one depends on heavily secondary sources. It’s a short cut, but you risk getting a second helping of someone else’s mistakes or prejudices without knowing it. For example, the authors repeat and credit Chernow’s deconstruction of George Washington’s personal faith. On the contrary, surviving documentation points to Washington having a deep and sincere belief in God, if not quite the conventional Christianity of his or our day.
“Before there was a United States, before there was any symbol of that nation--a flag, a Constitution, a national seal--there was Washington.” Garry Willis
Thumbnail biographies of many key characters. Provides depth by investigating the players, politics and problems of the English side of the war. Their occupation of Philadelphia wasn’t one big party.
“All this might have been enough to induce a commander of lesser character to throw up his hands and return home to his wife and family. Washington, needless to say, was not that commander.”
Debunks popular myths, and provides depth to the miracle that the Continental Army didn’t only survive its winter at Valley Forge but emerged stronger and better equipped to confront the increasingly disheartened and distracted British.
“As Washington wrote to his old friend Patrick Henry in Virginia, ‘Next to being strong, it is best to be thought so by the enemy.’”
Another look at the founding of the United States. While the title implies a focus on the winter of the Revolution’s discontent, the text covers the whole war--in fact, most of the life of George Washington. Because, make no mistake, while there were many other stories involved in our founding, the central and critical role was played by the enigmatic planter from Virginia.
“He apologized to Lafayette for the threadbare clothing and substandard armaments of his troops. Without hesitation the Frenchman replied that he had come to the United States [sic] to learn from the Americans, and not to teach. Washington never forgot the moment.”
Unlike the better histories this one depends on heavily secondary sources. It’s a short cut, but you risk getting a second helping of someone else’s mistakes or prejudices without knowing it. For example, the authors repeat and credit Chernow’s deconstruction of George Washington’s personal faith. On the contrary, surviving documentation points to Washington having a deep and sincere belief in God, if not quite the conventional Christianity of his or our day.
“Before there was a United States, before there was any symbol of that nation--a flag, a Constitution, a national seal--there was Washington.” Garry Willis
Thumbnail biographies of many key characters. Provides depth by investigating the players, politics and problems of the English side of the war. Their occupation of Philadelphia wasn’t one big party.
“All this might have been enough to induce a commander of lesser character to throw up his hands and return home to his wife and family. Washington, needless to say, was not that commander.”
Debunks popular myths, and provides depth to the miracle that the Continental Army didn’t only survive its winter at Valley Forge but emerged stronger and better equipped to confront the increasingly disheartened and distracted British.
“As Washington wrote to his old friend Patrick Henry in Virginia, ‘Next to being strong, it is best to be thought so by the enemy.’”
March 14, 2023
I was torn about how to review this book. I expected to love it but did not find it to be a page-turner. These ratings are just about my enjoyment of what I read, and for this book I found that it tried to do too much. Obviously Valley Forge is what it is centered around, but I found that more than half the book did not focus on Valley Forge. It was more of a survey of the Revolutionary War in 1777-1778. There were many short biographical sketches of figures of the time, but I felt that it almost became distracting. I think people who have not read much about this time period would really enjoy this, but those who are well-versed in the history may not find much new.
September 20, 2018
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and it was an advance reader's edition paperback.
For some reason, I love reading about the Revolutionary War and am amazed at the new things I learn with every book. What doesn't change is my amazement that we actually won our independence....
With zero military experience, I really enjoy all of the strategy and planning [or not] that went into a battle. The British, or course, had all the training, experience and the supplies. The Continentals, under General Washington had basically nothing. Hence the Valley Forge book. The conditions were deplorable, plain and simple.
But surprisingly, a lot was learned, such as the inoculation [variolation] for small pox. The underwater time bombs - which admittedly did not work so well, but were tried. And General Washington's trust in those of his inner circle who turned out to be spies and traitors. Some sooner, such as Benedict Arnold, Peggy Shippen, John Andre, and much later discovered, , General Charles Lee, among others. Who could he trust? His subordinates were writing letters behind his back to the continental congress about what a terrible leader he was!
Those who are surprised at today's dealing and shenanigans have never read, much less studied, American [and other] histories.
For some reason, I love reading about the Revolutionary War and am amazed at the new things I learn with every book. What doesn't change is my amazement that we actually won our independence....
With zero military experience, I really enjoy all of the strategy and planning [or not] that went into a battle. The British, or course, had all the training, experience and the supplies. The Continentals, under General Washington had basically nothing. Hence the Valley Forge book. The conditions were deplorable, plain and simple.
But surprisingly, a lot was learned, such as the inoculation [variolation] for small pox. The underwater time bombs - which admittedly did not work so well, but were tried. And General Washington's trust in those of his inner circle who turned out to be spies and traitors. Some sooner, such as Benedict Arnold, Peggy Shippen, John Andre, and much later discovered, , General Charles Lee, among others. Who could he trust? His subordinates were writing letters behind his back to the continental congress about what a terrible leader he was!
Those who are surprised at today's dealing and shenanigans have never read, much less studied, American [and other] histories.
December 29, 2018
Very well researched and written OK, as it was dry and slow moving in some parts in this book on a portion of the Revolutionary War. A 350-page book that might have been better around 250-300 pages. Clavin and Drury (the authors) do a great job explaining just how cold it was in the Winter of 1778 in Pennsylvania. The authors paint a good portrait of what was going on in the lives of important figures like George Washington, Layfette, Alexander Hamilton, Horatio Gates, Nathaniel Greene, etc. Not bad, but not great.
November 14, 2018
Very good book and one that every American should read to see where we have come from as a nation. The author's detail the incredible hardships endured by General Washington, his fellow officers, and the men he led. Had the opportunity to hear Tom Clavin speak about the book and the research involved. He's a friendly man, down to earth, and thorough researcher.
September 21, 2018
Valley Forge is a good and intriguing read based on historical facts. It is easy to read and fast paced. I give it four and a have stars.
November 5, 2019
I did not finish this book. There was way too much detail and it was very slow-moving.
December 31, 2019
This book suffered from a lack of focus. It was just a general history of the period around Valley Forge and did not focus enough on Valley Forge itself.
March 5, 2021
My first thought upon receiving my copy of this 400+ page book was that "this looks like more than I really want to know about Valley Forge." Happily, "Valley Forge"is a short hand term that only serves to situate this history in the middle Atlantic region in the second winter of the Revolutionary war with the focus on the troops under Washington's command so the authors are not constrained to deal with the New England campaigns that preceded it or the Southern campaigns that followed it.
The climactic event is the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse in June 1778 when Gen. Washington's personal intervention is depicted as turning a massive retreat and defeat under the pusillanimous and inept Gen. Charles Lee into a victory as he rallied the troops to fall on the rear guard of the Redcoats withdrawing from Philadelphia to New York. The subsequent years of the war, in which Washington was less involved are summarized, but it is Washington and Lafayette that fascinate the authors.
The chief lesson I drew from Valley Forge is being reminded of the vital importance of the quartermasters and the need to provide the troops with food, shelter, arms, horses etc. without which they can not function effectively. Although crops had been bountiful in 1777, deficiencies in acquisition, motivation, and transportation left the troops unfed and even unclothed.
The second lesson was how many northern officers and politicians sought to seek their personal advancement by undermining Washington, instead promoting their own selfish interests.
The climactic event is the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse in June 1778 when Gen. Washington's personal intervention is depicted as turning a massive retreat and defeat under the pusillanimous and inept Gen. Charles Lee into a victory as he rallied the troops to fall on the rear guard of the Redcoats withdrawing from Philadelphia to New York. The subsequent years of the war, in which Washington was less involved are summarized, but it is Washington and Lafayette that fascinate the authors.
The chief lesson I drew from Valley Forge is being reminded of the vital importance of the quartermasters and the need to provide the troops with food, shelter, arms, horses etc. without which they can not function effectively. Although crops had been bountiful in 1777, deficiencies in acquisition, motivation, and transportation left the troops unfed and even unclothed.
The second lesson was how many northern officers and politicians sought to seek their personal advancement by undermining Washington, instead promoting their own selfish interests.
January 15, 2019
This book relates the story of the Continental Army's encampment at Valley Forge, PA, during the winter of 1777-78. The authors do an excellent job of setting the stage, depicting the strategies and battles that led to the decision to winter at Valley Forge, and they do not flinch from detailing the terrible conditions in the camp. (Interestingly, the winter of 1777-78 was not as severe as many accounts would have it.) The reader then follows the army's departure from Valley Forge, ending with the battle of Monmouth in June 1778. The authors then provide a quick wrap-up of the American Revolution, with details of the subsequent lives of many of the figures who figured largely in the preceding pages. -- The book is well-written (with the authors showing a surprisingly admirable mastery of classical mythological/literary allusions), with just enough maps to illuminate the text. I learned a great deal -- and grew in my appreciation, not only for the hardships the soldiers underwent at Valley Forge, but also for the character and leadership of George Washington, who amply deserves the title "Father of his country."
February 26, 2019
I am a little disappointed because the book is more about the Revolutionary War strategy in the mid-Atlantic region, even though the subtitle is The Heart of Everything That Is Valley Forge. The Continental Army finally settled into Valley Forge in Chester County, Pennsylvania, in 1777, midway through the book.
I did enjoy reading about places I am familiar with at Valley Forge. My daughter lives about 4 blocks from Lord Stirling’s headquarters. I’m also acquainted with Valley Creek, Mount Misery, Duportail Road, Yellow Springs Road, and Washington’s headquarters. Radnor and Wayne, Pennsylvania are mentioned in the book along with strategy sessions at City Tavern in Philadelphia. Valley Forge National Historical Park has a nice museum full of valuable visual and printed information that I enjoyed more than the book.
I did enjoy reading about places I am familiar with at Valley Forge. My daughter lives about 4 blocks from Lord Stirling’s headquarters. I’m also acquainted with Valley Creek, Mount Misery, Duportail Road, Yellow Springs Road, and Washington’s headquarters. Radnor and Wayne, Pennsylvania are mentioned in the book along with strategy sessions at City Tavern in Philadelphia. Valley Forge National Historical Park has a nice museum full of valuable visual and printed information that I enjoyed more than the book.
April 21, 2020
A brisk, not very dense review of the Valley Forge winter. It covers both the run up to the winter and some of the immediate ramifications of that winter in the subsequent phases of battle. I appreciate that it illuminates a specific topic of the war that is shrouded in a lot of myth. The winter and suffering was awful, but the political hoops that Washington and others jumped through and backstory to what caused the suffering is important to understand to fully appreciate both Washington and how on earth we won our independence.
May 19, 2024
As a 37-year LE professional, I tend to stay away from most police procedurals. I find them mostly boring. Take away Joe Pickett, Walt Longmire, Joe Leaphorn, and Jimmy Chee; and my interest level in reading them declines. Now, you can add Harry Bosch to the list of believable characters. Not only is Bosch believable, but Michael Connelly gets the politics of command staff true to form.
July 24, 2020
The winter for the Continental Army at Valley Forge was deplorable. The men had few sources for food, many had shambles of clothing on them, and lots wore in bare feet during a very cold winter in the Pennsylvania encampment. General Washington blamed congress for not providing the necessary staples to support his troops.
However, as spring approached things brightened. First, they found corruption and incompetence at the Quartermaster office. Civilians ran the Quartermaster for the Army. The Quartermaster was supposed to provide food and clothing for the soldiers. The failed had miserably at it.
This changed when Washington convinced congress to appoint General Nathaniel Greene to head the Quartermaster Unit. In his first week in charge of the Unit, Greene had delivered a wagon full of food and clothing to the soldiers at Valley Forge.
Secondly, Baron Von Steuben appeared and brought with him Prussian discipline to the troops. He said, “Americans need to know why they are told to do something.” He explained why and things changed at the camp. They cleaned the camp up and drilled constantly. Almost everyone at the camp was impressed with Steuben.
In the meantime, British General Howe wanted to retire. He had enough of trying to defeat America and failing at it. Also, after the stunning victory at Saratoga, plus Benjamin Franklin’s and Silas Dean’s charming King Louis XVI, the French were convinced to help our American cause. The British wanted to concentrate on defeating France and gave the Americans an offer that included the repeal of the coercive acts and representation in the House of Commons. Washington thought they were trying to take the spirit out of our fighting citizens so he rejected it.
When General Clinton took over he was ordered to evacuate Philadelphia and move into New York. Washington and his council decide to attack Clinton’s rear on their advance. He puts General Lee, who recently was returned to the Continental Army after being captured, in charge of it. General Lee sees the British troops and runs away from them. Washington comes in and the sight of him had inspired the troops so they rally and win an important battle of Monmouth Court House.
Washington devised another plan to have General Greene lead a command through the South. He engaged with the British General Cornwallis troops a few times but retreated and disappeared before they could get hurt. He eventually led them to Charleston exhausted from the chase. The French ships took over Charleston harbor and our Army came down from the North. Cornwallis was trapped and he had no choice to surrender. The Treaty of Paris is signed and a new Country is formed.
However, as spring approached things brightened. First, they found corruption and incompetence at the Quartermaster office. Civilians ran the Quartermaster for the Army. The Quartermaster was supposed to provide food and clothing for the soldiers. The failed had miserably at it.
This changed when Washington convinced congress to appoint General Nathaniel Greene to head the Quartermaster Unit. In his first week in charge of the Unit, Greene had delivered a wagon full of food and clothing to the soldiers at Valley Forge.
Secondly, Baron Von Steuben appeared and brought with him Prussian discipline to the troops. He said, “Americans need to know why they are told to do something.” He explained why and things changed at the camp. They cleaned the camp up and drilled constantly. Almost everyone at the camp was impressed with Steuben.
In the meantime, British General Howe wanted to retire. He had enough of trying to defeat America and failing at it. Also, after the stunning victory at Saratoga, plus Benjamin Franklin’s and Silas Dean’s charming King Louis XVI, the French were convinced to help our American cause. The British wanted to concentrate on defeating France and gave the Americans an offer that included the repeal of the coercive acts and representation in the House of Commons. Washington thought they were trying to take the spirit out of our fighting citizens so he rejected it.
When General Clinton took over he was ordered to evacuate Philadelphia and move into New York. Washington and his council decide to attack Clinton’s rear on their advance. He puts General Lee, who recently was returned to the Continental Army after being captured, in charge of it. General Lee sees the British troops and runs away from them. Washington comes in and the sight of him had inspired the troops so they rally and win an important battle of Monmouth Court House.
Washington devised another plan to have General Greene lead a command through the South. He engaged with the British General Cornwallis troops a few times but retreated and disappeared before they could get hurt. He eventually led them to Charleston exhausted from the chase. The French ships took over Charleston harbor and our Army came down from the North. Cornwallis was trapped and he had no choice to surrender. The Treaty of Paris is signed and a new Country is formed.
January 15, 2021
I gave this book a one star and I don't give books a one star often so I would like to explain.
Valley Forge was, as many people were saying, not specifically about Valley Forge and more of all the history surrounding this specific time span in American history, which in a way, it does a good job. There is a lot of interesting little bits of information scattered around the book like Washington apparently had an early form of vaccinations for his troops that was not common at all in Western culture and apparently the Revolutionary War saw early submarine warfare which I thought didn't happen until the Civil War. It also gives insight to how cold Pennsylvania is in January and February, like, a lot, as well as just giving a feel of what rural colonial America was like. It was interesting.
The biggest problem for me was this book wasn't engaging mainly because there wasn't much of a focus on the human element. All of the characters of the Revolution were given short little 2 or 3 page biographies like Hamilton, Lafayette, Nathaniel Greene, and Henry Lee III (the father of Robert E. Lee) though these short, barely informative backgrounds was about all we got. Nothing much else. There was a bit of insight into Washington though the way Washington was written was just as too perfect which I think is a problem with Washington narratives in general.
The people whose stories got told were just names almost which is a serious problem when writing history. History, to me, is the story of people, not events. This was the story of an event, not people. Which sounds stupid considering this book is clearly titled Valley Forge though I expected it to be the story of the people of Valley Forge, not a list names recognizable from currency and rural county entering signs who just so happened to be cold with Washington and got to shoot a bit of Brits.
I would give a book I think is better covering this time period though my interest and knowledge of American history really picks up during the Age of Jackson. American Lion by Jon Meacham (about Jackson) goes briefly into the Revolutionary War and I am currently reading David McCullough's bio on John Adams and think it is doing a much better job telling the story of the Revolution so far.
Valley Forge was, as many people were saying, not specifically about Valley Forge and more of all the history surrounding this specific time span in American history, which in a way, it does a good job. There is a lot of interesting little bits of information scattered around the book like Washington apparently had an early form of vaccinations for his troops that was not common at all in Western culture and apparently the Revolutionary War saw early submarine warfare which I thought didn't happen until the Civil War. It also gives insight to how cold Pennsylvania is in January and February, like, a lot, as well as just giving a feel of what rural colonial America was like. It was interesting.
The biggest problem for me was this book wasn't engaging mainly because there wasn't much of a focus on the human element. All of the characters of the Revolution were given short little 2 or 3 page biographies like Hamilton, Lafayette, Nathaniel Greene, and Henry Lee III (the father of Robert E. Lee) though these short, barely informative backgrounds was about all we got. Nothing much else. There was a bit of insight into Washington though the way Washington was written was just as too perfect which I think is a problem with Washington narratives in general.
The people whose stories got told were just names almost which is a serious problem when writing history. History, to me, is the story of people, not events. This was the story of an event, not people. Which sounds stupid considering this book is clearly titled Valley Forge though I expected it to be the story of the people of Valley Forge, not a list names recognizable from currency and rural county entering signs who just so happened to be cold with Washington and got to shoot a bit of Brits.
I would give a book I think is better covering this time period though my interest and knowledge of American history really picks up during the Age of Jackson. American Lion by Jon Meacham (about Jackson) goes briefly into the Revolutionary War and I am currently reading David McCullough's bio on John Adams and think it is doing a much better job telling the story of the Revolution so far.
July 31, 2020
If you're looking for a light vacation read, you might want to consider Valley Forge. If you're looking for a scholarly treatment, it's definitely not for you. The book actually encompasses the battles of Saratoga, Brandywine, Paoli, and Germantown. I used to live in Chadds Ford Township (PA) and, being interested in military history, did some reading on the battle of Brandywine. My understanding of the battle, and the scenario laid out in the book, differ quite a bit. The book isn't footnoted; there are "notes" for reference in the back of the book. Equating the notes with the text is no easy matter, one has to comb through the text for a short phrase in the notes. About half the notes are secondary sources, the other half primary sources. One note I was interested in, "Now, however, the majority of Sullivan's soldiers" is, believe it or not, an internet site. I typed in the indicated url and got a "not found". I found the site itself (wtj.com stands for War Times Journal) and drilled down to the article on Brandywine. It was written by Edward G. Lengel. No explanation of who he is or why he is qualified to write about the battle. He lists sources, all of which are secondary. Actually, his treatment of the battle is a lot closer to my understanding, than Drury's and Clavin's. There is no explanation on the War Times Journal site regarding how they vet articles on the site. The home page contains typos and misspellings which gives you some indication of the care put into information found on the site. Essentially the battle was a rout, a total breakdown of intelligence gathering on Washington's part. There were individual units that stood and fought, but many more that hightailed it and ran. I guess the authors of Valley Forge were looking for a lighter treatment of the battle and didn't want to disparage the father of our country. Vacationers wouldn't be pleased. I have issues with their treatment of Saratoga also, but that's a subject for another day.
October 1, 2018
This is a wonderfully concise description of the event leading up to and the travails of Valley Forge. The authors have made a readable and enjoyable almost novel=like book that is hard to put down even if you know already what happened. The only irritant was the strange use of typography symbols to point to footnotes. They used the same symbols in each chapter, just adding to the number of symbols for each following chapter, such as %, %%, %%%, %%%%, etc.
May 7, 2019
A well researched history on the events prior, during and following Washington's harsh Winter at Valley Forge during the American Revolution. It took tremendous leadership skills to keep the army together in terrible conditions with a total lack of items needed to be an effective fighting unit (like food). I really loved learning about lesser known men like Nathaniel Greene and Baron Steuben (and King Louis the 16th) who were crucial to the American victory. A must read for history buffs.
August 11, 2019
I have mixed emotions about this book! While I learned much and was super impressed by the level of research, it was also a bit of a snooze fest. I found myself dozing off each night as I read. Also, I will say I consulted a dictionary more times than I could count as I ran across a plethora of words I wasn’t familiar with! If nothing else, my admiration and gratitude towards my history hunk, George Washington, grew 100 fold! Where would we Americans be without him?
November 17, 2018
The topic is certainly interesting. If the author had not tried so hard to show off his vocabulary and his Thesaurus using skills it would have been a much better read. As a result, it was difficult to read. I appreciate his insight into strategy and what Washington might have been thinking. I am a history lover, particularly, Revolutionary history, but I would not recommend this book.
May 30, 2021
Yes, definitely a 5. Valley Forge was a pivotal point in our quest for independence. The authors do a great job in describing the challenges and conditions the men went through. They also give you a insight into the how the leaders, Washington, Lafayette, Steuben and Hamilton, handled the hardships of that winter.
I look forward to reading The Last Stand of Fox Company by these same authors.
I look forward to reading The Last Stand of Fox Company by these same authors.
November 20, 2018
Very detailed and exciting. Sad but also told very well.
July 24, 2019
This is an enjoyable, relatively short (350 pages) narrative that examines the Continental Army's harrowing experience in the winter of 1777-1778 in the now iconic encampment called Valley Forge. While it took me a few chapters to get used to the authors somewhat flowery and informal writing, in the end I did acclimate myself and found the book to be a very positive experience. The writers do a nice job of providing just enough background to the reader concerning the events of that winter to give context to the book's main themes without bogging the story down with details of the entire war. The campaign of the summer of 1777, in which Howe defeated Washington in a series of battles, is examined pretty thoroughly, and for me it was a trip down memory lane, as I grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania. (In fact, while I was reading the book I visited my daughter in Philadelphia and we took a trip out to the military park, which I had not visited in close to fifteen years. Seeing the layout of the terrain really helped me to visualize much of the remaining narrative.) The bulk of the book is spent describing the sometimes horrific account of that winter, during which Washington's soldiers had to deal with despicable sanitation conditions, little food, deteriorating clothing, and an almost terminal decline in morale. The authors make a convincing case that as the Continental Congress was twiddling their thumbs in York, Pennsylvania (the British were occupying Philadelphia) it truly was Washington's leadership that kept the American Revolution alive. It is easy to get sucked into a sense of historical determinism and to believe that, of course, Washington had to succeed- he is the "father of the country" isn't he? But the book shows just how many obstacles he had to overcome, including a growing lack of confidence in his leadership among the politicians, as well as a number of his fellow generals maneuvering to replace him. In addition, the reader becomes familiar with the contributions of a whole host of supporting characters, including Alexander Hamilton, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Baron von Steuben. The book ends with the 1778 Battle of Monmouth Courthouse in New Jersey (in which both sides claimed victory), an encounter that took place after the British had "retreated" from Philadelphia. History often points to the 1777 Battle of Saratoga as the "turning point" of the war, as it led to the alliance with France, but the book makes a good case that during the following winter Washington's army very well could have disappeared and that French alliance would have been meaningless. The post 1778 phase of the war is hardly touched upon, but that was not the authors' purview. They set out to analyze the significance of the winter at Valley Forge, and in that they succeeded.
August 2, 2020
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.25 of 5
I am finding that the older I get the more I have started to enjoy reading non-fiction, specifically biographies and histories. And if you had ever suggested to my younger self that I would ever enjoy history, I would have laughed in your face. Ah, how we change.
Admittedly, part of my interest in this particular book comes from having lived for almost a decade in the New Windsor, New York area (home to Washington's cantonment - his last encampment) where Revolutionary War history is all around. Also, my visit to Valley Forge with my young family is still something we talk about. And also, strange as it may sound, there's an art museum in my community that has (owns) the Washington Crossing the Delaware painting that once hung in the White House. How can you not be inspired to know more about Washington, the Revolutionary War, and perhaps one of the most famous encampments, when you gaze at such representations of history?
Not too long ago I read another book by co-author Tom Clavin (Tombstone) and just as I found with that book, here too I thought that the research that was done is just remarkable. The authors mention in their epilogue that George Washington and his aides produced 17,000 official documents, and having that much material direct from the subject, even though it is more than 200 years old, is certainly a tremendous resource.
There is a lot of detail here and it can be overwhelming (which is probably the number one reason I grew up disliking history) but for those who really enjoy reading and learning about all this history (my son would be one of those), then this is an absolute treasure.
I definitely came away with a better understanding of what it was like to be at Valley Forge with George Washington and his army, but I also came away with a new picture of the man George Washington and what he had to endure (from both sides of the war) and how impressive it is that he came out as he did.
And perhaps for those who already know history pretty well (I am not one of them) this maybe is old, common information, but I have a better understanding of what foreign governments, specifically France, contributed to the successful outcome (for the Americans) to the war. I attribute my learning of these things to the solid presentation of the material by authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin.
Looking for a good book? Making history accessible and memorable is an art and the artists, Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, have done a wonderful job with their book, Valley Forge.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I am finding that the older I get the more I have started to enjoy reading non-fiction, specifically biographies and histories. And if you had ever suggested to my younger self that I would ever enjoy history, I would have laughed in your face. Ah, how we change.
Admittedly, part of my interest in this particular book comes from having lived for almost a decade in the New Windsor, New York area (home to Washington's cantonment - his last encampment) where Revolutionary War history is all around. Also, my visit to Valley Forge with my young family is still something we talk about. And also, strange as it may sound, there's an art museum in my community that has (owns) the Washington Crossing the Delaware painting that once hung in the White House. How can you not be inspired to know more about Washington, the Revolutionary War, and perhaps one of the most famous encampments, when you gaze at such representations of history?
Not too long ago I read another book by co-author Tom Clavin (Tombstone) and just as I found with that book, here too I thought that the research that was done is just remarkable. The authors mention in their epilogue that George Washington and his aides produced 17,000 official documents, and having that much material direct from the subject, even though it is more than 200 years old, is certainly a tremendous resource.
There is a lot of detail here and it can be overwhelming (which is probably the number one reason I grew up disliking history) but for those who really enjoy reading and learning about all this history (my son would be one of those), then this is an absolute treasure.
I definitely came away with a better understanding of what it was like to be at Valley Forge with George Washington and his army, but I also came away with a new picture of the man George Washington and what he had to endure (from both sides of the war) and how impressive it is that he came out as he did.
And perhaps for those who already know history pretty well (I am not one of them) this maybe is old, common information, but I have a better understanding of what foreign governments, specifically France, contributed to the successful outcome (for the Americans) to the war. I attribute my learning of these things to the solid presentation of the material by authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin.
Looking for a good book? Making history accessible and memorable is an art and the artists, Bob Drury and Tom Clavin, have done a wonderful job with their book, Valley Forge.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2022
There's honestly not much I can really say other than the fact that this is another well-written, well-researched, military history book that I thoroughly enjoyed. After consuming similar volumes like 1776 and In the Hurricane's Eye, I am now getting a very good feel of the political and military realities of the American Revolution, and it's inspiring me to read or listen to some of the more famous biographies that have sprung up and have had TV shows made of them such as John Adams and Hamilton.
Valley Forge itself focuses mostly of course on the brutal winter encampment that Washington and his army used during the winter of 1777-1778, but it does provide context to the military campaigns and political machinations before and after American forces hunkered down for the cold weather months. Across these two years, the reader is introduced to a large cast of familiar Revolutionary War characters as well as many who are not so well known. One gets the feeling, especially when discussing casualties or the experiences of particular individuals or groups (African American soldiers in particular), that the authors wish for much more detail to come about in their research. Any good historian or history buff wishes the same, and I feel that yearning for more as well while reading this book. Unfortunately, many of these details are likely forever lost to history.
But what information is present does paint a clearly authentic picture of the desperate situation Washington found himself in as the nascent rebellion in the 13 colonies nearly succumbed to the deep freeze in Valley Forge. I was shocked at how the army was in a constant state of falling apart and yet seemed to survive anyway. I believe the book explicitly states that other armies at the time would have absolutely disbanded or reorganized elsewhere. The sacrifices made at Valley Forge are an inspiration to those who study it today.
A high recommend from me for anyone interested in American history and military history. I would also like to note the somewhat humorous coincidence that for the Audible audiobook version the narrator, Jeremy Bobb, sounds quite similar to Steve Downes who is the voice of Master Chief from the Halo videogame series. I eventually adjusted but it was fun for a while to imagine the futuristic super-soldier savior of humanity reading a history book to me.
Valley Forge itself focuses mostly of course on the brutal winter encampment that Washington and his army used during the winter of 1777-1778, but it does provide context to the military campaigns and political machinations before and after American forces hunkered down for the cold weather months. Across these two years, the reader is introduced to a large cast of familiar Revolutionary War characters as well as many who are not so well known. One gets the feeling, especially when discussing casualties or the experiences of particular individuals or groups (African American soldiers in particular), that the authors wish for much more detail to come about in their research. Any good historian or history buff wishes the same, and I feel that yearning for more as well while reading this book. Unfortunately, many of these details are likely forever lost to history.
But what information is present does paint a clearly authentic picture of the desperate situation Washington found himself in as the nascent rebellion in the 13 colonies nearly succumbed to the deep freeze in Valley Forge. I was shocked at how the army was in a constant state of falling apart and yet seemed to survive anyway. I believe the book explicitly states that other armies at the time would have absolutely disbanded or reorganized elsewhere. The sacrifices made at Valley Forge are an inspiration to those who study it today.
A high recommend from me for anyone interested in American history and military history. I would also like to note the somewhat humorous coincidence that for the Audible audiobook version the narrator, Jeremy Bobb, sounds quite similar to Steve Downes who is the voice of Master Chief from the Halo videogame series. I eventually adjusted but it was fun for a while to imagine the futuristic super-soldier savior of humanity reading a history book to me.
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