“A superb retelling of the story of Valley Forge and its aftermath, demonstrating that reality is far more compelling than myth.” – Gordon S. Wood
The defining moments of the American Revolution did not occur on the battlefield or at the diplomatic table, writes New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming, but at Valley Forge. Fleming transports us to December 1777. While the British army … British army lives in luxury in conquered Philadelphia, Washington’s troops huddle in the barracks of Valley Forge, fending off starvation and disease even as threats of mutiny swirl through the regiments. Though his army stands on the edge of collapse, George Washington must wage a secondary war, this one against the slander of his reputation as a general and patriot. Washington strategizes not only against the British army but against General Horatio Gates, the victor in the Battle of Saratoga, who has attracted a coterie of ambitious generals devising ways to humiliate and embarrass Washington into resignation.
Using diaries and letters, Fleming creates an unforgettable portrait of an embattled Washington. Far from the long-suffering stoic of historical myth, Washington responds to attacks from Gates and his allies with the skill of a master politician. He parries the thrusts of his covert enemies, and, as necessary, strikes back with ferocity and guile. While many histories portray Washington as a man who has transcended politics, Fleming’s Washington is exceedingly complex, a man whose political maneuvering allowed him to retain his command even as he simultaneously struggled to prevent the Continental Army from dissolving into mutiny at Valley Forge.
Written with his customary flair and eye for human detail and drama, Thomas Fleming’s gripping narrative develops with the authority of a major historian and the skills of a master storyteller. Washington’s Secret War is not only a revisionist view of the American ordeal at Valley Forge – it calls for a new assessment of the man too often simplified into an American legend. This is narrative history at its best and most vital.
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A new angle on Washington during the winter of Valley Forge. Focused on his skills as a politician at a critical time in his relationship with the Continental Congress.
This book covers a mostly untalked about aspect of that time period. It explains a lot about how the war was fought, details are included that I never read about before. Washington became the father of our country, through much personal suffering, he wasn’t born as such. There are examples of doctrinal belief being followed at the expense of winning the war,that today’s politics mirror.
Great historical novel.
very well researched, revealing many behind the scenes intrigues that have escaped many other history books… all this in an even paced writing style that draws the reader in and maintains interest; a great historic page turner.
If one has doubts that God intervened in history to establish this nation, (s)he need only read these pages and consider the many impediments Washington and other founding fathers faced in winning our independence and eventually founding a successful — quite unique or original — form of republican government.
Just when I thought I knew how great George Washington was, this book comes out and takes his achievements to a whole new level.
George Washington was an ever greater man than I knew. If you want to understand how bad things really got for the Americans during our War of Independence and how fortunate we were to have had a man of Washington’s character working so hard to get us through it, then read this book.
Thought-provoking. The interference of internal politics and political theory resulted in so much unnecessary death and suffering and almost lost us the revolution. Definitely worth reading.
Many new insights.
Interesting historical read!
Very interesting.
Well written account of little known dynamics behind the scene at Valley Forge. A little slow at the start but very engaging for the last half
Excellent look behind the scenes of American history. Well written
I thought I knew Washington but this book provided information that I was unaware of. Interesting and very well written.
I learned quite a bit from this volume about the winter Washington & his troops spent at valley Forge. The wonderful detail about the personalities of the various people involved in this piece of our history was intriguing! Reminded me of today’s politics, so I guess it’s true that some things never change.
It was a very informative read with several sub plots.
Well-researched and well-written! As a long-time student of US History, I found this volume to be very enlightening, giving the reader an even greater appreciation of Washington and the challenges he faced during the winter at Valley Forge. Highly recommend!!