Download Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence AudioBook Free
With this gripping chronicle of America's struggle for freedom, award-winning historian John Ferling transports listeners to the grim realities of that war, taking an eight-year issue filled up with heroism, hurting, cowardice, betrayal, and brutal commitment. As Ferling shows, it was a conflict that America came much nearer to losing than is currently usually remembered. Basic George Washington put it best when he said that the American win was "little short of a standing wonder." Almost a Miracle provides an illuminating portrait of America's triumph, offering stunning descriptions of all the major engagements, disclosing how these fights often hinged on intangibles such as leadership under flame, heroism, good fortune, blunders, tenacity, and surprise. The author paints sharp-eyed portraits of the key numbers in the conflict, including Basic Washington and other American officials and civilian leaders. Some do not necessarily measure up with their iconic reputations, including Washington himself. Others, like the quirky, acerbic Charles Lee, are seen in a far greater light than normal. The reserve also examines the countless faceless men who soldiered, often for a long time at a time, braving untold risks and enduring abounding miseries. Ferling's narrative is also filled up with compassion for the men who comprised the United kingdom military and who, like their American counterparts, battled and died at an amazing rate in this severe war. Nor does Ferling disregard the naval war, talking about dangerous patrols and grand and stunning naval actions. Finally, Almost a Miracle requires listeners inside the legislative chambers and plush offices of diplomats to show you many decisions that modified the course of this war. The storyplot that unfolds is at times an account of folly, sometimes one of appalling misinformation and misunderstandings, and now and then one of insightful and dauntless statesmanship.
