From Trenton to Yorktown

Turning Points of the Revolutionary War

By: John R. Maass

Narrated by: Jeff Harding

Bloomsbury presents From Trenton to Yorktown by John R. Maass, read by Jeff Harding.

This sweeping narrative is an astute exploration of the five critical military events that changed the outcome of the Revolutionary war.

For eight grueling years, American and British military forces struggled in a bloody war over colonial independence. This conflict also ensnared Native American warriors and the armies and navies of France, Spain, the Dutch Republic, and several German principalities. From frozen Canada to tropical Florida and as far west as the Mississippi River, the Revolutionary War included hundreds of campaigns, battles, and skirmishes on land and sea in which soldiers and sailors fought and died for causes, crowns, and comrades.

In this masterful, yet accessible narrative of America’s fight for liberty, John R. Maass identifies the five decisive events that secured independence for the 13 hard-pressed but determined colonies. These include not only the obvious military victories such as Trenton, Princeton, and Yorktown but also the leadership and reforms that ensured Washington’s forces were capable of enduring the harsh conditions of the winter of 1778. Similarly, King Louis XVI’s decision to supply Continental troops during the Saratoga Campaign with desperately needed soldiers, arms, money, and fleets is also detailed as a key factor.

These turning points, not all of them triumphs on the battlefield, delivered a victory for the new United States. By challenging conventional interpretations of what ensures victory in warfare, From Trenton to Yorktown offers a fresh perspective on the Revolutionary War.

©2025 John R. Maass (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Five Key Moments in the Revolutionary War

I wish there were more books like this on various topics. Narrative histories can get bogged down in less important events. Biographies can be too narrow. This covers the key events of the war and explains why they were so important to the outcome. Yes, it does leave out some big parts of the war like Lexington & Concord and Bunker Hill but it is worth it to me to get a big picture view of why the Americans triumphed.

The events focused on are:
1) Trenton and Princeton
2) Saratoga
3) Valley Forge
4) Guilford Courthouse
5) Yorktown

Very insightful and I left feeling I had a good understanding of a war that frankly has always confused me a bit unlike say the Civil War and WWII.

The narration is solid.

great follow up to 1776

I wanted to get more insight after reading 1776. chronologically this worked out perfect covering from when that book ended (trenton/princeton) to obviously yorktown. Really enjoyed this. However attacking other historians and authors in the last chapter was odd to me ? However would recommend

Pointless

Don’t know why this book was published. Pathetic, whiny, and the worst narrator. Just awful!