Valley Forge

By: Bob Drury, Tom Clavin

Narrated by: Jeremy Bobb

The #1 New York Times bestselling authors of The Heart of Everything That Is return with “a thorough, nuanced, and enthralling account” (The Wall Street Journal) about one of the most inspiring—and underappreciated—chapters in American history: the Continental Army’s six-month transformation in Valley Forge.

In December 1777, some 12,000 members of America’s Continental Army stagger into a small Pennsylvania encampment near British-occupied Philadelphia. Their commander in chief, George Washington, is at the lowest ebb of his military career. Yet, somehow, Washington, with a dedicated coterie of advisers, sets out to breathe new life into his military force. Against all odds, they manage to turn a bobtail army of citizen soldiers into a professional fighting force that will change the world forever.

Valley Forge is the story of how that metamorphosis occurred. Bestselling authors Bob Drury and Tom Clavin show us how this miracle was accomplished despite thousands of American soldiers succumbing to disease, starvation, and the elements. At the center of it all is George Washington as he fends off pernicious political conspiracies. The Valley Forge winter is his—and the revolution’s—last chance at redemption. And after six months in the camp, Washington fulfills his destiny, leading the Continental Army to a stunning victory in the Battle of Monmouth Court House.

Valley Forge is the riveting true story of a nascent 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—Drury and Clavin provide a “gripping, panoramic account” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) of the definitive account of this seminal and previously undervalued moment in the battle for American independence.

Excellent historical treatment!

Excellent historical treatment of a period in the Revolutionary War where so much myth is discussed as fact. A well done treatment of that period in the war.

Liked the book

Didn’t finish this before we visited Valley Forge for the first time recently. It helped put people and places in perspective. Enjoyed listening to this.

Wonderful!

One of the best books I have come across!
You won’t be disappointed. It is great.

From a thread to fabric

What I learned of Valley Forge in High School was a mere thread of history.
With the in depth of this page turner of a book, the authors took that thread and wove a tale so engaging as to turn it to a full fabric, revealing the larger than life struggles and triumph of our nation's 'father'.

A joy to read

Very well researched and written. I listened to the excellent audio production every chance I got and was sad when it ended. Even non-history buffs will enjoy this book.