Revolution on the Hudson: New York City and the Hudson River Valley in the American War of Independence

This book was a revelation, I bought it to learn more about the Revolutionary War and New York and got so much more. It is a fantastic read, tells a great story, really fills in a lot of holes about the overall war from 40,000 feet, but still provides real interesting detail about the entire war. I even learned new facts about Benedict Arnold, that he was just as effective a leader for the Brits after turning than he had been for our side. What a tragically flawed human being, he could have been a president of the United States if he wasnt so vane.

When I bought this book I was expecting to learn more about the frontier fights in the Mohawk Valley, the partisan warfare which went on for years around Westchester County and the development of the stronghold at West Point, but this book doesnt really delve into those items. In the opening, closing, and places in the book, the author makes the point that the British fixated on a flawed strategy of seizing the Hudson to separate the New England colonies from the others, but there isnt a detailed analysis of why this strategy is flawed. This is a good readable review of the American Revolution, but this doesnt live up to the promise of its title.

Although it was a detailed history of the Revolution, I found it boring to read because it had so much small detail, it became almost overbearing. It read like a history book written for historians. No doubt the author had done a great amount of research to uncover such detail about the battles, it just didnt flow well. It did give a very interesting picture into the court of King George and the assumptions they made about America, which lead them to underestimate the desire of the patriots to be free of English rule. The descriptions of the difficulty that George Washington had in obtaining funds to pay the army was an eye opener. The book was just not an easy read.

Not a bad overall history of the Revolution, but not specifically about the Hudson River or Valley. It includes an overview of battles fought in that region and why it was important to both sides, but only as a general overview. I didnt find it overloaded with detail and didnt learn anything goes new but I do recommend it for someone looking to read a good, general book about the war.

I listened to the book on audio. I enjoyed it and its well written and read. Like others, I feel the work strays from the title and theme though. It often drifts from the NYC and New York State war action into other places the war was fought. I understand some exposition is required but I really felt at times it became a general survey of the war in total.

Very interesting as to how things came together to enable the patriots to defeat England and how very close the British came to winning. Much about the British errors and personalities. The writing was a bit stilted possibly to put the reader in an 18th century mindset. It also showed how the American Congress and the elites began screwing the citizens early on.

I decided to write a quick review of this book and was surprised to see a one star review when I thought it was so good. Had to shake my head when I saw that the one star review was written by someone who had not read the book but only looked in the index...The book itself successfully straddles that fine line of providing all the historical detail you could want while still telling a story that keeps your adrenaline pumping. Daughan brings the Revolution alive and I doubt there will be any Revolution buff who fails to have an I never knew that! moment. Definitely worth your while whether your interest in the Revolution is casual or complex.

Great book-very informative and well written--about an interesting era in our History. As a History buff, I enjoy reading about the Revolution and how it could have gone very wrong for the future of our country. Especially interesting was the part pl;ayed by Benedict Arnold in this book as well as other books concerning his history and why he chose to betray his country. George Rosner

This book is exciting and insightful and a must-read for anyone who enjoys learning about the American Revolution. It is also great if you have an interest in the history of NYCity and State. It is a compelling read by a top-notch historian.

I love reading books on the American Revolution and the early days in the formation of a government for this country.. Each author seems to bring a different look to the events, intentions and people involved. Daughan does so as well. His pace does drag. He does paint George Washington as an indecisive leader, who could not make decisions, general making poor ones as he did. From his view the American or British seldom engaged in battle. Always backing off for various reasons. it is a wonder we won the war if you accept his narrative. There is something to be learned from this book about American History. If more people had awareness of how deeply our founding fathers were committed to the birth of our nation perhaps more proper would be more respectful today.