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Almost a Miracle
- The American Victory in the War of Independence
- Narrated by: David Baker
- Length: 26 hrs and 57 mins
- Categories: History, Americas
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In this stirring audiobook, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence, when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper.
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In this monumental history of the First World War, Germany's leading historian of the 20th century's first great catastrophe explains the war's origins, course, and consequences. With an unrivaled combination of depth and global reach, Pandora's Box reveals how profoundly the war shaped the world to come. Jörn Leonhard treats the clash of arms with a sure feel for grand strategy, the everyday tactics of dynamic movement and slow attrition, the race for ever more destructive technologies, and the grim experiences of frontline soldiers.
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Extraordinary achievement.
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Summary
In this gripping chronicle of America's struggle for independence, award-winning historian John Ferling transports listeners to the grim realities of that war, capturing an eight-year conflict filled with heroism, suffering, cowardice, betrayal, and fierce dedication. As Ferling demonstrates, it was a war that America came much closer to losing than is now usually remembered. General George Washington put it best when he said that the American victory was "little short of a standing miracle."
Almost a Miracle offers an illuminating portrait of America's triumph, offering vivid descriptions of all the major engagements, revealing how these battles often hinged on intangibles such as leadership under fire, heroism, good fortune, blunders, tenacity, and surprise. The author paints sharp-eyed portraits of the key figures in the war, including General Washington and other American officers and civilian leaders. Some do not always measure up to their iconic reputations, including Washington himself.
Others, such as the quirky, acerbic Charles Lee, are seen in a much better light than usual. The book also examines the many faceless men who soldiered, often for years on end, braving untold dangers and enduring abounding miseries. Ferling's narrative is also filled with compassion for the men who comprised the British army and who, like their American counterparts, struggled and died at an astonishing rate in this harsh war. Nor does Ferling ignore the naval war, describing dangerous patrols and grand and dazzling naval actions. Finally, Almost a Miracle takes listeners inside the legislative chambers and plush offices of diplomats to reveal countless decisions that altered the course of this war. The story that unfolds is at times a tale of folly, at times one of appalling misinformation and confusion, and now and then one of insightful and dauntless statesmanship.
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What listeners say about Almost a Miracle
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Ariel
- 31-08-17
Comprehensive introduction to America's independen
This was an excellent introduction for someone who knew his basics about America’s war of independence from films. Some readers complained that the author was somehow biased against Washington. For someone constantly wary of the tiresome bias and revisionism of “modern” historians and “social science” pundits, this book didn’t seem particularly biased; on the contrary, it seemed to present a well-balanced analysis. The prose was good and engaging, made me feel emotional at some points. I am happy to have listened this audiobook.
2 people found this helpful
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- Jamie Cowan
- 20-02-19
Excellent!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I listen to a lot of historic non-fiction, though this one was surprisingly easy to follow, along with unbiased and quite detailed descriptions of battles as well as how events affected commanders and politicians and so forth.
I find this actually driven my interest in the early economics of the US, like how it continued to develop and find its way after the revolution, hopefully there are other such books!
1 person found this helpful
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- Thomas Savoury
- 10-08-20
Excellent book
Interesting from the first to the last work. Exceptionally well researched an impartial look at a complex and confusing war.
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- Ajp68
- 15-10-19
above average
overall a good account of the war for independence but it was slightly spoiled by sometimes poor recording quality and a slight bias in the narrative toward the American causel
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- Mark
- 30-12-18
A great book
I loved this book. It kept me engaged through out and when I finished it I wanted to start all over again.
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- Kindle Customer
- 05-08-15
Superb Military History of the American Revolution
A well done example of one of the finest military histories of the American revolution. Rich in detail and story, both individual personalities and background as well as politics and campaign. One of the best I've read.
4 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 22-11-15
Dramatic Backstory of The War for Independence
An impressive work that draws upon recent historical analysis to show that there was every reason to suppose at the time that the war effort would fail, but that owing to curious juxtapositions of people and events, all the evidence of a miraculous intervention, the darkest prospects suddenly turned to the most glorious triumph. The book conveys an understanding of that crucial period that underlines the hard challenges that Americans faced and the inspiration of George Washington's stellar perseverance and upright character that enabled both military and civilian segments of the population to endure. A most interesting aspect of the book is the insight into the political situations in England, especially after the British disaster at Yorktown. If you want a sweeping understanding of the miracle that established American independence, you would not be disappointed in taking the time to read or listen to this book.
6 people found this helpful
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- Lil Tiger
- 04-10-16
Tells a story we should all know.
I am unabashedly a history buff. This book of our beginning is so greatly defined that I found one thing missing for me ... a map to follow and mark as the story unfolded. No sugar coating here, just a darned good story! Oh yes, and loved the ending.
2 people found this helpful
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- Actuary_E
- 05-05-14
Moving and well-researched but overly critical
Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
Yes. It is a strong history of the war and its many sub-plots. Its strengths include thorough coverage of "the other side" (Britain) and the way in which it alternates between chronological history and related themes. For example, the author follows the description of a battle with a detour into prisoner of war conditions.
The author seemed overly critical of American leaders. Washington was an imperfect general (who wasn't) but praise is given begrudgingly and criticism is dished out with gusto.
What did you like best about this story?
I bought this book to learn about the Revolution. That was successful; the author covers all aspects of the war.
Which scene was your favorite?
The Battle of Cowpens.
5 people found this helpful
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- Leo
- 21-08-17
Awesome
An exciting and enlightening story of the Revolutionary War. Love this book and the ending
1 person found this helpful
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- Brian
- 18-07-17
Greatest book I've ever read with in-depth analysis of America is revolutionary war
I like the detailed battle analyses… I also like the reality check concerning the personality habits and conduct of both America's and Britain's honorable men. They were, of course, human. I highly recommend this book, though it is lengthy – it is worth anyone's time.
1 person found this helpful
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- PJ
- 07-03-15
Comprehensive, if a little dry.
I love books like this, but found "Almost a Miracle" to be about dry at times. I did find it very comprehensive.
1 person found this helpful
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- john
- 30-12-15
Not worth it!
I will never get another book from this author. He is very critical of everything Washington. Every history book I've read, or listened to, has criticized both Lee and Gates. Even David McCullough, in his book "1776", comments about Lees not following orders!
2 people found this helpful
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- Jfizzle
- 17-11-20
Narrator not great
The guy who read this mispronounced numerous words and place names which was really distracting and took away from the content. Great, extensive, well written history but not great reader
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- Ted Baehr
- 14-05-20
Insightful history
Very comprehensive story of the American Revolution. Sometimes dry but always informative. Highly recommended story of freedom