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

I regret to say I was quite disappointed by this book. I am doing research on the Revolution in New York and really looked forward to a detailed account of the campaigns around the Hudson. Unfortunately, despite the title, this is more of a grand strategic view of the Revolutionary War. We learn little of the political climate in New York before the Revolution, or the characters in the Loyalist and Patriot camps. Events like the burning of Kingston and Clermont are barely mentioned, the Battle of Stony Point dispatched in two pages. Daughn paints in broad brush strokes rather than fine detail. There is some tantalizing discussion of how well Connecticut Governor Trumbull rallied the resources of his state in contrast to that of New York, but we never really see inside the government of the State of New York, nor get an in depth examination of the Loyalist support. The focus remains squarely on Washington, his British opponents and the movements of their armies and navies. All of which could have been redeemed by fresh research or insights, but the book provides little of both. The book is a very competent history of the material it does cover and doubtless considerable effort went into the work, but the volume is neither a full narrative of the Revolutionary War nor an incisive examination of the struggle in New York itself. As a result, it satisfies neither need.

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.

This is a wonderful book when it comes to British ineptness and mismanagement of the Hudson River valley. The irreparable harm the whites did to the native Americans should go down in history equal to the genocide that has been going on since mankind set foot on this earth. The only problem being that we knew better, but out of greed and selfishness, we destroyed a way of life and blamed it on the savages. The Hudson was the main artery to bountiful land and riches untold. And the British Colonials fought to the bitter end to subdue the Indians, Dutch, French and anyone else who would dare stand in the way of colonial greed and British blundering. Well it all caught up with them but at such a great toll to the original inhabitants. The Crown got its moneys worth and in the end they got a snoot full. Could not have happened to a more deserving foe.

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.

Great Read!! My Revolutionary War ancestor spent several years of the war (he was in for 6!) on the Hudson Highlands after spending the Winter of 1777-8 in Valley Forge. The author paints a historical picture that helps one understand the leadership personalities on both sides and helped me to comprehend how we managed to win a war that seemed impossible at the start. My congratulations to the author!

Great book. Obviously very well researched and detailed. I felt that the lack of good maps of the period was the weakness of the story. However, I am a map freak who enjoys seeing the campaigns visually. I have already recommended it to friends.

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.

good book but NO MAPS. HARD TO BELIEVE in a history book. Maps are necessary

Incredible book that should be read by anyone interested in American history. Very revealing read, interesting and reads like a novel. I purchased this book for myself and then bought two more copies to give as gifts to my history buff friends.

A very engrossing book. Learned a lot about my own neighborhood during the American Revolution.A definite good read for all who loves homegrown history.