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77th out of 152 books
—
41 voters
The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army
by
Paul Lockhart (Goodreads Author)
The image of the Baron de Steuben training Washington's ragged, demoralized troops in the snow at Valley Forge is part of the iconography of our Revolutionary heritage, but most history fans know little more about this fascinating figure.
In the first book on Steuben since 1937, Paul Lockhart, an expert in European military history, finally explains the significance of Steu...more
In the first book on Steuben since 1937, Paul Lockhart, an expert in European military history, finally explains the significance of Steu...more
Hardcover, 352 pages
Published
September 9th 2008
by Collins
(first published 2008)
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This is a very enjoyable read. Lockhart integrates the Baron de Steuben's biography into the larger narrative of the Revolutionary War (and its many colorful characters), lending context and meaning to the Prussian's wartime experiences and contributions. Lockhart makes it clear that the Baron's support for the American war effort was heartfelt by the end of the war, despite his status as a "foreigner." And far from being a one-hit-wonder, Steuben instilled discipline and esprit de corps in the...more
Paul Lockhart does an excellent history on how the American Army was molded during the revolution and the man whose tireless zeal and boundless energy made it happen. Often overlooked in American history the Baron de Steuben's contributions to the colonies war effort were truly astounding. It is about time we get an updated book that reassess those contributions and shows the work he did not just at Valley Forge but beyond. This book is not just a military history though and goes into the highly...more
Very engaging, a fast read. I like that the author doesn't paint Steuben with overly broad strokes and admits some things about the Baron were embellishments and resume-padding, but not all of them, and not always was the Baron solely to blame. The author's very fair in that regard.
A surprisingly critical view of Lafayette, though one I have no reason to second-guess. Of course such a young general would be naive and foolhardy at times, it's only in the myth/lore of him that he's idealized (eve...more
A surprisingly critical view of Lafayette, though one I have no reason to second-guess. Of course such a young general would be naive and foolhardy at times, it's only in the myth/lore of him that he's idealized (eve...more
The image of the Baron de Steuben training Washington's ragged, demoralized troops in the snow at Valley Forge is part of the iconography of our Revolutionary heritage, but most history fans know little more about this fascinating figure.
In the first book on Steuben since 1937, Paul Lockhart, an expert in European military history, finally explains the significance of Steuben's military experience in Europe. Steeped in the traditions of the Prussian army of Frederick the Great--the most ruthless...more
In the first book on Steuben since 1937, Paul Lockhart, an expert in European military history, finally explains the significance of Steuben's military experience in Europe. Steeped in the traditions of the Prussian army of Frederick the Great--the most ruthless...more
I truly enjoyed this book. I saw some important French figures for American independence, that I read of in Stacy Schiff's "A Great Impoviation," in a new light. I also learned a great deal of Revolutionary War history generally, including the Conway Cabel, Monmouth, and Charles Lee, that I had never read of before. Some things, like Thomas Jefferson not being a very good excutive during the war as regarded martial maters, and that Petersberg had a revolutionary battle not just the seige of the...more
Apr 11, 2009
Ralph
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Those intereested in the United States war for independence.
This book provides a good introduction to Baron De Steuben. Many non historians are unaware of the vital nature of how the Baron helped the new country succeed. This book does a good job of presenting the assistance he gave dispite many misgivings and understanading of how the "American" system worked. Lockhart's summation of how Stuben's ideas were used long after the revolutionary war was benefical and enlightening.
Fascinating tale of a potentially unremarkable European junior officer that in the true American tradition reinvented himself in America. The backdrop of the tale is a hint at the crucial roles of many foreign nationals in the success of the Revolutionary War.
Jan 21, 2011
Steven
added it
The author does a good job describing the unrewarding life of an 18th century aristocrat that really had no country, or cause to commit to in the hope of finding fame and glory through military command.
Loved this book. I learned alot from this book that was never taught in history class. If you are interested The Baron De Steuben this is a must read. This a great read the author grabs from the start and never lets go.
An interesting biography of Steuben. It was for me, boring in some parts of the book, but still worth a read.
A very informative biography of an extremely fascinating character from the American Revolution
Very readable and interesting account of Baron De Steuben's role in the American Revolution; is honest in its assessment and by virtue of focusing on Steuben it highlights parts of the Revolution not frequently discussed in other works.
It is a 'short' work (~300 pages) so it does not go into nitty-gritty detail, especially when it comes to the reforms and regulations that De Steuben pioneered in the army.
It is a 'short' work (~300 pages) so it does not go into nitty-gritty detail, especially when it comes to the reforms and regulations that De Steuben pioneered in the army.
Nov 15, 2008
Snail in Danger (Sid) Nicolaides
marked it as decided-not-to-read
Shelves:
american-history
This book isn't too much of a doorstop, but all the same, there's a lot of information at the beginning that ... I'm not convinced that I need, and that the text itself failed to convince me that I need. Also, the author sounds almost personally insecure as he repeatedly attempts to clarify perceived slights on Steuben's character. (Which 90%+ of readers probably wouldn't be familiar with.)
fairly interesting history of de Steuben. most insightful things to me are the seemingly accurate descriptions of living conditions, food availability, travel, drink. the whole revolu history of usa is not that exciting to me.
An interesting read on the life of Baron de Steuben and his role in the shaping of the American Army during the War for American Independence.
Great look into an often overlooked figure of the American Revolution. Steuben helped transform our young army from glorified militia to one that could preform against one of the best armies in the world.
May 08, 2013
Jonathan
marked it as to-read
May 04, 2013
Pawel_k
marked it as to-read
Apr 05, 2013
Alex You
marked it as in-collections
Mar 30, 2013
Wilson Tomba
marked it as to-read
Mar 23, 2013
Kristina
marked it as to-read
Mar 13, 2013
Tim
added it
Mar 12, 2013
Samara Bachiri
marked it as to-read
Mar 06, 2013
George Friedline
marked it as to-read
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Paul Lockhart is a history professor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. His first four books are about the history of Scandinavia, but in 2006 he decided to write for a broader audience and hence returned to his roots in early American history. His fifth book, THE DRILLMASTER OF VALLEY FORGE: THE BARON DE STEUBEN AND THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN ARMY (HarperCollins, 2008), was his first wid...more
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Mar 13, 2013 01:31pm