The Fate of the Day - Rick Atkinson - 4 stars

[Booknblues]

The rating is probably more reflective on me than on Rick Atkinson, as it at times seem to move very slowly for me. In my digital world, I was reminded of what happens in the analog world of the Revolutionary War. Things just moved slowly. It took the Howe Brothers over a month to arrive at Philadelphia from NYC. At that time, Washington and the Continentals didn't know where the Howes were as they had no satellites to relay the images.

Atkinson does a wonderful job of putting the Revolution in perspective of world events and to be truthful, I wasn't always interested in this. I did find the fourth Earl of Sandwich to be quite and interesting fella and was surprised to learn he had more to be famous for than inventing the sandwich.

I was delighted to learn that England's prime minister at that time, Frederick North hated his job, but was not allowed to quit. (view spoiler)[A shame that our top elected official doesn't feel that way. We would allow him to quit (hide spoiler)]

I was alarmed to learn that the Revolutionary hero of my childhood hometown to which a monument and state park exists, was a mediocre general. General Sullivan, their are even counties named after him and he hardly deserves the veneration.

Enough of these insights, and onward to this book will appeal to those thirsting for a knowledge of the Revolutionary War. Atkinson is a historian who knows how to do his job and is by no means mediocre.

[Joy D]

Glad to see you enjoyed it overall. I agree this one wasn't quite as riveting as The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777 but still very high-quality non-fiction.

[Booknblues]

Joy D wrote: "Glad to see you enjoyed it overall. I agree this one wasn't quite as riveting as The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777 but still very high-q..."

It did remind me that things happened slowly at that point. There weren't battles everyday. Everything took a great deal of planning and strategy to carry out and some of the best laid plans went awry.

And as far as this portion of the war was concerned it was really a win the war but not the battle sort of thing.

The English definitely misjudged the number of loyalists and they also had too much on their table besides the American colonies.

[Joy D]

I think it is easy to forget how long this war lasted. I think "things happened slowly" is right on target and applies to so many things - just look at how long it took just to communicate back then.

[Booknblues]

Joy D wrote: "I think it is easy to forget how long this war lasted. I think "things happened slowly" is right on target and applies to so many things - just look at how long it took just to communicate back then."

It wasn't a quick war by any means. Reading the book, I can also see it was a costly war in terms of human life.

It was a hard war even when not fighting.

[Joy D]

Agreed. I am looking forward to finishing the trilogy but it appears that it may be 6 years from now (according to Theresa, who saw an interview with Atkinson).

[Booknblues]

I am planning on moving to Philbricks trilogy as i have read the first one.