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The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780 by Rick Atkinson - 5* - My Review

The Fate of the Day is the second book in Rick Atkinson's Revolution Trilogy. It covers the years 1777-1780, including the major and minor battles and what life was like in the colonies (and elsewhere) during the American War for Independence. During these years, George Washington's Continental Army faced exhausting conditions and many challenges. They struggled to obtain and keep funding, troops, and supplies. It opens in France, with Benjamin Franklin trying to convince Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI to support the colonists.

Rick Atkinson is a top rate storyteller, and he provides the context, strategy, and actions for each event, filling in the gaps with analysis of the people involved, motivations, anecdotes, and well-selected quotes. It is well researched, organized, and brilliantly written. Atkinson excels at providing the perspectives of all participants, including the Rebels, Loyalists, Slaves, British, French, Indian tribes, and Hessians.

The narrative contains an extremely detailed description of the era. It covers so many topics it would hardly be possible to list them all. For example, I enjoyed learning the specifics of the many currencies and the impact of both devaluation and inflation. It covers aspects I have not often considered, such as how many candles would be needed or the many requirements to take care of the horses.

This book clearly paints the horrors of war, with vivid descriptions of battle scenes and gruesome wounds. It also focuses on the wide-ranging logistics and covers skirmishes that took place on the seas. I particularly enjoyed the segments that took place in the Caribbean, and the account of John Paul Jones fighting off the coast of Scotland.

I always enjoy Rick Atkinson’s approach to history. It is compelling, flows well, and is a welcome addition to the compendium of historical literature about this period. If you are looking for history that is informative, educational, and entertaining, you can’t go wrong here. I recommend starting with the first book, The British are Coming. Both books are exceptional.

I have no idea when I will be able to get a copy of this! I am so anxious to read it. Great review!

I am sure you will enjoy this one, JoAnne. I know the waiting lists are long.

Joy, thanks for the great review and I am encouraged that this one turns out as good as "The British are Coming." Appreciate your pointing out the logistics involved during the war - it was really quite incredible. I will pay attention to the currency issue. I am taking my time with it and the book will probably keep my company for the next month or so.

You are in for a treat, Steven. I cannot seem to slow down and savor these types of books.

I'm about 20% in and Baron Von Steuben has just arrived in Valley Forge.