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In the Hurricane Eye The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown The American Revolution Series Nathaniel Philbrick Books

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In the Hurricane Eye The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown The American Revolution Series Nathaniel Philbrick Books

Too bad Philbrick diminished an otherwise good book by trashing the founders over slavery. Yes, we can deplore the fact that they owned slaves, and even that they compromised the ideals of our founding documents in order to get southern states to join the union. But to describe George Washington's "way of life" as "a life built on slavery," (p.236,) and to add that "At least for now, Washington was unable to compromise his financial interests for the greater good of not just the war effort but the future of the country," impugns the character and motives of one who made great financial sacrifices throughout the war and who along with other founders (such as Jefferson who Philbrick derides on the same account,) had pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, to effect independence from Great Britain. Yet Philbrick wasn't content. For some unfathomable reason, a few pages later, when commenting on the tragic death of Washington's step-son, Philbrick brings up the death, four years later, of of his former aide's father's death so he can gratuitously opine that Washington "consoled in what might be the least comforting letter of condolence ever written." Looking back over the book, and the many examples Philbrick cites to underscore Washington's bumbling along with unwise proposals, prevarications, and peevish anecdotes, it would seem that Philbrick had a rather jaundices view of the general to begin with. To be honest to any considering buying this book (I will attempt to return it) instead of the obviously publisher-supplied sub-title "the Genius of George Washington..." the operative words should have been "Foibles and Mendacity of..." Very disappointing, for I thoroughly have enjoyed Philbriks previous books. This was another interesting and easy read, only to be tarnished by overly harsh indictment of our first President. At least he should enjoy a few more cocktail parties with other PC perfectionists. (But historians should know better, than to judge historic figures by today's standards--at least they weren't cool with killing babies as they're being born.)


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In the Hurricane Eye The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown The American Revolution Series Nathaniel Philbrick Books Reviews

“In the Hurricane’s Eye” is another successful history, here pointing out the role and importance of the sea to the Revolutionary War. Many of us who are lovers of water and sometimes sailors have read all of Philbrick’s books with affection, will find this equal if not better than most.
The study of wars and battles usually are associated with depictions of the great men who overcame lesser generals or admirals. Modeled after Julius Caesar. Most
American history textbooks note the importance of the French to the success of the thirteen colonies. We were not exposed to the day to day travails in survey courses and most courses were more devoted to the political and economic issues. Here following “Bunker Hill” where the role of the mob and the hatred of neighbors, loyalists versus patriots we can also smell the gun powder marvel at the ingenuity of generals like Nathaniel Greene and foot soldiers like Olney, who were remarkable in their skills and courage.
And like “ Valiant Ambition” we learn the complexities of character of all the combatants. As a Melville devotee Philbrick realizes that all heroes mix moral strengths with dastardly foibles. As Arnold was vilified as a traitor he was previously gloried as a strong leader. His fall from grace is now being understood as part of the confusing part of life in a difficult time. His vehemence as a dastardly member of the British army caused such hatred in the Colonial soldiers to drive them to succeed.
As we have learned from popular art and biography Alexander Hamilton combined overarching intelligence and courage with overbearing arrogance. In this text the meeting of the normally placidly demeaned Washington in a stairway he found as others knew that the general had willed his public persona to be calm. The equally proud and headstrong Hamilton quit. He returned and got his wish to command a group in an assault on a redoubt at Yorktown with a display of fierce courage.

The book is filled with short vignettes showing the character of many of the players, heroes as well as villains. From this we understand that the fortunes of war are often the results of good decisions, but more often poor decisions. Naval battles in large sailing ships as described by Patrick O’Brien are rough, but here we see a shift in the direction of the wind can have a big part in who wins, and the now well understood hurricanes in the Caribbean are fierce and can change the course of history.
Most important the book is readable, exciting and educational. I am not sure if tenured historians can appreciate Philbrick’s histories,but I am aware of a few learned dissertations on Arnold recently. American history is now approached with a broad view coupling great men with descriptions of the poor, underfed and the well coifed French aristocrats. Hair was important to these leaders as it is to some politicians.
I heartily recommend this as a reintroduction to the last phase of the Revolutionary war.
Too bad Philbrick diminished an otherwise good book by trashing the founders over slavery. Yes, we can deplore the fact that they owned slaves, and even that they compromised the ideals of our founding documents in order to get southern states to join the union. But to describe George Washington's "way of life" as "a life built on slavery," (p.236,) and to add that "At least for now, Washington was unable to compromise his financial interests for the greater good of not just the war effort but the future of the country," impugns the character and motives of one who made great financial sacrifices throughout the war and who along with other founders (such as Jefferson who Philbrick derides on the same account,) had pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, to effect independence from Great Britain. Yet Philbrick wasn't content. For some unfathomable reason, a few pages later, when commenting on the tragic death of Washington's step-son, Philbrick brings up the death, four years later, of of his former aide's father's death so he can gratuitously opine that Washington "consoled in what might be the least comforting letter of condolence ever written." Looking back over the book, and the many examples Philbrick cites to underscore Washington's bumbling along with unwise proposals, prevarications, and peevish anecdotes, it would seem that Philbrick had a rather jaundices view of the general to begin with. To be honest to any considering buying this book (I will attempt to return it) instead of the obviously publisher-supplied sub-title "the Genius of George Washington..." the operative words should have been "Foibles and Mendacity of..." Very disappointing, for I thoroughly have enjoyed Philbriks previous books. This was another interesting and easy read, only to be tarnished by overly harsh indictment of our first President. At least he should enjoy a few more cocktail parties with other PC perfectionists. (But historians should know better, than to judge historic figures by today's standards--at least they weren't cool with killing babies as they're being born.)