Average customer rating:
- Where is a ghost writer when you need one?
- Top-Notch history from a Top-Notch historian
- What can I say that hasn't been said
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Washington's Crossing (Pivotal Moments in American History)
David Hackett Fischer
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 019518159X |
Book Description
Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia. Yet, as David Hackett Fischer recounts in this riveting history, George Washington--and many other Americans--refused to let the Revolution die. On Christmas night, as a howling nor'easter struck the Delaware Valley, he led his men across the river and attacked the exhausted Hessian garrison at Trenton, killing or capturing nearly a thousand men. A second battle of Trenton followed within days. The Americans held off a counterattack by Lord Cornwallis's best troops, then were almost trapped by the British force. Under cover of night, Washington's men stole behind the enemy and struck them again, defeating a brigade at Princeton. The British were badly shaken. In twelve weeks of winter fighting, their army suffered severe damage, their hold on New Jersey was broken, and their strategy was ruined. Fischer's richly textured narrative reveals the crucial role of contingency in these events. We see how the campaign unfolded in a sequence of difficult choices by many actors, from generals to civilians, on both sides. While British and German forces remained rigid and hierarchical, Americans evolved an open and flexible system that was fundamental to their success. The startling success of Washington and his compatriots not only saved the faltering American Revolution, but helped to give it new meaning.
Customer Reviews:
Where is a ghost writer when you need one?.......2007-08-21
I believe it was easier to cross the Delaware in winter than to get through this book. I just read 1776 by David McCullough, loved it, and was interested in reading more. Fischer is one of the dullest writers I've read. It is painfully obvious that being a successful academic and a successful writer are not necessarily connected.
Top-Notch history from a Top-Notch historian.......2007-06-24
This is probably about as well organized and detailed as any book on a single historical event can get. That it does so without loosing pace or drying out is commendable. While the title may lead one to believe that this book is only about the famous "midnight" crossing, the actual event serves as the centerpiece for the story with the painting by Emanuel Leutze as its starting point. In fact, "Washington's Crossing" deals as much with the events leading up to and afterwards as it does the actual crossing. It is also about more then just the famous crossing with which we are all familiar. Several other Delaware River crossings are detailed including the initial retreat from the ensuing British, the return from the battle of Trenton, and the advance back into New Jersey shortly thereafter. The book is also a detailed biography of George Washington's years just before and into the fist several months of the American Revolution. Appropriately enough this book is also, at times, about the Delaware River itself.
Davis Hackett Fischer deserves five stars on his writing style alone. This book flows like a well written story, which is appropriate in that history is human drama. The book starts with a description and history of the famous painting of Washington crossing the Delaware and then discusses the recent arguments over the painting's accuracy. It seems to have become the fashion lately to debunk this painting over various, some rather trivial details, such as time of day, type of boats used, and even how chunks of ice depicted in the painting, Fischer staunchly defends the painting based on what and who it represents, and most importantly the spirit that is represented. One appreciates Fisher's references throughout this book that American history is not something that needs an apology.
The first three chapters provide a thorough background on all of the major players, the American rebels, the British regulars, and the Hessian mercenaries. Fischer maintains a sense of objectivity in his accounts. Although the acts of rape, pillage, and violence towards the colonies are not ignored, The British and the Hessians are not merely described as the villains of the story just as the Colonials are not by default "good guys." This book is sympathetic to the American cause, but that does not prevent it from describing the people and nations as what they were. One example is General Cornwallis, who is frequently described the pompous and arrogant buffoon who lost the colonies. Fischer however devotes a fair amount of time to Cornwallis's standing in the British military and career as a whole. The depiction is that of an accomplished military career by all standards and that of a person with his own mind who was well respected by all ranks.
The rest of the book can be divided into three sections starting with the seemingly endless series of disasters that the continental army incurred after the British regulars arrived, including the fall of New York, the execution of Nathan Hale, and the loss of Fort Washington, probably the lowest point for George Washington during the entire revolution. The second, as the book's chronology makes its way towards November and December of 1776, deals with the places and events leading up to and including the Battle of Trenton. There is some good history in this section, particularly the river raiding parties out of Pennsylvania that routinely harassed the British encampments along the Delaware River's banks in New Jersey and numerous contributions they made to the attack on Trenton. This section also details Alexander Hamilton's artillery division, one of the few bright spots for Washington's young army. The final section deals with events following the Battle of Trenton, including post celebration war cabinets trying to decide what to do next, the subsequent trip back across the Delaware, and the Battle of Princeton. Again, there are some great gems of history to be found here. Most notably is Fischer's detailing of the lesser known, but probably more important events unofficially known as the Second Battle of Trenton in which Washington's forces held their ground at Assunpink Creek and turned back Cornwallis's larger and superior forces.
Fischer closes the book with a refreshing and necessary summary and conclusion. While the main body of the book completes in fewer than 400 pages, they are dense with information, which leave one feeling that they have actually completed a much longer book. Additionally, there are numerous appendices detailing all sorts of interesting facts and statistics and a section devoted to the Historiography of Washington's Crossing. This is a formidable book, but it is also a top-notch one that should delight fans of History, the American Revolution, and certainly of George Washington. Newcomers to history should probably work their way through a couple of easier books before tacking this one, but they should still consider putting this one on their shelves for future reading.
What can I say that hasn't been said.......2007-06-03
As an avid early American Historian, I place this book in my top three. This is must reading. The facts are told as they were, through the primary characters and you are there during the end of the mini ice age crossing the Delaware. Like MJ's last shot against Utah, if it didn't really happen, we would all just chalk it up to a Hollywood fairytale.
I read McCullough's 1776 after this and there is no comparison.
This book is so vivid and palpable that I felt obligated to go follow the trail of those early warriors. Amazing!
My other two favorites are Chernow's Hamilton and Gotham.
Excellent work .......2007-05-30
Fischer's Washington's Crossing is detailed account of the New Jersey campaign of 1776-1777, specifically focusing on the battles of Trenton and Princetion. Fischer does a great job of showing the differences between the leadership of Washington and Cornwallis and the effects that the battles of Trenton and Princeton had on the soldiers from both sides. While the book does get bogged down in too much detail in some points and not enough in others, this is a great book.
Excellent.......2007-03-20
This is a wonderful book. Now I want to read all of Mr. Fischer's work.
Book Description
"Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, & Kilns" is a do-it-yourselfers dream book, showing beginners how to make highly efficient gas burners inexpensively. These burners use simple gas accelerators as their central operating principle. All that is needed is a $2 MIG tip and some plumbing parts. This eliminates the need for a blower to supply combustion air, allowing the burners to be built in any size. Burners are featured, which are small enough to be used for a jewelry torch or large enough to heat any ceramic kiln. Because these burners are both powerful and portable, they can be combined with low cost space age insulating materials and common containers to build light compact heating equipment. Also described is a blacksmith's forge that can be carried anywhere and stored under a workbench; a portable metal melting furnace; a portable farrier's forge; a portable glass furnace/glory hole; and a mobile hot-work station that aids in combining several crafts. The burners and equipment provide an inexpensive way to get started in blacksmithing, foundry work, ceramics, or glasswork. General information and specific designs are given, enabling the craftsperson to build equipment tailored to their own desires.
Customer Reviews:
Excruiating Detail.......2007-09-30
This author goes into excruiating step by step detail, in a connect the dot kind of way, without adding enough perspective to get an overall picture. But digging deep enough and re-reading will teach you how to build a forge burner.
Gas Burners for Forges, Furnaces, and Kilns.......2007-07-05
Very good book, it's a must as far as I can see for all begginers of Gas Forges, Furnaces and Kilns. It will even show a D.I.Y burner System great or sombody who wants to do a custom job Burner for themselfs or friend.
Good but read it multiple times.......2006-11-08
This is probably the best book I have read regarding burner design. However, the information could be edited so that the reader is not flipping between chapters which refer to each other. There is so much more information in this book other than burners: Propane valves, bottles, BTUs, glass kilns, foundry furnaces, etc. But it is not an easy read. The designs of the burners in this book are more complicated than most of the atmospheric burners on the internet. But they are still well within the realm of home fabrication. I would give the author, who undoubtably knows his subject, the benefit of the doubt and not judge him by the presentation of his material, but by the contents of the book. If your into heat: foundry, glass, blacksmithing, etc. you need this book as you will get something out of it.
************Not for the mechanically impaired!*****************.......2006-04-13
THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR THE PERSON THAT WANTS TO BUILD IT CHEAP,FAST, AND WITH NO WORK.
You must have a pretty good grasp of fabrication, and machine shop type terms and workings. I have not built anything yet but know a couple people that have and are satisfied with the burners. The real great info is in the conversion of the propane tanks into the shells of the items talked about. Safely done is formost in everybodies mind. The information is in the book is filled with directions you can take if you want to modify the authors ideas. There are plenty of drawings inrelation to the subject matter also a number of charts. It could have used some pictures. But maybe in the next edition. I read it for the new knowledge I gained for his expereince in the field. Along with I know and will learn I found the book worth the money. As this isn't an area filled with people writting new works each week. And yes there is a lot of stuff on the web but you MUST HAVE KNOWLEDGE of the subject. So you can make sure you can spot the self appointed god's of know it all on the web and their sites. I own it.
Editor Required.......2006-03-20
Great amounts of information for gas burner enthusiasts, however, the information must be gleaned by jumping back and forth between chapters...most confusing.
Also, photographs may have been more use in some instances, in preference to line drawings. I still haven't built anything from the book as I'm still trying to work it all out.
(Page flip/page flip)
Book Description
Primitive man's discovery of the ability to change matter from one state to another brought about a profound change in spiritual behavior. In The Forge and the Crucible, Mircea Eliade follows the ritualistic adventures of these ancient societies, adventures rooted in the people's awareness of an awesome new power.
The new edition of The Forge and the Crucible contains an updated appendix, in which Eliade lists works on Chinese alchemy published in the past few years. He also discusses the importance of alchemy in Newton's scientific evolution.
Customer Reviews:
strong on ideas, research inconsistent.......2007-05-20
As usual Eliade spins wonderful philosophical and spiritual ideas laid over history. And they make engrossing reading. I don't know how much one can trust the historical facts cited throughout this work. For example Eliade says the earliest known metallurgy was in the mountains of Armenia in 1200-1200 BC. In fact it is now widely accepted that the Ban Chiang (present-day NE Thailand) was forging bronze tools and ornaments at least by 2200 BC, possibly earlier.
Still, well worth reading for the ideas.
Great Introductions to a fascinating subject.......2001-12-11
If I had my time over again I would read these three books on alchemy in the following order: All of them are excellent in their own sphere to introduce a complex process.
(1) The Forge and the Crucible - Eliade
This is an excellent prehistory of alchemy showing the patterns of thought out of which Alchemy most probably arose. An easy read.
(2) Anatomy of the Soul - Edinger
Set out according to seven processes involved in alchemy Calcinatio, Solutio, Coagulatio, Sublimatio, Mortificatio, Separatio, Coniunctio, this is an accessible book that puts each process in reasonably neat boxes, (though the considerable overlap and intermingling is acknowledged). The approach is somewhat mechanical.
(3) Alchemy, an Introduction... - Von Franz.
More 'organic' than Edinger, Von Franz has a very warm and human touch. She deals with the origins of alchemy in Egypt and Greece and delves into the 'Aurora Consurgens', attributed to Aquinas. She includes relevent and interesting case material. Being a transcription of lectures, it is a little haphazard, though none the less informative for that.
TAKING A GLANCE TO THE MYSTERIES OF ALCHEMY.......2000-11-23
Lucidly and masterly written, this study on the origins and meaning of ancient Alchemy is a highly useful and recommendable one. As always, M. Eliade has collected a vast amount of data concerning this issue and has reached far-reaching conclusions as for the value, the role and the meaning of the otherwise rather vague world of Alchemy. Very important for anyone interested in knowing about the theme.
Book Description
Sound Forge 8 is one of the most popular audio editing programs available for the PC. With step-by-step examples and exercises, and thorough explanations, Sound Forge 8 Power! digs deep into the software rather than just describing the features and how they work. Whether you're a Sound Forge 8 or Sound Forge Audio Studio user, this accessible guide will give you a thorough understanding of the software that you can put to use right away. You'll cover everything from the basics to advanced functions such as writing scripts to automate the processing in Sound Forge 8. As long as you have a strong interest in learning how to get the most out of Sound Forge 8, leave the rest to us as you begin working within this powerful program like you never have before. You'll get in-depth coverage on: getting started * customizing Sound Forge 8 to work the way you want it to * recording and playing back your audio files * synchronizing Sound Forge 8 via SMPTE * getting the most out of the processing and effects tools * creating audio for multimedia and the Internet * using Sound Forge 8 with MIDI.
Customer Reviews:
sound forge.......2007-07-24
It really wasn't what I expected. It's geared more for the music editor. I edit audio interviews and it really didn't discuss the major things I am interested in--eliminating distortion, mixing sounds, etc. Very complex.
Sony's Superior Sound.......2007-03-08
As a voice over narrator I need the best sound quality I can find and Sound Forge is it. And to navigate this application, Scott Garrigus' book is a lucid guide, showing the way way this product works best. There's no better guide. Charlie Jacobs
A Big Help.......2006-08-19
The book really helps in making Sound Forge easier to grasp. It is a very deep program, and Scott opens all the layers just as he does with all his books!
Book Description
Living in the war-ravaged realm of Eberron, assassin-turned-priest Diran Bastiaan and his half-orc sidekick, Ghaji, make an unlikely pair. One looks like the stuff of nightmares, while the other is "a conduit through which the holy force of Good could work its will in the physical world." Together, they have traveled throughout the archipelagic Lhazaar Principalities sharing numerous wild adventures, but none were as dangerous as the one they currently face. When a gang of bloodthirsty pirates kidnaps Diran's former lover (a beautiful ex-mercenary killer named Makala), the priest of the Silver Flame and his half-breed wingman vow to get her -- and countless other abductees -- back no matter what the cost. But the seafaring raiders are no ordinary criminals; they're led by the infamous vampire Onkar, who in turn serves a being unfathomably more evil than himself….
Customer Reviews:
great but not a great as the first.......2007-06-30
there were some things that didnt need to be in there that just took up room to make the book over 300 pages but all of it was good
Good Characters, shaky foundation.......2007-04-14
Forge of the Mindlsayers by Tim Wagonner is the second of the Blade of the Flame series set in the world of Eberron. This installment picks up with the ex Assassin turned Priest of the Silver Flame Diran Bastiaan, and his half Orc companion Ghaji after they have defeated the ignominious Vampire Onkar (covered in the first book Thieves of blood). The pair are also joined by new companions Hinto, the halfling and Tresslar the aged Artificer.
The story begins with the group following Diran's calling to wipe out evil wherever they may find it. However, it is not long before they stir up the malicious interest of an ancient evil Lich. Diran and Ghaji also find themselves reacquainted with some old adversaries with whom they have some unfinished business.
The writing in this story is fairy tight. Events and places are fairly well articulated (although if I read the word "lupine" one more time I would have screamed) and his characters are fairly well fleshed out. Some may feel that the story wandered as in this series, unlike most Eberron trilogies, each story somewhat stands on its own. Second novels tend to be mere placeholders, and I found it refreshing that this novel was mostly a story unto itself.
This book also spent a fair amount of time filling in backstory on Diran and Ghaji. These stories not only embellished their characters a bit, but were also directly relevant to the ongoing story. This served character development well for Ghaji and Diran but at the expense of the additional companions (Hinto, tresslar), who remained fairly one dimensional.
The novel is paced well and the multiple antogonists was a nice touch. I also liked the inclusion of Diran's lover turned Vampire, Makala, as an interesting twist that certainly adds more to the story arc present and future. I wasn't too enthusiastic about the actual premise of the story, with the Kalashtar and the Forge. The Kalashtar character's motivations for an alliance didn't ring very true to me, and neither did the alliance of the three itself. On a side note, I am also getting a little weary of the Kalashtar, which are seemingly thrown into every eberron storyline at this point.
This was a decent novel, with its greatest strength being that it does stand alone, although there are certainly some things left for the last novel. I would have liked to see more character development for the other companions, though Diran and Ghaji are well defined, and they are worthwhile characters to follow in future novels. While the multiple plotlines were nice, they were not as ultimately compelling as they should have been.
A bit of a let down from book 1.......2007-04-02
Forge of the Mindslayers by Tim Waggoner is the second novel in the Blade of the Flame trilogy. The first book is Thieves of Blood and the third will be titled Sea of Death and is scheduled to be released in February, 2008. Fans of the characters in this book should read the short story by Mr. Waggoner in the anthology called Tales of the Last War. The short story is called The Blade of the Flame and adds more depth to some of the characters.
The plot of this novel picks up where the first novel ended. The main plot of this book is rather linear. The main plot is about the Psi Forge that is discovered and how Diran, Ghaji and Company seek to stop it from coming to life. There are also a couple sub-plots in this book as well - but they are really only hinted at so they lose any significance that they may have. It's quite obvious that Mr. Waggoner is trying to set up events and plot points for the third and final book.
The characters in this book seem to be missing something. In the first book, and the short story for that matter, the characters were fantastically written and interesting adding great depth to the story. However, in this book I didn't care about them nearly as much as I did the first go around. Most of the characters seemed `flat' and just there. Some of the dialog seemed forced and unlike what the characters were like in the prior book. In this first book the characters had a few clichés, but largely Mr. Waggoner steered clear of anything major. Yet, in this one there was one cliché after another in terms of how the characters acted and what they said. There is some character development in this book, but it seems that most of the development is by secondary characters and not Diran and Ghaji.
I have two criticisms about this book. First, it almost seemed to me that Mr. Waggoner didn't have enough story to fill a book so he threw in chapters and chapters of back story on Diran and Ghaji. While a little back story is good, and expected. The adage of too much of a good thing applies here. It simply made me stop caring about the characters. Where Ghaji was an enigma in the first book - now there is almost no questions about him, thus destroying that mystery and uniqueness.
Secondly, I would have liked to know more about the sub-plots that were hinted at in this book. I fully understand hinting at story points, but there needs to be some sort of reveal later in the story too. It seemed as though the sub-plots were building up to something, only to find out at the end that we won't know until the next book. Cliffhangers are certainly a good thing, and an industry standard, but some moderation and explanation still is needed.
Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book. Yet, after finishing it I didn't feel the same as I did with the first book. It seemed I read a short story in the time it takes to read a novel. There is a solid story here, and one fans of Eberron should read. But, don't expect this to be as good as the first book. Hopefully, book three will finish this trilogy with a bang. All in all, it's a decent book and this is still a trilogy I would recommend.
Amazon.com
After fourteen years of working shoulder to shoulder with GE tough guy Jack Welch, Roseanne Badowski is not afraid of what she calls the "s-word." She argues that all of us are secretaries as well as managers. In Managing Up, Badowski leverages lessons she learned in building a stellar relationship with her boss. She offers smart and solid advice beginning with her "Can you start on Monday?" interview with Welch, and then turning to the skills of "navigating a boss Monday through Friday." The book' s chapter titles may sound prosaic, but her approach crackles with energy and fresh ideas. For example, she writes about trust by including "time-tested phrases for breaking bad news." She details the perils of being unprepared and puts in a good word for nagging. She also makes a persuasive argument for the advantages of cultivating impatience to enhance productivity. With splashy anecdotes and checklists, Badowski offers realistic and and disciplined counsel. Hero worshippers be warned: Although Welch wrote the book's introduction, Badowski is such an engaging no-nonsense advisor that she becomes the most compelling manager represented in her book. --Barbara Mackoff
Book Description
Everyone has a boss. And anyone who has aspired to move up the corporate ladder knows that their relationship with those they report to is crucial. In Managing Up Rosanne Badowski offers a straightforward, entertaining, no-holds-barred account of what it takes to make your relationship with your boss work to your advantage, no matter where you stand in the corporate hierarchy.
Told through rich, colorful anecdotes about her years spent working with one of the smartest, most demanding and dynamic business leaders of the twentieth century, legendary GE CEO Jack Welch, Badowski reveals the secrets to career success she has gleaned over the years. At heart, it’s about working with the person above you to create a productive and effective partnership.
Everyone is a manager, in one way or another, Badowski points out. She discusses first-hand what it’s like to have to be a mind reader, to anticipate the future, to plan for the unexpected, and to perform the impossible. With refreshing candor and a hint of attitude, Badowski’s advice is unlike any other. She advises us that “Impatience is a virtue,” to “Have no shame,” and to “Beware the too-quiet office.” Having worked in one of the most challenging, high-profile corporate environments anywhere, no one knows more about prioritizing, about making decisions on behalf of your boss, about sifting through a daily barrage of data and information, about multitasking at warp speed, and exhibiting grace under fire. Ultimately, Badowski says, excelling at what you do is about a shared passion for the job.
Managing Up is an invaluable guide for managing your career and juggling responsibilities with finesse and confidence. It should become a management bible for anyone hoping to get ahead in their profession.
From the Hardcover edition.
Customer Reviews:
Touch of fame elevates Welch's secretary's management tips.......2006-10-19
This is the reminiscence of a famous CEO's secretary, but it is better than you might expect. Jack Welch's former executive assistant and now author Rosanne Badowski spins anecdotes nicely. She also provides some possibly inadvertent grains of salt to season everything else you may have read about her boss. However, the idea that her warmly chatty observations can generate a respectable book is a tribute to the power of his legend - and her entertaining recollections. The image of a CEO whose secretary has to go through his trash to keep track of what he's been doing is very revealing. So is the idea of a secretary going behind her super-boss like Mommy behind a toddler, turning off faucets he can't be bothered to shut for himself. Welch acknowledges in the forewordthat he was a difficult, sometimes aggravating boss. He says Badowski, "lived and breathed work," and he praises her "loyalty, discretion and forgiveness" and well as her long hours, the care she took with confidential information and her talent for dealing with those who seek it. Badowski pulls few punches, so you may well agree with Welch's self-assessment after you read her book. However, Welch was also, on occasion, a brilliant manager, and Badowski became a strong one, too. We find that her up-close viewpoint includes some useful managerial insights and just enough gossip to keep your batteries charged.
Should have been called "My Life with Jack Welch".......2005-11-12
I was disappointed by this book for three reasons. First, the key points Badowski makes about "managing up" are tediously self evident. I already knew this information before reading the book. Second, the author teaches via anecdotes, which is not an effective way to elaborate on key points here. She spends too much time talking about her experiences with Jack Welch, in effect, snuffing out any worthwhile analysis. Finally, the book is laced with logical fallacies, contradictions, and improper advice. For example, instead of being "detail-oriented," the author advises her readers to aspire toward "perfectionism," which is both crippling and problematic. Overall, I felt like I was stuck at a dinner party across from a secretary, name dropping and telling me stories.
Right on Target..........2005-06-10
...which explains her success as a partner with Jack Welch.
Ro has hit the nail on the head here. It's not really about keeping his favorite yogurt on tap or catering to his needs, it's about removing the obstacles and the minutiae so that the leadership can lead instead of wasting time on those things that can be done by others. It's more about being a true partner than it is about being a sterotypical assistant.
My take on this book is that although written by an assistant, it is applicable to anyone who has a boss and who wants to be a solution instead of just an employee. Many people take issue with being asked to handle things that they deem are "personal" for thier boss. That conversation is a waste of time and will be a deciding factor on how high you will go in your career. Make no mistake, for leaders of large organizations, there is no distinction between a personal and a work life. They are one. So, Ro really points out that being a solution for Jack sometimes meant that she had to make sure those "personal" things were managed to completion by someone other than Jack. That freed Jack up to take care of business.
Pre-managing your boss is a great way to bring speed to the entire organization. Ro stated early on that she was a creator of time. That is one of the most powerful offers that one can make to their boss and their organization. Time is the most precious asset that many of us claim to not have enough of. By ensuring that Jack didn't have to sweat the small stuff and sift through unneccessary crap, she was able to create the time for Jack to become the leader he is and to bring more prosperity to the organization and the people who support it. Be it personal or business, she handled it.
Observe also, that while many may think of Rosanne Badowski as just an assistant who wrote a book, she obviously has enough insight and leadership skills of her own to be the assistant of one of the most powerful CEO's for 14 years and...she wrote a book about it. I am also quite sure that she has enjoyed some prosperity as a result of her success with Jack.
Insulting.......2004-11-03
I found this book insulting to women. The issue I have is that Roseann catered to her boss.. keeping his favorite yogurt on hand. I personally was completely turned off when she wrote that she had no family (husband/kids). If this is the kind of life you want.. to be the "left hand" of a powerful person, then this would be the book for you. I'd be more impressed if Roseann fulfilled her role at work AND had a family.
True Comments about Creating Success in any Organization.......2004-05-21
Ro writes a good book because it is all about what matters in creating a successful relationship with those above, below and beside you. Too often books are full of theory and go way too far on processes. The ability to relate insightful information using examples and stories is much more telling of a great communicator. Rosanne Badowski tells it like it is, was and should be to create successful relationships with those around us. Success is not only a goal but it becomes the "Passion" of those that strive for it.
To describe situations of success along with failures is telling that we must strive to do our best as long as it takes no matter how hard the path. Badowski invites you into her daily toils, strategic goals for success and her laugh a day world under Jack Welch. A great story about people and how they make the difference in an organization and how accepting those differences, makes a truly great organization. A great book for all of us to enjoy.
Book Description
Based on soldiers' and civilians' vivid accounts--many uncovered for the first time from private collections--the story of the compelling fight for independence reaches its most desperate moments. This second in a two-volume set follows the saga from Cornwallis's triumphal march of his British and Hessian troops into Philadelphia in late September to Washington's movement of the weary Continental forces to camp at Valley Forge in December.
Defeated at Brandywine, the Continental forces were worn out and ill equipped. Yet on October 4, Washington embarked on his first major offensive of the war--a surprise attack at dawn on Howe's main camp at Germantown. Only narrowly defeated, the Continentals gained valuable experience and new confidence in the possibility of victory. The seige of the Delaware River forts--one of the bloodiest and prolonged battles of the war--ended with British success in mid-November, but still Howe failed to end the war. He tried unsuccessfully to draw Washington from the fortified hills of Whitemarsh. As the Continental forces moved to Valley Forge for the winter, they would have to face their greatest challenge--survival.
Customer Reviews:
Best Campaign History Available.......2007-09-30
If you have only limited space for Revolutionary War Campaigns this shOULD be in your library along with volume one on the PHILADELPHIA Campaign. its one of the best That is available and is marked by solid research and good writing. Many new manuscript sources were used. The author knows his subject matter intimately.
Customer Reviews:
Dissapointing.......2007-08-02
I found this book quite dissapointing. Although I did learn a great deal about Valley Forge, the author seemed more concerned with proving his point than with attempting a balanced and accurate history. His arguments were just too forced and narrow.
Couldn't put it down?.......2007-07-15
Look, I know this book is about washington's months at valley forge and all of the political garbage that he had to deal with... but it's fantastic! I couldn't put it down!
I'm such a dork.
Schuylkill: pronounced Skoo-kill........2007-07-10
I remember an elementary school field trip to Valley Forge, about fifty miles from my hometown. The tour guide pointed out the replicas of the low-roofed cabins and talked about how the shoeless Continental army left bloody footprints in the snow. These details were mildly interesting to elementary school kids, but the political circumstances that brought General Washington and his troops here in the winter of 1777-78 make a far more interesting case study of how not to run a war.
Fleming cites a variety of correspondence - between Generals Washington and Gates, the Continental Congress, Thomas Mifflin, president Henry Laurens and his son John, and between ordinary soldiers and their families, among others - to reenact the experience of surviving in Valley Forge and to illuminate the power struggle between Washington and those in Congress who wanted to replace him. With some deft political maneuvering, he persuaded Congress to reform the quartermaster and commissary departments to supply his starving standing army. This was highly controversial at a time when true Whig politicians believed patriotic citizens would provide supplies directly to soldiers, and truly patriotic soldiers would serve without pay. This retelling of the Valley Forge episode shows why Washington was revered by his men - not only was he a true leader, he was also a staunch realist. In all the iconography of Washington, the fact that he valued expedience to ideology must not be lost.
Another great one for Thomas Fleming.......2007-07-03
Fleming has a knack for making history interesting. Here he gives us a remarkable behind-the-scenes look on one part of the American Revolution.
A Brilliant & Insightful Historical Masterpiece!.......2007-04-15
Thomas Fleming has proven once again with "Washington's Secret War" that he is unsurpassed as America's historical genius when it comes to digging up the true essence of the story that is the American Revolution. In WSW, Fleming reveals the often hidden and unappreciated facet of George Washington's skill as a leader. Specifically, Washington's sophisticated "political prowess" would become the essential driving force, against nearly insurmountable odds, in dramatically turning the tide of the American Revolution at a time when the birth of our nation appeared to be in a downward spiral of doom. In WSW, Fleming expertly exposes the fallacies and half-truths of events at Valley Forge with compelling factual history, including many firsthand accounts. This book is an enthralling historical masterpiece from the first page to Fleming's final thoughts. It is the true story of a Valley Forge often misunderstood in the annals of history; and until now, never really appreciated for what it actually was--a dramatic, dark, and totally exhausting political struggle that put our young nation back on course in astounding fashion. Fleming's Valley Forge proves without a doubt, that in the case of a young America, there is indeed "life after certain death." This book is a must-have collectors item for anyone even remotely interested in American History. Bravo, Thomas Fleming!
Book Description
The explosive growth of consumer credit, as well as the shift from cash to "plastic" in societies throughout the world signals a transformation in social relations, which is the focus of this book. For student readers who know the world of credit cards all too well, this is a great way to interest and educate them on the power of thinking sociologically.
Average customer rating:
- 4th-6th Teacher recommendation
- This got my daughter hooked on history
- I really like it, It kept me reading.
- The winter
- The Winter of Red Snow
|
The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777 (Dear America)
Kristiana Gregory
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0590226533 |
Customer Reviews:
4th-6th Teacher recommendation.......2007-07-27
This year I will be teaching American history to my students. It is important to "connect" as many subjects as possible. This book provides a link between the Civil War, history, and literature. Not only does it link the subjects, it is interesting as well. The author gives a child's look into the War for Independence that is genuine and easily read. Most diary type books are choppy; this one flows well from one entry to the next. I highly recommend it to anyone trying to teach children about the Civil War.
This got my daughter hooked on history.......2007-07-05
My daugher discovered this book in 4th grade and was so thrilled to get her own copy. Nearly three years later, it's still her go-to fiction when she doesn't know what else to read, and she says she always gets something new from it. It's tough to recommend something I've never read myself, but my daughter is a pretty discerning reader, so I trust her judgement on this one.
I really like it, It kept me reading........2006-12-02
For me this book was one that I just couldn't put down, I was always reading it. I like this book becuase I learned more about what went on in Valley Forge then I ever did. The author Kristiana Gregory even put in words like thy and ye to make it sound more back then when you read. What happens to Abigail is so exciting that you want to keep reading and never stop. The Winter of Red Snow has a nice ending and goes on to the epilogue, to tell about what happens in the future. On the very end pages there are pictures of historical people and historical things that happen in the book. The book is 170 pages long counting the epilogue and the pictures. You read to page 147 to get to the very end before the Epilogue. I really predict this book to anyone who likes to read their brother or sisters journal, or someone who likes to hear about history mixed with adventure. If you read it make sure to pass it on to someone else, I am sure they will like it too.
The winter.......2006-06-19
This historical fiction book is about a young girl named Abigail Jane Stuart. She lives in Valley Forge in 1777 and has come to find that some solders come and stay not far from her home. The main characters are Mr. Stuart, Mrs. Stuart, Elizabeth, Sally, and Abigail of course. Also she has a little brother that has just been born named Johnny and there not shore if he is going to survive the winter because winter is just around the corner. The solders are not making things better for them; one example is the solders are very hungry so they stole their chickens. Abigail also gets to meet general George Washington and his wife. I really enjoyed this book because it really explained things well and you really could feel how they felt and you could picture it. The only thing that was a little hard was that some names were hard to say. Also there kind of grammar was hard to say. If you really like historical fiction then buy this book today, I would.
The Winter of Red Snow.......2006-06-19
The Winter of Red Snow is about a girl named Abigail Jane Stewart who records her days by writing in a diary. On December 17, 1777 Abigail was writing and she wrote...
I woke to the sleet hitting the window and another sound I'd not heard before. Papa came and said, "The soldiers are coming!" Finally through the grey we saw them. Three officers on horseback led. We ran outside to cheer for them, but the men were quite and thin. The sight of them took my breath away. "They have no shoes." Elizabeth whispered. Their footprints left blood in the snow. As I wrote this upstairs my candle low, I think I shall never again complain.
I think that really say's allot. She writes about tragic movements sometimes. I think they called it the "Winter of Red Snow" because blood is red and as she said, in her writing there footprints left blood in the snow making it red snow. Abigail has many problems and troubles in this book, witch she tries to find solutions to them. She likes to write what's in her head, what she sees, but mostly what's going on. Read this book for many adventures with Abigail Jane Stewart.
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