I have just finished reading this book last night and boy, I am left believing that this is one of the best books I have ever read. First I want to address issues raised by the writers of the bad reviews, first that it is in textbook format. I don't know whether he is referring to the size and shape of the book, or whether it is a reference to the passages of information that are included throughout the book that add detail and history to the already rich history text. I have been to school before and I am a college graduate, let me tell you if this book was a textbook format then I would never have been able to get through the first chapter. This book is a rich historical narrative following the accounts of Washington's Army as they encamp numerous times in and around Morristown, New Jersey.
Second, the other bad review that called the book a colossal disappointment, I believe this guy has his own ideas about why the soldiers suffered and since the author didn't cover what he wanted him to he just blatantly decided to automatically hate the book. I don't say that he is not entitled to his opinion of course, but I disagree that whole wonderful history presented in this book is ruined just because a few things didn't get covered that he thinks should have.
Overall, I say if you are on the fence line wondering whether or not to buy the book I say don't let the bad reviews sway you. The reviews are of a more biased and personal dislike rather than a real through critique of the history reviewed here. The story of Morristown is wonderfully presented by the author, beginning with the winter encampment of 1777 that immediately followed the Battles of Trenton and Princeton. The author follows the adventures of the Continental Army under Washington through the remaining years of the war and the many times that they encamped there, four times to be exact. While this doesn't cover just the worst winter of the war during 1779-1780, it adds a rich and wonderful following of the war and is a excellent walk through of the war to anyone who loves history or is a big fan of the Revolution.
The most fun part of the book for me was the part dealing with the mutiny that occurred in January of 1781, I was on the edge of my seat as I read about it, and I was mad too because they never covered those mutinies in school when I was there. To that end this is a story of a forgotten and neglected part of our history. The author makes the most wonderful and heartfelt case at the end to why the history has been forgotten and overlooked compared to Valley Forge. Nothing diminishes what happened at Valley Forge, but as the author suggest, since records can't say that as many people died in Morristown it is judged that the men did not suffer as much there. Reading this you will come to see the truth, men don't have to die in huge numbers to suffer. Those who suffered at Morristown during the many winters there deserve our remembrance and gratitude.
This is now one of my favorite books, I am a avid reader of history and I can't count all the history books I have read. So take it from a actual and real history buff, this book is worth every penny and dime you spend to learn about a overlooked and unappreciated history of our Founding Fathers, don't let the bad reviews sway you. They are entitled to their opinion but what they have chosen to criticize about this book doesn't make it a bad book, it was just not what they wanted. I am so eager now to read my next book on the American Revolution, and that in of itself is where this book succeeded for me, leaving me wanting to learn more about the American Revolution.
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