Revolution on the Hudson: New York City and the Hudson River Valley in the American War of Independence

Although it was a detailed history of the Revolution, I found it boring to read because it had so much small detail, it became almost overbearing. It read like a history book written for historians. No doubt the author had done a great amount of research to uncover such detail about the battles, it just didnt flow well. It did give a very interesting picture into the court of King George and the assumptions they made about America, which lead them to underestimate the desire of the patriots to be free of English rule. The descriptions of the difficulty that George Washington had in obtaining funds to pay the army was an eye opener. The book was just not an easy read.

What a thought provoking book about the American Revolution. I agree that Daughans narrative was insightful and inspiring to being aware of the historical context of our success in bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict. I hope Daughan writes more on the land battles in the state of New York during the War, especially at Saratoga

When I bought this book I was expecting to learn more about the frontier fights in the Mohawk Valley, the partisan warfare which went on for years around Westchester County and the development of the stronghold at West Point, but this book doesnt really delve into those items. In the opening, closing, and places in the book, the author makes the point that the British fixated on a flawed strategy of seizing the Hudson to separate the New England colonies from the others, but there isnt a detailed analysis of why this strategy is flawed. This is a good readable review of the American Revolution, but this doesnt live up to the promise of its title.

Interesting read. While not totally it does cover quite a bit of the Hudson Valley.

Frequently went off topic from its supposed focus on The Hudson, BUT I learned a lot about the War from the British viewpoint, about the overlooked years of 1778-1782, and about British and French naval strategy.

I decided to write a quick review of this book and was surprised to see a one star review when I thought it was so good. Had to shake my head when I saw that the one star review was written by someone who had not read the book but only looked in the index...The book itself successfully straddles that fine line of providing all the historical detail you could want while still telling a story that keeps your adrenaline pumping. Daughan brings the Revolution alive and I doubt there will be any Revolution buff who fails to have an I never knew that! moment. Definitely worth your while whether your interest in the Revolution is casual or complex.

A very engrossing book. Learned a lot about my own neighborhood during the American Revolution.A definite good read for all who loves homegrown history.

This is a wonderful book when it comes to British ineptness and mismanagement of the Hudson River valley. The irreparable harm the whites did to the native Americans should go down in history equal to the genocide that has been going on since mankind set foot on this earth. The only problem being that we knew better, but out of greed and selfishness, we destroyed a way of life and blamed it on the savages. The Hudson was the main artery to bountiful land and riches untold. And the British Colonials fought to the bitter end to subdue the Indians, Dutch, French and anyone else who would dare stand in the way of colonial greed and British blundering. Well it all caught up with them but at such a great toll to the original inhabitants. The Crown got its moneys worth and in the end they got a snoot full. Could not have happened to a more deserving foe.

I listened to the book on audio. I enjoyed it and its well written and read. Like others, I feel the work strays from the title and theme though. It often drifts from the NYC and New York State war action into other places the war was fought. I understand some exposition is required but I really felt at times it became a general survey of the war in total.

Great book-very informative and well written--about an interesting era in our History. As a History buff, I enjoy reading about the Revolution and how it could have gone very wrong for the future of our country. Especially interesting was the part pl;ayed by Benedict Arnold in this book as well as other books concerning his history and why he chose to betray his country. George Rosner