Timing is everything, I’ve been researching the geography of the revolutionary war and this doorstopper will be an excellent addition. As always, great writing Jan. I’ve followed you from Medium, and glad you’re here. Thanks for sharing your wisdom in delightful arenas.
Thank you SO much, Jackie. The geography of that war is a great subject!
Atkinson seems to be your kindred spirit in that he shows clearly what a big role it played, whether on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec or at the Palisades in NJ or in the Low Country in the Carolinas. A well-known
quote from him is, “In battle, topography is fate.” He says it in those words in another book, but there’s a variation also in “The British Are Coming.”
His very detailed maps support his view. I spent my childhood near the Raritan River and realized while reading his book that I’d never really understood its path until I looked at his maps. No doubt Vol. 2 will be just as interesting in its treatment of the Lake Champlain/Fort Ticonderoga effects. Hope you’re enjoying your research as much as I enjoyed his book!
I believe it. My patience wasn’t tested by the stories of soldiers’ amputations (which caused doctors to put wool in patients’ ears so they wouldn’t hear the sawing) in Atkinson. But Goldwater and Reagan could do it if you focus on how many of our country’s current ills date to them.
Perlstein swore he was only going to write three books - "Before the Storm" (Goldwater), "Nixonland," which at almost 800 pages, was a definitive read about old Tanned, Rested & Ready and "Invisible Bridge," about the downfall of both Agnew and Tricky Dick. Then he wrote, "Reaganland," a 1,000 page magnum opus which covered Ford, Carter and Reagan. I read about 400 pages and put it down and haven't read a word of it since.
Rick Atkinson was here earlier this week talking about his new book. I wish I had seen him! But I had a prior commitment that evening. It is always so enjoyably involving when a writer such as Atkinson can help readers "see familiar places and people afresh." Such a gift keeps history alive! And relevant.
Atkinson really does keep it relevant. So many of the patriots' comments about the need to defend freedom ring true today. So sorry you missed him! But he does plan to do a Vol. 3 of the trilogy, so perhaps you'll have another chance to catch him?
Timing is everything, I’ve been researching the geography of the revolutionary war and this doorstopper will be an excellent addition. As always, great writing Jan. I’ve followed you from Medium, and glad you’re here. Thanks for sharing your wisdom in delightful arenas.
Thank you SO much, Jackie. The geography of that war is a great subject!
Atkinson seems to be your kindred spirit in that he shows clearly what a big role it played, whether on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec or at the Palisades in NJ or in the Low Country in the Carolinas. A well-known
quote from him is, “In battle, topography is fate.” He says it in those words in another book, but there’s a variation also in “The British Are Coming.”
His very detailed maps support his view. I spent my childhood near the Raritan River and realized while reading his book that I’d never really understood its path until I looked at his maps. No doubt Vol. 2 will be just as interesting in its treatment of the Lake Champlain/Fort Ticonderoga effects. Hope you’re enjoying your research as much as I enjoyed his book!
And then 203 years after Spanish Fly, we got Venus Flytrap...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQvCNLIVydM
*I had to, it was there. LOL
Ha. Much as I liked it, that book was another of those 750-plus page doorstoppers that I keep finding my way to, so I needed some comic relief :)
I've read plenty of those. Rick Perlstein's books covering Goldwater to Reagan tested my limits.
I believe it. My patience wasn’t tested by the stories of soldiers’ amputations (which caused doctors to put wool in patients’ ears so they wouldn’t hear the sawing) in Atkinson. But Goldwater and Reagan could do it if you focus on how many of our country’s current ills date to them.
Perlstein swore he was only going to write three books - "Before the Storm" (Goldwater), "Nixonland," which at almost 800 pages, was a definitive read about old Tanned, Rested & Ready and "Invisible Bridge," about the downfall of both Agnew and Tricky Dick. Then he wrote, "Reaganland," a 1,000 page magnum opus which covered Ford, Carter and Reagan. I read about 400 pages and put it down and haven't read a word of it since.
I hope so!
Rick Atkinson was here earlier this week talking about his new book. I wish I had seen him! But I had a prior commitment that evening. It is always so enjoyably involving when a writer such as Atkinson can help readers "see familiar places and people afresh." Such a gift keeps history alive! And relevant.
Atkinson really does keep it relevant. So many of the patriots' comments about the need to defend freedom ring true today. So sorry you missed him! But he does plan to do a Vol. 3 of the trilogy, so perhaps you'll have another chance to catch him?