"Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence" September 27, 2007

The Revolutionary War looks a lot easier today than it did in 1783. When General George Washington crossed the Delaware River with the Colonial Army and delivered a stunning defeat to the Hessian mercenaries, and then followed that with the bloody triumph at the Battle of Princeton mere days later, the fledgling nation might appear to have had victory within their grasp. But after seven more brutal, punishing years, General Washington himself made a different assessment: he believed that America’s victory had been "little short of a standing miracle."

Award-winning author John Ferling will appear at the Pritzker Military Library on Thursday, September 27th to discuss and sign copies of his acclaimed new book Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence. This program is free and open to the public. The presentation and live webcast will begin at 6:00 p.m. A reception for Library members will precede the event at 5:00 p.m.

Almost a Miracle offers fresh perspectives on Greene, Lee, Marion, and the other commanders of the Colonial Army, revealing each as a richly-detailed character with his own challenges to face. It describes the citizen-soldiers and back-country rebels in the South and other areas outside of history’s spotlight, delves into the hopes and fears that drove them to fight, and details the incredible toll it took on their lives. Washington emerges in his full complexity. It is a rare book on the tactics of the Revolutionary War, exposing Washington’s brilliance – and faults – as a tactician, as a statesman, and as a leader.

“America was fortunate to have had General Washington,” says Ferling, “though at times it was lucky to have survived him.”

John Ferling brings the Revolutionary War era to vivid life for audiences with any level of experience on the subject of early American history. He is a Professor Emeritus at the University of West Georgia and the author of nine books on topics ranging from warfare in colonial America to the lives of the Founders, including A Leap in the Dark, winner of the 2004 Fraunces Tavern Book Award for the year's best book on the Revolutionary War era.

Seating for this event is limited, so reservations are strongly recommended. Call 312.587.0234 or email [email protected].

Official Website: http://www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org