Overview

From the bestselling author of Washington's Immortals and The Unknowns, an important new chronicle of the American Revolution heralding the heroism of the men from Marblehead, Massachusetts On the stormy night of August 29, 1776, the Continental Army faced annihilation after losing the Battle of Brooklyn. The British had trapped George Washington's army against the East River, and the fate of the Revolution rested upon the shoulders of the soldier-mariners from Marblehead, Massachusetts. Serving side-by-side in one of the country's first diverse units, they pulled off an American Dunkirk and saved the army by navigating the treacherous waters of the river to Manhattan. In the annals of the American Revolution, no group played a more consequential role than the Marbleheaders. At the right time in the right place, they repeatedly altered the course of events, and their story shines new light on our understanding of the Revolution. As acclaimed historian Patrick K. O'Donnell dramatically recounts, beginning nearly a decade before the war started, Marbleheaders such as Elbridge Gerry and Azor Orne spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the nascent United States by playing a crucial role governing, building alliances, seizing British ships, forging critical supply lines, and establishing the origins of the US Navy. The Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, became truly indispensable. Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite Guard that protected George Washington, foreshadowing today's Secret Service. Then, at the most crucial time in the war, the special operations-like regiment, against all odds, conveyed 2,400 of Washington's men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering the momentum- shifting surprise attack on Trenton that changed the course of history. White, Black, Hispanic, and Native American, this uniquely diverse group of soldiers set an inclusive standard the US Army would not reach again for more than 170 years. The Marbleheaders' story, never fully told before now, makes The Indispensables a vital addition to the literature of the American Revolution. As bestselling historian Patrick K. O'Donnell dramatically recounts, the Marblehead Regiment, led by John Glover, was truly indispensable. Beginning nearly a decade before the war started, The Indispensables also reveals how Marbleheaders such as Elbridge Gerry and Josiah Lee spearheaded the break with Britain and helped shape the nascent United States by playing a crucial role governing, building alliances, seizing British ships and forging critical supply lines that established the origins of the US Navy. Marbleheaders battled at Lexington and on Bunker Hill and formed the elite Guard that protected George Washington, a precursor to today's Secret Service. Then, at the most crucial time in the war, the regiment conveyed 2,400 of Washington's men across the ice-filled Delaware River on Christmas night of 1776, delivering the momentum-shifting surprise attack on Trenton that changed the course of history. This uniquely diverse unit set an inclusive standard the US Army would not reach for over 170 years. Compelling and original, The Indispensables is a vital addition to the literature of the American Revolution.

Full Product Details

9781665109505

Table of Contents

Reviews

[A] vivid and brilliant narrative...the one indispensable book on the early and most trying days of the American Revolution. -- James Lacey, New York Times bestselling author A gripping narrative that captures the extraordinary story of fighting men of whom few Americans have ever heard but who nonetheless proved themselves 'indispensable' to the cause of American liberty. -- Glenn F. Williams, PhD, author of Dunmore's War A vivid account of an impressive Revolutionary War unit and a can't-miss choice for fans of O'Donnell's previous books. -- Kirkus Reviews An amazing book about not just a regiment but a community. People from Marblehead contributed to every aspect of the American Revolution. -- Don N. Hagist, author of The Revolution's Last Men and editor of the Journal of the American Revolution Comprehensive...Revolutionary War buffs will delight in the copious details and vivid battle scenes. -- Publishers Weekly Draws upon a variety of primary sources: diaries, letters, orderly books, manuscripts and period newspapers...A detailed, reliable account of the War for American Independence's earliest years--one that embraces its nautical dimensions.-- -- Wall Street Journal O'Donnell writes with an innate sympathy for the American soldier. -- Edward G. Lengel, author of General George Washington Perfectly paced and powerfully wrought, this is the story of common men who gave up everything for an ideal--America. -- Adam Makos, New York Times bestselling author Sheds new light on a previously overlooked or unappreciated aspect of American military history. -- John C. McManus, author of Fire and Fortitude

"[A] vivid and brilliant narrative...the one indispensable book on the early and most trying days of the American Revolution. -- ""James Lacey, New York Times bestselling author"" A gripping narrative that captures the extraordinary story of fighting men of whom few Americans have ever heard but who nonetheless proved themselves 'indispensable' to the cause of American liberty. -- ""Glenn F. Williams, PhD, author of Dunmore's War"" A vivid account of an impressive Revolutionary War unit and a can't-miss choice for fans of O'Donnell's previous books. -- ""Kirkus Reviews"" An amazing book about not just a regiment but a community. People from Marblehead contributed to every aspect of the American Revolution. -- ""Don N. Hagist, author of The Revolution's Last Men and editor of the Journal of the American Revolution"" Comprehensive...Revolutionary War buffs will delight in the copious details and vivid battle scenes. -- ""Publishers Weekly"" Draws upon a variety of primary sources: diaries, letters, orderly books, manuscripts and period newspapers...A detailed, reliable account of the War for American Independence's earliest years--one that embraces its nautical dimensions.-- -- ""Wall Street Journal"" O'Donnell writes with an innate sympathy for the American soldier. -- ""Edward G. Lengel, author of General George Washington"" Perfectly paced and powerfully wrought, this is the story of common men who gave up everything for an ideal--America. -- ""Adam Makos, New York Times bestselling author"" Sheds new light on a previously overlooked or unappreciated aspect of American military history. -- ""John C. McManus, author of Fire and Fortitude"""

Author Information

Patrick K. O'Donnell is a bestselling, critically acclaimed military historian and an expert on elite units. The author of twelve books, including The Unknowns and Washington's Immortals, and a Fellow at Mount Vernon, he is the recipient of numerous national awards. O'Donnell served as a combat historian in a Marine rifle platoon during the Battle of Fallujah and is a professional speaker on America's conflicts, espionage, special operations, and counterinsurgency. He has provided historical consulting for DreamWorks' award-winning miniseries Band of Brothers and for documentaries produced by the BBC, the History Channel, and Discovery. Will Damron is an Audie Award-nominated narrator. A native of historic Tidewater Virginia, he studied theater at Middlebury College and has performed Off-Broadway and in regional theater throughout New England and Virginia. He lives and records in Los Angeles.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available