Winning Independence
- Author John Ferling
- Narrator Rhett Samuel Price
- Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing
- Run Time 24 hours and 48 minutes
- Format Audio
- Genre History, History of the Americas, Local history, Military and defence strategy, Military history, Society and Social Sciences.
Click to open directly in the xigxag app.
Titles Purchased
- 1-5
- 6-10
- 11-15
- 16-20
- Over 20
Price p/Title
- $15.99
- $14.99
- $13.99
- $12.99
- $11.99
Listen to a sample
What to expect
Co-Winner of the 2022 Harry M. Ward Book Prize
From celebrated historian John Ferling, the underexplored history of the second half of the Revolutionary War, when, after years of fighting, American independence often seemed beyond reach.
It was 1778, and the recent American victory at Saratoga had netted the U.S a powerful ally in France. Many, including General George Washington, presumed France’s entrance into the war meant independence was just around the corner.
Meanwhile, having lost an entire army at Saratoga, Great Britain pivoted to a “southern strategy.” The army would henceforth seek to regain its southern colonies, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, a highly profitable segment of its pre-war American empire. Deep into 1780 Britain’s new approach seemed headed for success as the U.S. economy collapsed and morale on the home front waned. By early 1781, Washington, and others, feared that France would drop out of the war if the Allies failed to score a decisive victory that year. Sir Henry Clinton, commander of Britain’s army, thought “the rebellion is near its end.” Washington, who had been so optimistic in 1778, despaired: “I have almost ceased to hope.”
Winning Independence is the dramatic story of how and why Great Britain—so close to regaining several southern colonies and rendering the postwar United States a fatally weak nation ultimately failed to win the war. The book explores the choices and decisions made by Clinton and Washington, and others, that ultimately led the French and American allies to clinch the pivotal victory at Yorktown that at long last secured American independence.
Critics Review
Thoughtful…impressively researched…accessible and engaging… Ferling’s lengthy, comprehensive, and essential work has staying power and should become one of the leading resources on the Revolutionary War.
Thoroughly researched and well written, this work casts fresh light on the final years of the war and the reasons for American victory. It will interest university students at all levels, professional historians, and the general public.
This well-researched, densely written history rewards patient readers … Ferling’s research is meticulous, his prose methodical, and his conclusions measured.
Impeccably researched . . . the book is a must-read for any student of Revolutionary history. Yet another excellent work of early American history from one of its best practitioners.
Full of deep research and dramatic character portraits, a crowning achievement from one of the best historians of the period.
Deeply researched and well-argued…Readers will gain fresh insight into how thin the line between victory and defeat was for both armies.
Writing with his usual verve and imagination, Ferling demonstrates that the second half of the Revolutionary War possessed as much pathos, drama, and intrigue as the first part of the conflict. Winning Independence will undoubtedly appeal to both scholars and the general public. It’s political and military history at its finest.
A mesmerizing historical adventure. Focusing on the southern campaigns of 1778-1781, Ferling luminously unravels the story of how the American colonists finally beat the odds and gained their independence from Great Britain. Certainly one of the most engaging books I’ve had the pleasure of reading in years.
Extraordinary. Ferling’s observations on the rival commanders are genuinely thought-provoking and challenging. Deeply researched, impartial, and elegantly written, Winning Independence is nothing short of an instant classic—one of the truly essential works on America’s founding struggle.
More from the same
About xigxag
Enjoy the best audiobooks on xigxag, an innovative, user-friendly audiobook platform that makes it easy to find, purchase, and enjoy your favorite books in audio format. xigxag’s flexible pricing model offers bestselling audiobooks for less – affordable prices and the best audiobook deals with no subscription required. Give the perfect gift with our audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.
xigxag’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices ensures a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform – an exciting alternative to big tech. Enjoy audiobooks from the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service and a leader in audiobook innovation.
Search effortlessly, read honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the book and the narration, and discover hidden gems. Download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere and get the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to get tailored content recommendations, product updates and info on new releases. Your data is your own: we commit to protect your data and respect your privacy.