•The classic story of a notorious climb; a literal race to ascend Europe’s most formidable mountain wall between Brits/Americans versus GermansThe North Face of the Eiger was long renowned as the most dangerous climb in the Swiss Alps; one that had cost the lives of numerous skilled mountaineers. In February 1966; two teams―one German; the other British/American―aimed to climb it in a straight line from bottom to top. Astonishingly; the two teams knew almost nothing about each other's attempt until both arrived at the foot of the face. The race was on.The Anglo-American team of John Harlin; Layton Kor; and Dougal Haston intended to make a dash to the summit when conditions were right. The Germans; with an eight-man team and a mass of equipment; planned a slow; relentless ascent. Watching all was a young journalist; Peter Gillman. Now; fifty years later; Gillman recalls the dramatic events on the North Face; and assesses their effect on those who took part. The charismatic and controversial American climber John Harlin was killed before the summit was reached; while others were permanently injured through frostbite. For British photographer Chris Bonington; who was sucked into the action; it opened a path to a career and reputation as Britain's foremost mountaineer. “It was incredibly challenging and probably some of the hardest climbing done in the Alps to that time;†remembers Bonington. “Being involved was absolutely fantastic. There’s never been anything like it for me; before or since.†This title is part of our LEGENDS AND LORE series. Click here > to learn more.
#713174 in Books 2014-03-04Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 2.00 x 6.75l; 1.75 #File Name: 1628736526664 pagesGeorge Washington military strategy in Revolutionary War
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Great Read For History NewbiesBy dontcallmejoshIt’s pretty much thanks to Hamilton that I have become so interested in early American history. I’ve always had a bit in of an interest in British history but have always felt that I skipped over the early start of America. After listening and falling in love with Hamilton; I wanted to find out more. My one complaint about Hamilton is that it didn’t give me enough information on George Washington; while at the same time making me want to know more. That’s where Tucker’s book comes in. This is not the first book of Tucker’s that I’ve read; but after reading his other ones; I knew that it was a good place to find out more about Washington and I was right.There are lots of stories out there about Washington’s life and career; some of which I’m sure to read; but this one was more about one of his most decisive battles; The Battle of Trenton. This book went into extensive detail about the battle. It was especially good for someone like me who has zero knowledge about the subject. Tucker is meticulous with his details and that is something that I really enjoy about his writing.I have to say this for Tucker. He is very passionate about his writing and his studies of American history. That is something that comes across in his writing and made the whole reading experience more enjoyable. As much as I want to learn about the history of our country; it can be dense and a little boring. So it makes me glad that Tucker’s books are here to make the learning process more enjoyable.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. To help back up his book Philip has included an exhaustive reference list for anyone who would like to verify the historical information discussed in this bookBy Peter LipentineThis book George Washington’s Surprise Attack by author Philip Thomas Tucker. PhD tells the historical account; the Battle of Trenton one of America’s defining moment’s of the American Revolution; and which paved the way for the Declaration of Independence. This book describes two of the battles; the first one being the attack against the Hessian forces in Trenton commanded by Johann Rall; and the second battle being against the British reinforcements under Lord Cornwallis. Starting in December 1776 with General George Washington’s army of peaceful farmers; and humble shopkeepers waiting to cross the Delaware River. Having successfully sent the soldiers across in boats; they are now tasked with trying to get nearly four hundred tons in total of artillery across the river Delaware.Finding that they cannot cross the river with such a heavy load; George Washington has to recall his troops from New Jersey. With a tight discipline seldom seen in war; a snow storm yet to hit their backs; and German Hessians firing at them from houses on king street. Captain Washington age 24 was hit on king street and fallen wounded on the forefront. Who latter we find takes this ball of lead (situated in his breast) all the way to the white house; and to battle in the second battle. As most of us know the result I will not discuss too much in this area; just that the American forces were able to win the battle against the German Hessian forces; and against the British forces too.If you want a historical account of what happened in one of the most famous wars of American History then you definitely need to give this book a thorough read. The author has done tremendous research in this area. To help back up his book Philip has included an exhaustive reference list for anyone who would like to verify the historical information discussed in this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. New look at Battle of TrentonBy Customer4.5 StarsGeorge Washington; the first President of the United States was not only a president; but an accomplished general who lead his troops into many battles. History shows a general who achieved victory through happenstance and luck when it actuality it was much more than that.The Battle of Trenton has gone down in history as a battle that was planned while the soldiers were drunk and celebrating; when in fact it only appeared that way. Dr. Tucker dug through enormous amounts of primary documentation and secondary sources to find information that looks at information from a different view point. That viewpoint usually leads to information that is not well known; such as the battle of Trenton.The majority of Dr. Tucker’s work is looking at different aspects of history directly prior to or during the early years of America. Information is not readily available; so to be successful in a book such as this; the time and energy expended was intense. Not only that; but from the endnotes; it is obvious that he did not just take another’s word for it.The book starts off somewhat slow; but it not that different from his other books; in fact I think that this one had more of the author’s voice; instead of being dry as many historical books can be. It speeds up during the meat of the book; and from someone who doesn’t know as much about that time period as others; it gives enough information to be relevant but not too much to bore me.Some have called Tucker a revisionist historian; but I disagree; he is not trying to change history; but to add to it; to add the personal side; the unknown stories that make men into legends.
