The Drillmaster of Valley Forge: The Baron de Steuben and the Making of the American Army

Synopsis

“A terrific biography. . . . The dramatic story of how the American army that beat the British was forged has never been better told.” —Doris Kearns Goodwin, New York Times–bestselling author of Team of RivalsFrustrated with a stalled career in midlife, the Baron de Steuben uprooted himself from his native Europe to seek one last chance at glory and fame in the New World. Steeped in the traditions of the Prussian army of Frederick the Great—the most ruthlessly effective in Europe—he taught the ragged, demoralized soldiers of the Continental Army how to fight like Europeans. His guiding hand shaped the fighting force that triumphed over the British at Monmouth, Stony Point, and Yorktown. But his influence did not end with the Revolution. Steuben was instrumental in creating West Point and in writing the first official regulations of the American army, and his principles have guided the American armed forces to this day.“Reveal[s] the deeds and character of a man whose life was full of surprises and frustrating failures but ultimately crowned with success . . . sheds light on the career of an important but relatively obscure figure.” —Booklist“The author generally treats [Steuben] with balance, understanding and great good humor.” —The Wall Street Journal“An archetypal American story: an immigrant, ambitious, blustering, insecure, who gives his talents and his passion to his new-found home.” —Richard Brookhiser, author of George Washington on Leadership

Copyright:

2008

Book Details

Book Quality:

Publisher Quality

Book Size:

355 Pages

ISBN-13:

9780061982538

Related ISBNs:

9780061451645

Publisher:

HarperCollins

Date of Addition:

03/02/25

Copyrighted By:

Paul Lockhart

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Military, Nonfiction, Biographies and Memoirs

Submitted By:

Bookshare Staff

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.