Customer Reviews

On the Wing of Speed: George Washington and the Battle of Yorktown

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Reviewed by William E. Cooper for Reader Views (10/06)

I have written reviews on many books on a variety of topics. I have to say "On the Wing of Speed" is one of the best books I've read in many years. I love history, particularly American history, and Mr. Phillips' book captures the time nearing the end of the Revolutionary War with such reality that it seems as if the reader is actually there. This type of writing takes considerable skill and it is abundantly clear Mr. Phillips has what it takes. Making it even more real, I have visited the places his book describes, from New York to Yorktown and he is right on. His near minute-by-minute description of events is outstanding, and the need to articulate the daily movements is certainly there.

Mr. Phillips not only writes about the events, but captures the essence of leadership, courage, risk-taking, loyalty, and what it took to make America. As I read the book I felt the weight of decisions and leadership on General Washington's shoulders. Having been in a leadership position for years as a Chief of Police, I have full realization that while I felt the burden at times, it was little compared to those times. This is a book I will always keep in my library and I will read it more than once. I recommend "On the Wing of Speed" with as high a recommendation as I've delivered before, and I genuinely hope Mr. Phillips writes more books. I'll be wanting one of the first.

Received book free of charge.

It's an interesting concept mixing text like a standard history book with passages of historical fiction of the same time period. Sometimes it works, giving the reader a more intimate feel of what was going on at the time other time is shows up the weakness of both sections (neither fish not fowl). The author did his research but there are a few historical liberties/inaccuracies that made me wince (which could be the result of poor editing-- as a change of wording could probably make it right). The book is an introduction and intimate portrayal of Washington during during late Summer of 1781 to the Surrender. If you've read other books on the Yorktown Campaign or on Washington and his relationships to his aides-de-camps, stepson, and allies there is nothing new and it's been done in more depth elsewhere. If you have little knowledge about the era or personages, this book is a decent place to start.