Books with author Thomas J Fleming

“A superb retelling of the story of Valley Forge and its aftermath, demonstrating that reality is far more compelling than myth.” – Gordon S. Wood The defining moments of the American Revolution did not occur on the battlefield or at the diplomatic table, writes New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming, but at Valley Forge. Fleming transports us to December 1777. While the British army lives in luxury in conquered Philadelphia, Washington’s troops huddle in the barracks of Valley Forge, fending off starvation and disease even as threats of mutiny swirl through the regiments. Though his army stands on the edge of collapse, George Washington must wage a secondary war, this one against the slander of his reputation as a general and patriot. Washington strategizes not only against the British army but against General Horatio Gates, the victor in the Battle of Saratoga, who has attracted a coterie of ambitious generals devising ways to humiliate and embarrass Washington into resignation. Using diaries and letters, Fleming creates an unforgettable portrait of an embattled Washington. Far from the long-suffering stoic of historical myth, Washington responds to attacks from Gates and his allies with the skill of a master politician. He parries the thrusts of his covert enemies, and, as necessary, strikes back with ferocity and guile. While many histories portray Washington as a man who has transcended politics, Fleming’s Washington is exceedingly complex, a man whose political maneuvering allowed him to retain his command even as he simultaneously struggled to prevent the Continental Army from dissolving into mutiny at Valley Forge. Written with his customary flair and eye for human detail and drama, Thomas Fleming’s gripping narrative develops with the authority of a major historian and the skills of a master storyteller. Washington’s Secret War is not only a revisionist view of the American ordeal at Valley Forge – it calls for a new assessment of the man too often simplified into an American legend. This is narrative history at its best and most vital.

A classic biography of Benjamin Franklin for young readers in a new, illustrated edition. Benjamin Franklin was a true American original―an accomplished scientist, athlete, inventor, writer, statesman, diplomat, printer, and philosopher. This classic biography by eminent historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Fleming paints a lively portrait of Franklin, a self-made man blessed with talent and immense curiosity about the world around him. With charm, humor, and a keen understanding of human nature, Franklin guided the American colonies to independence and nationhood. His remarkable career will inspire readers of all ages. Kids will learn about the lives of famous historical figures and famous events in history through compelling stories paired with fresh illustrated images, timelines, and fact boxes. The theme of "American Leaders" connects these debut titles, where the lives of some of the greatest American heroes are recounted.

A classic biography of Benjamin Franklin for young readers in a new, illustrated edition.Benjamin Franklin was a true American original -- an accomplished scientist, athlete, inventor, writer, statesman, diplomat, printer, and philosopher. This classic biography by eminent historian and Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Fleming paints a lively portrait of Franklin, a self-made man blessed with talent and immense curiosity about the world around him. With charm, humor, and a keen understanding of human nature, Franklin guided the American colonies to independence and nationhood. His remarkable career will inspire readers of all ages.

In this swift, insightful book, New York Times bestselling author Thomas Fleming brings vividly to life the remarkable youth of Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s greatest presidents. Here are all of Jefferson’s early triumphs and tragedies – from his inspired design and construction of Monticello and election as Virginia’s second governor to his achievement as the author of the Declaration of Independence and the devastating loss of his wife.

The defining moments of the Revolutionary War did not occur on the battlefield or at the diplomatic table, claims Thomas Fleming, but at Valley Forge, where the Continental Army wintered in 1777–78. WASHINGTON'S SECRET WAR tells the dramatic story of how those several critical months transformed a beaten, bedraggled group of recruits into a professional army capable of defeating the world's most formidable military power. While the British Army relaxed in Philadelphia only 20 miles away, George Washington trained his army under brutal conditions. Fleming reveals that during this difficult winter Washington was simultaneously fighting another war – one for his political life as members of the Continental Congress hatched a plot to unseat him and others plotted to betray him. For the first time, WASHINGTON'S SECRET WAR reveals how Washington's genius at negotiating the gray world of spies, double agents, and palace intrigue vaulted him from losing general to the charismatic father of his country.

Perhaps more than even Washington, Jefferson, or Adams, Ben Franklin is the Founding Father who best exemplifies the authentic American spirit and values. Eminent historian Thomas Fleming paints a lively portrait of this self-made man blessed with a wealth of talents: a best-selling author, the most important newspaper publisher in America, and a world-renowned scientist and inventor before he took on the task of becoming the true “Father” of American independence. Fleming’s remarkable story of how Franklin worked behind the scenes to ensure the success of the American Revolution will inspire readers of all ages.

Going on the defense against this invasion is not a question. It is how is a simpler world going to battle the prepared armies of pure evil without help from above? Any country would satisfy itself well to find four strong horses pulling loads of trouble gladly out of everyone’s way. Bandy, the beautiful strategic mare, recruits another three angelically gifted and magical studs; Utopio, the handsomely strong Alfa stallion, Spirit the wise and Astro, the joyful, to embark on protecting freedom and solvency for a continent on the planet Beauty in the universe, Folkhaven.

Led by the Continental Congress, the Americans almost lost their war for independence because their military thinking was badly muddled. The embryo nation narrowly escaped from the disastrous results of these misconceptions thanks to the levelheaded intelligence of one man: General George Washington.Following the flush of small victories in 1775, patriot leaders were convinced that the key to victory was the homegrown militia -- local men defending their families and homes. Washington knew that having and maintaining an army of regular professional soldiers was the only way to win independence. He fought bitterly with the leaders in Congress over the creation of a regular army. In the end, he and his army prevailed.In Strategy of Victory, prolific historian Thomas Fleming examines the battles that created American independence, revealing how the strategy of a professional army, backed by a corps of citizen soldiers determined to fight for their freedom, worked on the battlefield, securing victory, independence and a lasting peace for the young nation.

For African Americans during the War for Independence, what mattered most was freedom from slavery. As the Revolution spread from American colony to American colony, men in bondage took up arms for whatever side promised them liberty when the conflict ended. An estimated 100,000 blacks escaped, died, or were killed during the American Revolution. Many are remembered as heroes today. Here, from New York Times bestselling historian Thomas Fleming, is their extraordinary and little-told story.