George Washington’s Military Genius

By: Dave R. Palmer

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

George Washington’s military strategy has been called bumbling at worst and brilliant at best. So which is it? Was George Washington a strategic genius or just lucky? So asks Dave R. Palmer in George Washington’s Military Genius. An updated edition of Palmer’s earlier work, The Way of the Fox, George Washington’s Military Genius breaks down the American Revolution into four phases and analyzes Washington’s strategy during each.

“The British did not have to lose; the patriots did not have to triumph,” writes Palmer as he proves, beyond a doubt, that Washington’s continuously changing military tactics were deliberate, strategic responses to the various phases of the war and not the result of his lacking a plan of action.

Confronting the critics who say Washington’s battlefield success and ultimate victories were a function of luck, George Washington’s Military Genius proves once and for all that Washington deserves the title of America’s preeminent strategist.

©2012 Dave R. Palmer (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“This is military history in the grand style.” (Joseph J. Ellis, author of His Excellency: George Washington)

Illuminating

The book provides a useful perspective on Washington and on the war itself. Somewhat reminiscent of "The Grand Strategy of the Roman Empire," the author breaks the war down into different phases which demanded different strategies and argues that Washington correctly adapted his strategic posture to the balance of forces and the progress of the war.

Washington is often seen as a merely mediocre general, and this book provides a useful counter to that narrative. While Washington wasn't Bonaparte, I think this provides a convincing argument that his generalship, particularly his grasp of strategy and his political acumen, were instrumental in winning independence.

Washington discovered in detail

This book lays out the military strategies that George Washington employed to win the American Revolution.

More than just battlefield tactics

George Washington's Military Genius, by Dave R. Palmer (2012, 7 hr 45 min audiobook). This was a refreshing relook at and reassessment of General Washington and his military leadership during the Revolutionary War. The author won me over when he took the time to describe 18th century military practices, knowledge of which are critical to understanding how and why rebel and British armies acted the way they did. Additionally, this is as much a look at the numerous internal and external political calculations made by Washington as at his battlefield or strategic decision-making. Loved it!

good analysis

Takes a long time to set the table for GW's military strategy, but is a good analysis of his overall prowess once he gets there

A good overview of Washington’s strategy

Good listen, a good overview of the war, the strategy on each side and the limits the state of infrastructure placed on each side.

Genius

Usually, Washington is given credit for character, fortitude, determination, patriotism, and just about every virtue a chieftain needs – with the noticeable exception of military genius. But Dave R. Palmer, a long-serving officer and former superintendent of West Point, begs to differ.

His book is analytical history at its very best. After a masterful summation of military theory and practice before the Revolution, Palmer breaks down the conflict into four distinct phases, imposing an order on tumultuous events, explaining how and why those events unfolded as they did and, by examining Washington's changing approach to each of those different phases, making a strong case for his strategic insight and military brilliance. Certainly, Washington's contemporaries were less grudging than many modern historians; Palmer cites a general admiration in Europe, for example, of his lightening coups at Trenton and Princeton. Similarly, while modern authors give the Comte de Rochambeau credit for refocusing allied efforts south to Yorktown in 1781, Palmer reads the record differently, crediting Washington with that most valuable asset for any strategist, conceptual flexibility.

If you know the basic narrative of the Revolutionary War, if you won’t be confused by passing references to places like King’s Mountain without further footnotes, then this book is for you. Robertson Dean, who I usually find somewhat plodding, held my attention throughout, another testimony to the high quality of the insights and perspectives Palmer has to offer.

Historical Insight

The historical background of General Washington is enlightening. British perspective is also very useful. Enjoyed this very much.

Interesting military perspective

I leaned a few new things from this book. It’s good. I’ll listen to it again.

Great analysis of Washington's strategy

Well written and focused on Washington's strategy by a man of knowledge on this topic.

Absolutely Outstanding Analysis

Having read many books on the American Revolution, I have not previously read anything that not only chronicles the revolution in such a succinct manner, but also I'm a way that is easy to follow and enjoy.

Furthermore, General Palmer laid out a goal/hypothesis (that Washington had a genius for strategic thought and action), and systematically achieved/ proved that goal/hypothesis.

I strongly recommend this book not only to those interested in Washington's military genius, but also in a clear, readable account of the war for American Independence.

This is a masterful book, crafted by a soldier-historian, and worthy of a wide readership. Indeed, all citizens would benefit from reading it.