With Musket and Tomahawk Vol I

The Saratoga Campaign and the Wilderness War of 1777

By: Michael Logusz

Narrated by: Dennis Johnson

A comprehensive look at the brutal wilderness war that secured America's independence...

With Musket and Tomahawk is a vivid account of the American and British struggles in the sprawling wilderness region of the northeast during the Revolutionary War. Combining strategic, tactical, and personal detail, this book describes how the patriots of the recently organized Northern Army defeated England's massive onslaught of 1777, thereby all but ensuring America's independence.

Conceived and launched by top-ranking British military leaders to shatter and suppress the revolting colonies, Britain's three-pronged thrust was meant to separate New England from the rest of the nascent nation along the line of the Hudson River. Thus divided, both the northern and southern colonies could have been defeated in detail, unable to provide mutual assistance against further attacks.

Yet, despite intense planning and vast efforts, Britain's campaign resulted in disaster when General John Burgoyne, with 6,000 soldiers, emerged from a woodline and surrendered his army to the Patriots at Saratoga in October 1777.

Underneath the umbrella of Saratoga, countless battles and skirmishes were waged from the borders of Canada southward to Ticonderoga, Bennington, and West Point. Heroes on both sides were created by the score, though only one side proved victorious, amid a tapestry of madness, cruelty, and hardship in what can rightfully be called "the terrible Wilderness War of 1777".

©2009 Michael O. Logusz (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

Well written history

Well written and researched history great detail but never dry. Will be starting volume II immediately.

A descriptive account of the 1777 campaign

This account of the 1777 Revolutionary war was extremely descriptive and informative.
Particularly delightful was the common explanation of the significance of different events that occurred during this time as well as the significance of particular persons.
The author and the narrator pre-presented a very compelling historical rendering of this most significant hear our nations earth. I highly recommend this book for anyone who's interested in knowing more about the founding of our country

Dry...

This is an amazing story!
it desperately needs to be more lively.
I had to replay whole sections of it over and over again because my mind would wonder due to the bland tone.

This should be listened to with a bunch of maps at the ready to fully understand the accounts.

which I will do when I listen to it again.

If you enjoy the America Revolution, you gotta read this

Of course I knew of the Northern Army and the exploits of Arnold, but I never knew the details of this campaign. This is an amazing book in both factual information and stories told of the frontier. This adds a wealth of knowledge to those who enjoy learning about the American Revolution, something different than the exploits of Washington, Lafayette, Knox or Greene. It’s gritty, harsh and wild like the frontier. Truly, Tomahawks and muskets rules the day.

History of the Wilderness

Very factual and interesting account of the battles in New York State and its importance to the Revolution. Enjoyable to listen to.

Expected more...

As a telling, the author makes a good attempt at historical accuracy and detail, but fails to liven up the narrative with bland and repetitive descriptors of action. Furthermore, the titular musket and tomahawk are barely featured except in afterthought as the author concludes every weak attempt at drama with "and his trusty wilderness tomahawk".

The narrator, though he has a pleasing baritone appropriate for such a topic as the wilderness, comes across as emotionless and robotic. His tempo and lack of intonation made it hard to follow and it was necessary to rewind several thousand times to clarify phrasing.

This is still a worthwhile listen for any US patriot or history buff due to the compelling tale of the wilderness in its own right, and if you can pretend the title has nothing at all to do with the content, you'll be fine.

Excellent Account

The Wilderness War was different from nearly all prior experience; gone were the formalities of European warfare. This was savage, and shocking for so many of the participants. The convergence of British, French, Native American and Americans from the Wilderness created an explosive conflict the author tells well.

well researched!

I really enjoyed this book. easy to comprehend and very informative and the author leaves mo ro k unturned on the Saratoga campaign.

Excellent History

If you could sum up With Musket and Tomohawk Vol I in three words, what would they be?

See above

What did you like best about this story?

I've visited the Saratoga National Battlefield numerous times and I'm familiar with how the battle(s) was fought, the book brings the events of 9/19/77 and 10/7/77 to life.

Have you listened to any of Dennis Johnson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The book title would be fine.

Any additional comments?

Mr. Johnson should have learned how to pronounce "Schoharie".

I always thought Saratoga was one battle

Would you listen to With Musket and Tomahawk Vol I again? Why?

Yes, the book was interesting and knowledgeable. Learned a bunch of stuff I did not know

What was one of the most memorable moments of With Musket and Tomahawk Vol I?

The battle between Benedict Arnold and General Gates

Which character – as performed by Dennis Johnson – was your favorite?

Loved the private soldiers especially the sniper with two barreled rifle.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

the suffering of some of the women

Any additional comments?

Being a southerner, I took a little while to get used to the narrator. He read a little fast.