The Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn

Set amid the bustling streets that would become modern New York and Brooklyn, this work transports listeners to the summer of 1776, when the fledgling nation’s struggle unfolded on familiar ground. The author paints a vivid picture of soldiers encamped in what are now city parks, forts rising along the rivers, and everyday streets turned into barricades and picket posts. By weaving together contemporary maps, portraits, and the very words of orders and letters from generals, the narrative brings the early battles—especially the fierce contest on Long Island—into sharp focus.

Beyond the battlefield description, the book offers a treasure trove of newly uncovered documents gathered from descendants of the participants, shedding fresh light on the strategies and missteps of both sides. These primary sources help fill gaps left by earlier histories, revealing the logistical challenges and personal experiences of troops drawn from ten of the original colonies. Listeners will come away with a richer understanding of how the struggle for New York shaped the broader Revolutionary War.