Title: Good, but not the best
Review: I read David Hackett FIscher's 2004 `Washington's Crossing' on the Battles of Trenton and Princeton, and thus neglected McCullough's `1776' when it was published in 2005.There's none I esteem more than McCullough (John Adams, Truman, The Path Between the Seas, The Great Bridge, etc). His only possible rival is David Hackett Fischer. And in this case, after recently reading `1776,' Hackett Fischer's `Washington's Crossing' remains superior.That said, McCullough excels at setting the stage of disaster (unsuccessful rebel campaigns, Washington's indecision and near fatal mistakes, and contemporary correspondence - especially Joseph Reed).`1776' is an able and accomplished work. It plumbs the depths of nascent rebels and Washington's trials (and scarce triumphs). If Hackett FIscher excels on Trenton and Princeton, McCullough serves a valuable course on the desperate state of rebel affairs. If you have the means, read them both and decide for yourself.
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