Title: George Washington at “Head Quarters, Dobbs Ferry”: July 4 to August 19, 1781
Author: Mary Sudman Donovan
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 978-1440151415
Pages: 116
Genre: History/American Military History/U.S. Revolution & Founding History
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina

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The American Revolution is definitely one of the most key defining moments of the United States and the world at large. As George Washington himself once said, “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.” In author Mary Sudman Donovan’s book George Washington at “Head Quarters, Dobbs Ferry”: July 4 to August 19, 1781, the author explores a crucial moment during the American Revolution as Washington worked with French forces to end the war.

The book explores the summer of 1781, when Washington moved a contingent of the Continental Army to the shores of the East Bank of the Hudson River and worked with French commander Comte de Rochambeau to establish a shared camp, working to find a strategy that would allow them both to finally end the war and win the American independence they had spent years fighting for. The author uses their extensive knowledge in the field to create a guided reference to this era of history that will keep historians and history fans alike invested.

This is a well written non-fiction read that details the history of this period of time in George Washington’s life as well as his mindset during that period as he worked out a strategy that would see the British forces finally defeated and sent back to England. The interactions between the American forces and French forces as they tried to work together despite the language barrier was also a critical detail that helps shape the narrative and mentality of this time period perfectly.

This is a book for anyone who is a historian, is fascinated with history and in particular is interested in the finer details of the American Revolution. As a history fan myself, it was truly wonderful to delve into such a detailed moment in American History, focusing on a month-long period in the summer of 1781 that saw many crucial moments to the war effort. What really stands out however is the author’s use of daily events in Washington’s life and in the encampment which provided a detailed and professional overview of life in that important moment in time.

This is a must read, short yet detailed in its delivery as history buffs and historians alike will be thoroughly and delightfully engaged. The author presents the history itself in a professional tone which cuts to the core of the significance of this moment in time, and shows this book is perfect for reference points and historical documentation overall. Grab your copy of Mary Sudman Donovan’s book George Washington at “Head Quarters, Dobbs Ferry”: July 4 to August 19, 1781 today and see for yourselelf why this moment of history was so crucial to the American Revolution