Battle of Brooklyn 1776

Rating:
Summary: The Battle that saved the rebellion
Review: If you live in Brooklyn and are interested in the Revolutionary War, this book is a must.

Who knew that such an important encounter took place in Brooklyn. The largest expeditionary force the world had ever witnessed in 1776, the largest battle of the war in terms of participants and casualties, an incredible encounter in Park Slope between a group of Maryland Militiamen and the British Army (they charged the British numerous times, in the face of overwhelming odds, in order to permit what was left of the American troops to retreat to Brooklyn Heights) and an evacuation/ retreat, "Dunkirk" style across the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan by General Washington which saved the army and was widely admired by the British as an incredible feat done right under the British noses.

Rating:
Summary: Winning does not come easy
Review: In most history books, it is usually called The Battle of Long Island. But since it took place in Brooklyn, it is more recently referred to as The Battle of Brooklyn...It took place in August of 1776. General Howe, the winner, versus General Washington, the loser (he won later)...The book relates that American counter attacks in the vicinity of Old Stone House created time for Washington to save the remainder of his army...Did the particular men involved here come from Brooklyn? No, they came from Maryland, "The Maryland 400." (the men from Brooklyn were fighting upstate).But the Marylanders are well remembered. Old Stone House was rebuilt and stands near 5th Avenue and 3rd St. An American Legion Post at 3rd Avenue and 9th St. honors the area where most of them are believed to have been buried. They are also honored by a monument in Prospect Park. This reviewer usually reviews books related to entertainment, but there are higher callings than entertainment.

Rating:
Summary: Brooklyn under siege, 1776
Review: In spite of one or two glaring mistakes in John Gallagher's book, BATTLE OF BROOKLYN, 1776, the author has provided us with a glimpse into a little known confrontation that had an enormous impact on our nation. When most people think of the significant battles of the Revolutionary War, they think of Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Yorktown, or Trenton. But New York City, and Brooklyn specifically was the scene for the first great battle.

Unfortunately, as Mr. Gallagher sympathetically conveys, the battle was a disaster from beginning to end. Over a thousand of Washington's troops were injured, captured, or killed. It was only with the brave and selfless assistance of the Marylanders, that the American troops were able to evacuate. Mr. Gallagher, with the skill of suspense novelist as well as historian, describes Washington's daring escape from Brooklyn, at night, in an intense fog.

I'm just scratching the surface here. This is a fascinating account of an undeservedly overlooked event of the American Revolution, and Mr. Gallagher deserves utmost credit for preserving its memory.

Rating:
Summary: Great History of Both the Battle and (Really) Old Brooklyn
Review: John Gallagher's narrative in this short book is very comprehensive while still being easy to read. It is interspersed with great little historical tidbits and teasers as well, and provides some great detail to the old 18th century villages that make up the City of Brooklyn today.

The reader gets the impression that Gallagher fully enjoyed writing on The Battle of Brooklyn and conveys this sense of historical importance very well.

In addition to the great narrative, there are many facts revealed about both the Revolutionary War and different parts of Brooklyn that both professional historians and casual history readers may not have known.

A highly recommended, quick and insightful read.