More than the Civil War, more than World War II, the American Revolution is the most significant event in the nation's past, and the British surrender at Saratoga was the turning point of that struggle. In the summer of 1777 - two years after Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, twelve months after the brave Declaration of Independence - the British launched an invasion from Canada under General John Burgoyne. It was the campaign that was supposed to end the rebellion, but it resulted instead in a series of battles that changed America's history and that of the world. Basing his vivid account on the participants' diaries and letters, Richard Ketchum brings to life as never before the inspiring story of Americans like ourselves who did their utmost in what seemed a lost cause, achieving what proved to be the crucial victory of the Revolution.

New York Times Notable Book, 1997 Winner of the Fraunces Tavern Museum Award, 1997

The secret mission --They wish to see our throats cut -- The enemy's plans are dark and mysterious -- To effect a junction with Howe's forces -- A matter of personal interest and fame -- A theater of glory -- The scalping knife and the gospel -- The scene thickens fast -- The most delicate and dangerous undertaking -- I have beat them! -- The wolves came down from the mountains -- Considerable difficulties may be expected -- The rebels will chicane you -- Giving stretch to the Indians -- The dismal place of Bennington -- A continual clap of thunder -- The moment is decisive -- We had something more at stake -- I will make a push in about ten days -- They poured down like a torrent from the hill -- All remains still like Sunday -- The king fell into agonies.