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Summaries of books by Nathaniel Philbrick:

In the Heart of the Sea

The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book recounts the harrowing true story of the Essex, a whaleship that was sunk by a sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean in 1820, leaving its crew stranded at sea for more than 90 days. It details the sailors' desperate struggle for survival, including their resort to cannibalism, and the event's influence on Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick."
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Mayflower

A Story of Courage, Community, and War
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book chronicles the harrowing voyage of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620, their establishment of Plymouth Colony, and the complex and often tumultuous relationship between the settlers and the Native American tribes, culminating in King Philip's War. It delves into the struggles for survival, the alliances and conflicts that shaped early American history, and the impact of these events on the nation's future.
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Bunker Hill

A City, A Siege, A Revolution
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book delves into the build-up, events, and aftermath of the Battle of Bunker Hill, one of the early and significant confrontations in the American Revolution. It explores the lives of participants on both sides of the conflict and the impact of the battle on the course of the revolutionary struggle.
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Valiant Ambition

George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the Fate of the American Revolution
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book delves into the complex relationship between George Washington and Benedict Arnold, exploring Arnold's eventual betrayal and its impact on the American Revolution. It provides a detailed narrative of the military campaigns, personal dynamics, and political intrigue that shaped the revolutionary era.
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The Last Stand

Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book delves into the events leading up to and including the infamous 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn, where General George Armstrong Custer's 7th Cavalry was defeated by Native American forces led by Sitting Bull. It provides a detailed account of the clash from both military and Native American perspectives, exploring the personalities, strategies, and historical context of this pivotal moment in American history.
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In the Hurricane's Eye

The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book delves into the pivotal role of the French navy under Admiral de Grasse in securing American independence by trapping British General Cornwallis at Yorktown, highlighting George Washington's strategic acumen in orchestrating this decisive victory. It provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the 1781 siege and the complex military and political maneuvers that culminated in the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War.
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Travels with George

In Search of Washington and His Legacy
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book chronicles the author's journey as he retraces the steps of George Washington's trips to the original thirteen states post-Revolution. It explores the impact of these travels on American identity and Washington's legacy, blending historical analysis with personal reflections.
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Sea of Glory

America's Voyage of Discovery, The U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-1842
Nathaniel Philbrick
The book chronicles the historic journey of the United States Exploring Expedition, a groundbreaking naval and scientific venture that mapped vast areas of the Pacific and Antarctica from 1838 to 1842. It details the challenges faced by the crew, the leadership of Lieutenant Charles Wilkes, and the significant contributions the expedition made to various scientific fields.
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