New York Times bestselling author Nathaniel Philbrick will appear at Washington Crossing Historic Park on Wednesday, October 17, at 7:30 PM for a lecture, Q&A, and signing of his new book, In the Hurricane’s Eye: The Genius of George Washington and the Victory at Yorktown.
Tickets are available only online (click here). Sales will close on Sunday, October 7, and tickets will not be sold at the door.
Philbrick’s latest reprises the protagonists of his last Revolutionary War book in a recounting of the events leading up to the colonists’ victory at the Battle of Yorktown, with an emphasis on naval and military strategy.
“The author portrays Washington as an aggressive, undaunted leader—even when facing distressing personal problems—who emitted a ‘charismatic force field,’” says Kirkus Reviews. “One British officer reported feeling ‘awestruck as if he was before something supernatural’ in Washington’s presence.”
In the Hurricane’s Eye, which will be released the day before Philbrick appears at the park, is the latest chapter in the writings of one of the most revered historical nonfiction authors alive today. He’s written nine books to date; several have been honored by the New York Times and other publications. His 2000 book, In the Heart of the Sea, won the National Book Award for nonfiction and was the basis for the 2015 movie of the same title, directed by Ron Howard.
“Nathaniel Philbrick’s publisher gets hundreds of requests a year for him to speak,” says Jennifer Martin, executive director of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park. “For them to select the park demonstrates the influence of our site and others in the Ten Crucial Days Historic District.”
The October 17 lecture is co-hosted by the Friends of Washington Crossing Park and the David Library of the American Revolution. Both non-profits will receive a portion of the proceeds from ticket sales.
“We’ve wanted to collaborate with the Friends for a long time, but we knew that when we finally did, it should be something really special,” says Meg McSweeney, chief operating officer of the David Library. “Bringing Nathaniel Philbrick to Washington Crossing is pretty special. I’m delighted that, through our joint effort, our shared community of lifelong history students will have a chance to hear him.”
At the request of the publisher, Philbrick will only sign books purchased through this event, from the gift shop in the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitor Center, or from Farley’s Bookshop in New Hope (receipt required).
