Facing Washington's Crossing

The Hessians and the Battle of Trenton

Steven Bier

$57.95

Hardback

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English

Westholme Publishing
30 September 2025

European history; History of the Americas; Modern history to 20th century: c 1700 to c 1900; Military history; American War of Independence

In Emanuel Leutze’s iconic painting of Washington’s Crossing, the American commander gazes confidently through the dawn, envisioning Hessian soldiers asleep that December 25, 1776, in the snow-covered village of Trenton. These Hessians, soldiers from the Germanic principality of Hesse-Kassel hired to the British army by their Landgrave, Frederick II, were in winter quarters, having fought the American rebels from Long Island, through New York City, across New Jersey, to the banks of the Delaware River. Accusations of rape and plunder followed the Hessians, along with their military prowess. Still, on that fateful morning, they would be humiliated by the American army, their commander killed, and most taken prisoner. Washington’s surprise victory at the Battle of Trenton was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. But who were these German soldiers, thousands of miles from home, caught up in a war they scarcely understood? Facing Washington’s Crossing: The Hessians and the Battle of Trenton by Steven Bier offers a fresh perspective on this event by narrating the story through Hessian eyes. The author traces Frederick II’s decision to hire out his army, their harrowing voyage across the Atlantic, and the numerous clashes leading up to Trenton. Drawing on newly translated documents throughout, the battle in Trenton is fully recounted, providing a much-needed understanding of the Hessian experience. Germanic soldiers continued to fight for the remainder of the Revolution; still, as the war ended, many found themselves torn between the opportunity of a new life in America and loyalty to their impoverished Fatherland. A significant contribution to the history of the American Revolution, Facing Washington’s Crossing completes the story of America’s first and most crucial victory.

By: Steven Bier
Imprint: Westholme Publishing
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 30mm
Weight: 626g
ISBN: 9781594164439
ISBN 10: 1594164436
Pages: 356
Publication Date: 30 September 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Steven Bier, MD, graduated from Mount Sinai School of Medicine and currently attends at Saint Peters University Hospital and Jersey City Medical Center. He is author of many medical and scientific papers and received a Writing Fellowship from Columbia University. As an active public historian, he has long been fascinated with the American Revolution. Steven is also dedicated to philanthropic work and cofounded Popcorn for the People, a nonprofit organization that provides career opportunities for disabled people, with his son.

Reviews for Facing Washington's Crossing: The Hessians and the Battle of Trenton

“There are many myths and misunderstandings concerning the Hessian troops defeated by General Washington at the Battle of Trenton. To dispel them, Steven Bier provides a solid look at these soldiers and what they experienced on their journey from the villages of Hessen-Kassel through their successful experiences in the colonies before their devastating defeat while in winter quarters at Trenton in December 1776.”—William L. Kidder, author of Ten Crucial Days: Washington's Vision for Victory Unfolds “Engaging and well written, Steven Bier’s Facing Washington’s Crossing is an excellent study of the Hessians at Trenton. Readers will learn how and why their ruler leased these soldiers to the British, and what led to their legendary defeat that gave George Washington his first victory.”—Ricardo A. Herrera, author Feeding Washington’s Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778. “Bier’s research is superb and his narrative is lucid; a welcome addition to the literature of the American Revolution.”—Mark Edward Lender, author of Fort Ticonderoga, The Last Campaigns: The War in the North, 1777–1783