Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson will present his latest historical work, The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777–1780, at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 17. He joins more than 130 featured authors at the annual literary event.
The Fate of the Day is the second volume in Atkinson’s American Revolution trilogy. As the war enters its third year, George III remains determined to crush the rebellion, but faces growing costs, foreign threats, and stiff resistance. Atkinson’s sweeping narrative moves from Benjamin Franklin’s diplomacy in Paris to George Washington’s pleas for resources and William Howe’s faltering campaigns. The book chronicles pivotal events from Valley Forge to the battles of Saratoga, Monmouth, and Charleston
Atkinson is the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of seven acclaimed books, including The Long Gray Line, the Liberation Trilogy, and The British Are Coming. He has received multiple honors, including Pulitzer Prizes for both history and journalism.
Gaithersburg Mayor and Book Festival founder Jud Ashman offers a brief review of The Fate of the Day.
Atkinson will speak at 4:15 p.m. in the James Michener Pavilion, followed by a book signing at 5:15 p.m.
The Gaithersburg Book Festival runs Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bohrer Park, 506 S. Frederick Avenue. Admission and parking are free.
For a full schedule of author presentations, workshops, and book signings—as well as a printable festival map—visit the Gaithersburg Book Festival website.
GBF is only a few days away. 🤩🤩🤩
Q: Are you ready?
🔘Do you know where to park?
🔘Do you know where to find the schedule?
🔘What happens if it rains?
🔘What happens if the weather is PERFECT?Answers to all of these & more, at the link.https://t.co/IHPPa2Mjjd
— Gaithersburg Book Festival (@GburgBookFest) May 7, 2025
