With “In the Hurricane’s Eye,” historian Nathaniel Philbrick concludes his trilogy on the American Revolution.

Philbrick has also written about the early battle between the Americans seeking independence and British forces in “Bunker Hill.” And the betrayal of Benedict Arnold against the Americans and independence in “Valiant Ambition.”

“In the Eye of the Hurricane” marches and sails into the victory of independence at Yorktown.

Here, George Washington and the Americans prepare plans on land heavily based upon what their allies, the French, do at sea. France was America’s earliest ally, providing funds, officers offering their swords to Washington, men and arms, and most importantly the French Navy.

However, the French gave all in their own good time and place. Regularly to the consternation and frustration of Gen. Washington.

But Philbrick poses that Washington’s success against British Gen. Lord George Cornwallis at Yorktown was due to the success of the French navy against British ships in the waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

Most historians refer to the naval battle but Philbrick takes readers aboard the French and English ships. He explains the strategy and the effect the battle had on Washington on land.

Philbrick tells the tale with vivid detail and action. No surprise given other Philbrick books focus on sea journeys such as “Mayflower,” “In the Heart of the Sea,” “Second Wind” and “Sea of Glory.”

“In the Hurricane’s Eye” is a fine addition to Philbrick’s past sea stories and a strong conclusion to his American Revolution books.