Posted on 05/10/2020 12:35:01 PM PDT by week 71
I am looking for recommendations for a book about the American Revolution from FReepers. I'm in my forties - so a 'Karen' ha! - that's fine whatever. Anyway a real succinct look at it for one who is not extremely well informed. Not some Howard Zinn account that Goebbles would give a wink and a nod to. Just a well written account of the history of the men who by signing the Declaration were putting the risk of being hanged for treason on the line.
David McCullough’s 1776 is not bad, but ends in 1776, with the Battle of Trenton. It’s starts with the Siege of Boston (Bunker Hill was in 1775), the British evacuation, the Battle of Long Island (/Brooklyn), and the various minor battles, including White Plains, leading up to Trenton. It is most readable. McCullough is a superb author, the book will keep your attention. I have a copy I an not using if your library is closed or unavailable, and you don’t want to pay Amazon.
As a starter, I would highly recommend “1776” by David McCullough. It is a fascinating look at the year 1776 from the American and British perspectives from George Washington and King George down to the foot soldiers..
A must read by a great historian: Paul Revere’s Ride by David Hackett Fischer.
My books are in disarray so it word take hours to find the one I recommend. It’s a rather large book even in paperback. It consists of correspondence of eyewitness accounts of events from our Revolution from all sides. I read it back during the centennial.
You beat me to it on “1776”. Lol I think it’s a fascinating book.
Also, though not a book, look for the John Adams HBO mini-series.
Maybe not exactly what you are looking for..but some of the best I have read
Paul Revere’s ride by Fischer
washington’s Immortals by Patrick ODonnell
The Glorious Cause by Middlekauff
Time for a re-read of both books.
I also recommend "The Long Fuse" by Don Cook which is the American Revolution written from the British point of view. Imagine if the best and brightest of the United States left to start a new civilization somewhere else. Well, that is exactly what happened to England and it was very painful to them.
Lot of great books in my library about that period of time.
I'm not looking for some British apologetics, but rather why did they continue fighting when Burgoyne's army was lost at Saratoga but agreed to our independence when Cornwalis' army was lost at Yorktown. What made them decide it wasn't worth the fight anymore? What were the arguments in Parliament while the war was going on? I've heard that with the French involved that their profitable colonies in the Caribbean were at risk and the Brits considered those worth more than their North American colonies, but I want more details. Thanks.
Added to my Amazon list. Thanks.
look on Rush Limbaugh’s web site
You might try something by Lord North, the British Prim Minister at that time. He was opposed to Britain continuing the war.
A fine, short book on the Revolution told from the British point of view:
https://www.amazon.com/Redcoats-Rebels-Christopher-Hibbert/dp/1844156990
Fischer’s book is great.
Probably anything written before the 1960s. Might want two. One from a Northerner and one from a Southerner. Get both sides.
Thank you. Thanks indeed
This appears to be a good recommendation for beginners. Thanks!
Appreciate your input. Seems these books would be well worth looking at.
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