Mr. Edgar once again brings his information yet entertaining and very readable style of writing to bear in this final piece of his trilogy on the early years of the American Revolution. As in his other books, he seamlessly weaves into his narrative many poignant and exciting personal accounts of the participants, both American and British, so that the readers looking for an alternative to dense, scholarly histories can here enjoy learning about the Revolutionary War.
This book focuses on the causes of the Revolution, and the patriots' desire to remain within the British Empire. Misconceptions on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean are seen as keys to understanding why repeated attempts at compromise failed to prevent the war. Mr. Edgar presents a balanced view of the motives and reasoning behind each new Parliamentary measure affecting the colonies, then the Americans' opposition to it, and the subsequent response in Britain. Readers can relive Boston's riotous "Tea Part," and read the personal accounts on both sides to determine who fired with first "shot heard round the world" on Lexington Common which started the war. The book ends with a detailed presentation of the Battle of Bunker Hill. This first major battle of the war is seen as a turning point of the Revolution, demonstrating the Yankees' earnestness and convincing the middle and southern colonies that they, too, should take up arms in a new, truly continental army. An every name index allows quick reference to individuals.
Gregory T. Edgar
(1997), 2008, 5½x8½, paper, index, 330 pp.
ISBN: 9780788405853
101-E0585
