Patriot Battles: How the War of Independence Was Fought

Book Description

Drawing on hundreds of specialist sources, contemporary and archival, Patriot Battles is the comprehensive one-volume study of the military aspects of the War of Independence. The first part of the book offers a richly detailed examination of the nuts and bolts of eighteenth-century combat: For example, who fought and what motivated them, whether patriot or redcoat, Hessian or Frenchman? How were they enlisted and trained? How were they clothed and fed? What weapons did they use, and how effective were they? When soldiers became casualties or fell ill, how did medical services deal with them? What roles did loyalists, women, blacks, and Indians play?

The second part of the book gives a closer look at the war's greatest battles, with maps provided for each. Which men were involved, and how many? What was the state of their morale and equipment? What parts did terrain and weather play? What were the qualities of the respective commanders, and what tactics did they employ? How many casualties were inflicted? And no less important, how did the soldiers fight?

Throughout, many cherished myths are challenged, reputations are reassessed, and long-held assumptions are tested. For all readers, Patriot Battles becomes not only one of the most satisfying and illuminating works to be added to the literature on the War of Independence in many years but also a refreshing wind blowing through some of its dustier corridors.

Customer Reviews:

Patriot Battles Delivers: A Generally Positive Review.......2007-10-17

War may be Hell, nevertheless men love to read and write about war. Michael Stephenson is certainly equal to the task of writing about war professionally and passionately. It is obvious that he loves the writing, and if you enjoy military history, you'll love the reading.

Purpose of the Book

The subtitle of Patriot Battles is How the War of Independence Was Fought. The subtitle holds two keys to the book. The first is the purpose of the book: to answer the how question for all parties concerned in the war. The second is a key thesis of Stephenson's work: the war fought between the American colonies and their British brothers from 1775-1783 was actually quite conservative all things considered. That is, that it is better called the War of Independence than the Revolutionary War. It was essentially a change in management, from British to American, rather than a radical revolution in authority, society, and tradition. What he means is not that there were no radical ideas or results, indeed there were. Rather, the War was not accompanied by the mass upheaval, wide bloodshed, and chaotic shifts seen in later revolutions such as in France a few decades later or those throughout the 20th century.

Part One: The Nuts and Bolts of War

Patriot Battles is divided simply into two parts. The first, "The Nuts and Bolts of War," covers in 11 chapters the details of battle and war during the War of Independence. Stephenson succeeds at putting the reader in the place of the soldiers and leaders on both sides of the conflict. He provides a bluntly honest portrayal of their motives, weapons, equipment, and plight with a flair for iconoclasm. In fact, he enjoys this myth-busting, letting the reader know, for instance, that the Americans were rarely found in uniform "blue-and-buff," instead they were just happy to have cloths, coats, and shoes. The famed American rifleman, as deadly a shooter as he was, wasn't quite the favored warrior of imagination either, instead most commanders, Washington included, preferred the musket man.

Washington would have preferred to do otherwise than forced to in almost every way. Washington considered himself a Gentleman after the English-European tradition and deeply desired to fight in a European manner with national uniforms, bold battle plans, traditional tactics, and an aristocratic officer's class. But he didn't have any of those things and instead did very well with what he had. He also learned to play the Fox, something else he didn't really like-he would have preferred bold, open warfare-but he became very good at it. By the end of the war Washington neared his ideals, but by then, well, it was over.

Part Two: The Great Battles

The second half of the book, "The Great Battles," covers in brief the 18 key battles of the War of Independence. The order of battle, the battle's terrain, and the key movements for each are laid out in useful description. Interestingly enough, most of these battles were won by the British, whose Lobsterbacks and Hessians tended to take the field on most days though often at high price. The fact of the War is that the American patriots simply would not quit. Washington's subordinate and then later American commander during the War in the South, Nathanael Greene said, "We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again" (79). In the southern campaigns, for instance, the British fought ten major engagements. Stephenson says, "They 'won' seven of them and lost the war" (314).

Small Criticism

The only criticism I have is the somewhat consistent comparison to America's current war in Iraq with the War of Independence. Stephenson believes that we have reversed roles in the ensuing centuries. George Bush has more likeness to George the III rather than George Washington. Stephenson may be right, and that what would perhaps make the thesis for a fine work of its own. However, I would prefer to keep the history books history as much as possible. This will limit the longevity of the work and its reception by many. Most are not picking the book up to hear an opinion about George W. Bush or the War in Iraq.

Strengths of the Work

There are several things which commend Stephenson's book. First, his writing is image-filled and connects with the contemporary reader. He has a solid, impacting style that communicates well. For instance, take the following passage on the rush of battle, the chance for glory, and the consequent exhaustion:

"Because there were only a very limited number of social roles open to them...heroism in battle provided at least an opportunity for recognition if not for glory." The individual soldier in combat can be driven forward not only by training, the fear of retribution, and the pressures of his peers but also by a profound sense of the possibility of the heroic: what might be called "internal glory." It is that moment--an adrenaline flash--when a man picks himself off the ground and rushes a strongly held enemy position. It is the moment when an extraordinary feat of courage overcomes terrible fear. But that stupendous, transforming, adrenaline rush comes with a price, a debilitating drain of energy that follows close on its heels. The nervous system is burned out, like an electrical surge frazzling a computer's motherboard. The psychological and physical crash that follows battle to some extent explains the inability of generals to follow up victory with vigorous pursuit. The truth was that their men were spent." (89)

Second, Stephenson includes a great many facts of the war which explain many contemporary questions concerning the style of 18th century warfare. For instance, why did men stand in long lines just a football field away from each other and just fire away? That seems stupid and inconceivable to us today. The truth is, that as extremely horrific the experience was, the actual battle casualties were quite low because the weapons used were simply that ineffective. Men could stand in lines and shoot at each for hours and yet the rate of casualties be quite low. These tactics would of course cause horrific casualties when in subsequent decades the weapons were improved-as seen in the Napoleonic and Civil Wars.

Third, Stephenson provides many anecdotes which help to humanize the leaders and soldiers in the war and remove the dust of glory provided by two centuries. Many of these are about George Washington. Though many of these may seem to idolize Washington, most of them are simple records of what really happened, and it could be that Washington was, well, great. His bravery and courage were well-noted during the war, as this passage shows:

"During the assault, the British kept up an incessant firing of cannon and musketry from their whole line. His Excellency General Washington, Generals Lincoln and Knox, with their aids, having dismounted, were standing in an exposed situation waiting the result. Colonel Cobb, one of Washington's aids, solicitous for his safety, said to His Excellency, "Sir, you are too much exposed here. Had you not better step a little back?"
"Colonel Cobb," replied His Excellency, "if you are afraid you have liberty to step back.""

- Recorded by Dr. James Thacher at the battle of Yorktown (72).

As well as this one, which has as it's backdrop the near revolt of the American officer corps at the end of the war:

"On 10 March 1783 two anonymous declarations of grievances--the Newburgh Addresses--were circulated among the officers of Newburgh, New York. In a striking way the addresses echo the language of patriot revolt against Britain itself, except America was now the oppressor: `A country that tramples upon your rights, disdains your cries and insults your distresses.' In order to head off the insurgents, Washington preempted a meeting they had called and, with a brilliant coup de theatre--reaching for his glasses, he said, `Gentlemen you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray, but almost blind in the service of my country.'--he won them over. The office corps returned to what it had always been during the war: loyal to the nation beyond all reasonable expectation and more steadfast in republican ideals than most of the people it served." (78)

In the end, I commend to you Patriot Battles.

Homegrown Patriots/Insurgents.......2007-10-10

Patriot Battles provides a crisp and fresh look into the day-to-day world of the Revolutionary War Period. The author puts a new face on age-old myths and assumptions about our forefathers and the "oppressive" British. Stephensons does a great job of blurring that fine line between patriot and insurgent. The foreword of the book provides a concise comparison between the US occupation of Iraq with the British occupation of America. Our "patriots" are Britian's "insurgents". Stephenson does tip his hand in the foreword by revealing the lense that he views history through. This bias comes through in some of his writing. All in all, however, it is an easy to read, easy to comprehend, fresh look at the people and places that shaped the US.

Disappointed.......2007-09-11

I really wanted to like this book. I thought I was getting something along the lines of Nosworthy or Paddy Griffith, instead I got a rehash of secondary sources and a surplus of snide non sequitors regarding President Bush, Halliburton, Iraq, Cheney, neo-Cons, etc, etc.. How pathetic, tedious and, in the end, boorish.

As to the neo-marxist class analysis of Rev War soldiers: just baffleing. I thought this went out of fashion years ago. Valley Forge, Morristown and that little hike through Maine to Canada were done for better pay?

Sorry, but the modern look at the motivations, logistics, tactics and battle experience of the soldiers of the Revolution still waits to be written.

(In the meantime do read J.P. Martin's "Private Yankee Doodle".)

Venal Opportunists create an empire now at its evil apex under stupid George Bush.......2007-08-31

Under the guise of exploding hoary myths about the Revolutionary War, Stephenson renames it "War of Independence" because, according to him, there was nothing revolutionary in either a social or military sense. Really? I guess he missed popular voting, a common-law judiciary, some elected, some appointed by elected officials, government without a king or emperor following a constitution based in law emating from the people and many other ideas actually put into practice successfully for the first time as a result of the Revolutionary War. He dismisses the American political regime that resulted as an oligarchy like the British, just domestic rather than foreign. He points out Bush's failures to understand history (why is this in a book about 1775-1783?), and makes the point that Bush and George III have much in common. And, of course, he makes the comparisons that Vietnam & Iraq are like our Revolutionary War but with America in the role of the British. None of his facts lead to new revelations or analyses, and his treatise seems designed to make Americans feel that our nation was founded by venal and opportunistic individuals, using the common man for their own enrichment, and that we should be more ashamed than proud of our origins. This is standard BAFE (Blame America For Everything) stuff, but what is really upsetting is that Stephenson was the editor of the Military Book Club and a contributor to National Geographic. He is one of those individuals in a position to do real harm. He uses repetition as well as Goebbels -- as an example he repeatedly states that riflemen were not useful in battle. Gee, I guess Morgan's men weren't effective in the two battles of Freeman's Farm and Saratoga, and riflemen didn't win the battle of King's Mountain. His point is correct only in the situation when riflemen were used in line against British regulars at close range and their slow rate of fire and lack of bayonets spelled their doom. Stephenson apparently doesn't delve deeply enough when such analysis might lead to a conclusion he doesn't want to reach. Stephenson reminds me of the professor at Emory who made up data and misinterpreted other to "prove" that guns were not common among the colonial citizenry. Another instance of Stephenson's lack of depth is that he is aware of the Scotch-Irish element in the militia and Continental ranks, but doesn't understand what that means. Yes, 40% of the Pennsylvania riflemen on the Quebec expedition were Scotch-Irish born in Northern Ireland, but apparently unknown to Stephenson, another 30% were men born in the American colonies of Scotch-Irish parents. There was a reason the British tended to look at the war as a Presbyterian revolt, but Stephenson apparently doesn't understand it or it doesn't fit into his politically correct contemporary mindset. All in all, this book is not worth reading, and is definitely not worth buying.

Political views spoil the book.......2007-08-20

While this is a very well written book, like many of the others writing reviews, I don't think the authors political views and comparisons of the war for independence to the Iraq War belong in a history book, at least not yet. The author compares George W. Bush to King George and mentions that both of them had no real military career to speak of, but had fathers that did. The author then dedicates the book to his father, who he says was a WW2 soldier. This leaves me to wonder what effect the author's lack of military experience had on him as he wrote it, and how much his political views were influenced by his failure to live up to his own father's military background.

My Name Is America: The Journal Of William Thomas Emerson, A Revolutionary War Patriot (My Name Is America)

Average customer rating:

Watch out ! Reading Level Deflated
The Journal of William Thomas Emerson, A Revolutionary War Patriot
Journal of William Thomas Emerson
A Regular Person's Perspective On Important Events
The boring life of a colonial kid

My Name Is America: The Journal Of William Thomas Emerson, A Revolutionary War Patriot (My Name Is America)
Barry Denenberg
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0590313509

Customer Reviews:

Watch out ! Reading Level Deflated.......2006-04-17

A fourth grade teacher used this book in her class for guided reading/literature circle, based on the age range listed. As a special educator in the classroom, I quickly became concerned for the vast majority of the class who did not grasp 80% of the book. The author requires the reader to draw many inferences, a difficult task for nine to ten-year olds. There is a great deal of historical period vocabulary and prior knowledge of the Revolutionary War and colonialism that needs to be pre-taught for anyone under sixth grade to comprehend, especially as the curriculum standards don't introduce the American Revolution until fifth grade.

In addition, there are pages of illustrations of handbills in Colonial English. If you plan to use this novel in a class lower than seventh grade, you had better create study guides!

The Journal of William Thomas Emerson, A Revolutionary War Patriot.......2006-03-13

I used this book for a literature circle group. Before reading you need to do a lot of background building about the conflicts between the British and the colonist that lead up to the revolutionary war. Lots of unfamiliar vocabulary. Good for very experienced readers. Less experienced readers will need more support. Very enjoyable reading and the students are learning a lot about the revolutionary war and colonial era

Journal of William Thomas Emerson.......2006-03-09

Can you imagine being a 14 year old boy and a orphan during the revolutionary war patriot in Boston, Massachusetts, 1774?
I'd like to introduce the Journal of William Thomas Emerson. By Barry DenenBerg a historical fiction.
William runs away so he can get away from the war, and Mrs. Thomason is the person who gives him work as a servant. Paying bills, doing chores, paying taxes. Things boys his age can't do. Usually things 14 year old boys cant do cause there to busy having fun. The setting of this book is in Boston Massachusetts summer of 1774. The setting of the book stays the same except for the year and the season. William is a spy and a run away kid. Mrs. Thomason helps William by giving him work and taking him in. Mr. Wilson brings William to Mrs. Thomason at the begging of the book.
What I liked about this book was that William is only 14, and can do all this stuff. I can't imagine being 14, and already doing all this. Can you? That would be hard. Don't you think?
What I didn't like is that it was confusing and hard to understand. Because, it was set back in 1774. During the Revolutionary War Patriot. The words were hard to say.
I think this book is realistic because, a boy could do bills, and runaway like he did. There was a Revolutionary War, so it's most likely realistic.
Here is two quotes from this book "one of the Fitch sisters is blind I think they should get the same treatment that Mr.Carslie did." This quote is important because, it shows you how they don't like the Fitch sisters. another quote is "Mr.Marsh is a drinking man; he can beat you till your black and blue!" This quote is important because, it shows you how it was back then.
I would recommend this book to other people. It's realistic and interesting. I would especially recommend this book to people who like to read journals about other peoples lives.
That was my book review hope you like it and please read this book.

A Regular Person's Perspective On Important Events.......2006-02-22

The life of 10 years-old William Thomas Emerson is forever changed when his family is killed when their home is struck by lightening. William eventually ends up at The Seven Stars Inn in Boston where he finds himself amidst the turbulent days leading up to America's Revolutionary War.

Written in the form of William's journal, this historical fiction provides the reader with a glimpse into young Mr. Emerson's life regarding events both mundane and profound. As a border at the Inn, William comes into contact with a committee of Patriots assists them in a number of tasks essential to the survival of liberty in America such as aiding in the defection of a British office to the Colonial side and in ferreting out a spy from the ranks of the committee's own membership.

Crafted as a first person account, Denenberg does not gloss over incidents that would shock our contemporary sensibilities as might be the case in a more detached theoretical account. Neither does he sugarcoat the shortcomings of either side.

For example, not only does Denenberg depict a Redcoat pummeling an innocent bystander to death, but he also portrays a Patriot mob that vandalizes and burns down the house of a Tory sympathizer.

Of America's Founding Fathers, it has been said they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. This truth is movingly emphasized in the book's epilogue where it is revealed what ultimately happens to the characters and one learns some of them were called upon to give the last full measure of devotion.

In addressing the purpose behind the book, Denenberg writes, "The American Revolution, more than any other event in American history, has been presented to young readers as an abstract, artificial, distant, and disembodied occurrence involving old men who wore funny clothes and later became statues and oil paintings...I hoped to accomplish two things: to reveal...what it was like to live in 1774 in Boston. And to bring the revolution to life by showing it affected ordinary people and how they affected it."

The Journal of William Thomas Emerson will help the reader better understand what those living at this period in American history had to endure and to more fully appreciate the gift of liberty those forefathers assisted in passing down to each one of us.

by Frederick Meekins

The boring life of a colonial kid.......2004-12-18

1 This book The Journal of William Thomas Emerson is about a boy who's parents die when he is young and he is token in by a kind lady. He struggles day by day to keep business whill the British haras him.
2 I thought this book was very boring because it was very stupid.
3 This book has a lot of external conflict. It has a lot of external conflict because he must deal with the harasment of British soldiers.
4 I gave this book one star because it was extremly booring. I do not recommend this book to anybody.

Average customer rating:

A riveting account of our Revolutionary history
A great start
Fine story telling
Must read!
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK

Patriots
A.J. Langguth
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Revolutionary | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0671675621

Book Description

With meticulous research and page-turning suspense, Patriots brings to life the American Revolution -- the battles, the treacheries, and the dynamic personalities of the men who forged our freedom. George Washington, John Adams, Samuel Adams, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry -- these heroes were men of intellect, passion, and ambition. From the secret meetings of the Sons of Liberty to the final victory at Yorktown and the new Congress, Patriots vividly re-creates one of history's great eras.

Customer Reviews:

A riveting account of our Revolutionary history.......2007-08-25

They are our heroes, the bedrock men upon which our country's foundation was built. In this stirring historical narrative, A.J. Langguth's Patriots - The Men Who Started the American Revolution elucidates the players in the drama that was the American Revolution.

Utilizing actual speeches and thoughts gleaned from personal writings Langguth takes us from pre-tea party Boston to the victory of the Continental Army at Yorktown over Lord Cornwallis. This riveting account of America's beginnings brings alive all the familiar names such as Paul Revere, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold, and our first Commander-in-chief and President George Washington. The beauty of this particular text is the manner in which it transports the reader back to 1761 Boston to experience the mood in Boston, from the first Bostonians James Otis and John Adams. Here you learn the beginnings of the rumblings in colonial America, and the man John Adams described as "perhaps, the only man in the world who could have brought on the controversy between Great Britain and America ...", Thomas Hutchinson. We are brought from that beginning through the chess match played across the Atlantic by both the colonials and the British, right through the actual war itself. Langguth refreshingly relocates the reader into the bitter cold of Valley Forge, there to experience the lack of food as George Washington ponders his next moves. In the end, the war is complete, your view of historical figures is more complete, and questions concerning America's beginnings are answered.

This text teaches you so much more than what we learned in grade school; its' target audience is the person who knows that the Boston Tea Party occurred, but not the precursors to that event. If you remember the stories about Paul Revere's ride, but do not know why he made the journey, Langguth brings that event to life in vivid detail. We all know that one of America's most notorious traitors was Benedict Arnold, but do you know exactly what he did, and what lead up to his duplicity? Benjamin Franklin, the author of Poor Richard's Almanac and countless other texts/papers, is explored, but not in the usual dry manner. Did you know that Franklin had to continuously rebuke the amorous advances of many women while on his diplomatic mission in France? Neither did I. Langguth transports us back to the Revolutionary War to experience the failures and triumphs of America's generals, from battle to battle, and through the weary marches in-between.

Langguth captures with vivid detail all the important players and all the drama of the American Revolution from the initial Patriot meetings in Boston's pubs, through the pretentious meetings of the Continental Congress, to the riveting victory at Yorktown. A.J. Langguth's Patriots - The Men Who Started the American Revolution is necessary read for any champion of history, and a great companion to the student learning about the period of history.

A great start.......2007-04-04

I would recommend this as a superb introduction to one who is intent on reading multiple volumes on the American Revolution. Its main fault, as I see it, is that even for its length, it can only be a survey. It absolutely picks up on many of the elements of discontent (on both sides of the ocean) that lead up to the Revolution proper, and includes deft character portraits of many of the well-known actors. However, I was annoyed by a few omissions, such as the dismissal of Greene's Southern campaign in one sentence. Again, I do recognize that the author was probably not intent on producing a definitive tome. I have just finished this and I intend to read the Oxford volume next, to flesh out my knowledge.

Fine story telling.......2007-02-19

The most carefully researched history of our revolution in an absolute page turner. Line by line Langguth writes prose as well as anyone alive.

Must read!.......2007-01-15

This book should be required reading in all public and private schools. The writing is superb and the facts are laid out in a logical way.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK.......2005-12-20

I bought "The Decline And Fall Of The Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon and "Patriots The Men Who Started The American Revolution" by A. J. Langguth because they were "important" books and because I thought that while they wouldn't necessarily be "good reads" they would be "good for me."

Both books languished on the book shelf awaiting a long trip, a bout with the flu or some other occasion when time would weight heavily on my hands.

Time passed and finally when I was almost brain dead from reading less than sterling commercial fiction I, with some hesitation about a book with 563 pages, picked up "Patriots.

I shouldn't have lingered in picking it up or hesitated about reading it.

"Patriots" is a sensational book, a great read and a definite page turner.

While the book is of course historical, and apparently well researched, fact it reads like contemporary best selling fiction. Think Mario Puzo and "The Godfather" and Dan Brown and "The Da Vinci Code" for starters.

I let favorite TV programs go unwatched while I read. I read at night. I read in the morning. When I finished the last page I was bereft. I wanted volumes 2. 3, 4. 5 and even 6.

The pages sing as Washington, Jefferson, Hancock, Revere, Arnold, John and Samuel Adams, King George III, William Pitt and generals, soldiers, statesmen, wives, husbands, lovers, farmers and everyday citizens on both sides of the Atlantic, and on the issue of American independence, come to life with all of their human frailties, foibles, accomplishments and disasters.

A. J. Langguth is a brilliant writer and "Patriots" should be required reading for anyone with the slightest interest in history or for anyone who loves a good book.

When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots

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WHEN WASHINGTON CROSSED THE DELAWARE: A WINTERTIME STORY FOR YOUNG PATRIOTS
Great story from our beginnings.
Fabulous book
Great book for your little patriots
History at its finest!

When Washington Crossed the Delaware: A Wintertime Story for Young Patriots
Lynne Cheney , and Peter Fiore
Manufacturer: S&S BFYR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Military & Wars | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0689870434

Book Description

"This is the story that I tell my grandchildren at Christmas. I hope that this book will bring the tradition of sharing history to families all across America."
-- Lynne Cheney

Christmas night, 1776, was a troubled time for our young country. In the six months since the Declaration of Independence had been signed, General George Washington and his troops had suffered defeat after defeat at the hands of the British. It looked as though our struggle for independence might be doomed, when Washington made a bold decision. He would lead the main body of his army across the Delaware River and launch a surprise attack on enemy forces.

Washington and his men were going against the odds. It seemed impossible that the ragtag Americans could succeed against the mightiest power in the world. But the men who started across the icy Delaware loved their country and their leader. Under his command they would turn the tide of battle and change the course of history.

Best-selling author Lynne Cheney tells the dramatic story of the military campaign that began on Christmas night in 1776. When Washington Crossed the Delaware will teach the young about the heroism, persistence, and patriotism of those who came before them.

Customer Reviews:

WHEN WASHINGTON CROSSED THE DELAWARE: A WINTERTIME STORY FOR YOUNG PATRIOTS.......2007-06-02

THIS BOOK IS A TRUE TREASURE OF GREAT HISTORY . AN EXCELLENT STORY TO READ FOR HISTORY PURPOSES ABOUT GEORGE WASHINGTON IN 1776 AND TO READ ON A COLD WINTER NIGHT. A STORY FOR ALL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES TO ENJOY DURING THE CHRISTMAS SEASON AND THROUGH THE YEAR... FOR ANY YOUNG PATRIOTS AND FAMILIES THAT LIVE WHERE GEORGE WASHINGTON'S HISTORY TOOK PLACE YOU WILL JUST LOVE THIS STORY..........AN EXCELLENT CHRISTMAS GIFT............

Great story from our beginnings........2007-05-08

A great story told! A very inspiring book for young ones, even older young ones and adults!!!

Fabulous book .......2007-05-04

about George Washington! Would be great for a Revolutionary War unit study. My children and I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Great book for your little patriots.......2006-08-10

Nicely written teachig our children about their heritage and how they can influence their country positively. After they read this book, they will be a proud American.

History at its finest!.......2005-09-14

A contemporary retelling of one of the greatest military victories in our nation's history. My favorite part is when Washington tells his assembled troups, "Yea, verily, I wouldst not want thine smoking gun to be a mushroom cloud over Trenton," setting a precedent for military action that has rightly endured for centuries.

Average customer rating:

A heroic book

Haym Salomon: American Patriot
Susan Goldman Rubin , and David Slonim
Manufacturer: Abrams Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Jewish | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 081091087X

Book Description

The story of one of AmericaÂ's first true patriots

Everyone knows Revolutionary War figures George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere, but Haym Salomon was also an important hero, and his accomplishments are finally gaining recognition in this biography that will entertain as it introduces its unique subject. Haym was one of the few Jewish patriots of the time. His knowledge of languages and currencies made him an exceptional man in pre-Revolution New York. Incredibly valuable to the revolutionary cause, Haym risked his life and his fortune, went to prison, and was forced to abandon his home and familyÂ—all for the sake of American independence. Acclaimed author Susan Goldman Rubin, along with illustrator David Slonim, brings HaymÂ's remarkable story to life.

Customer Reviews:

A heroic book.......2007-06-18

Reviewed by Eric Zeda (age 8) for Reader Views (6/07)

This story is about a man named Haym Salomon. He helped George Washington win the war against the British troops. Haym traveled a lot and knew many languages. He used his abilities to help the American troops win independence. He joined a group called Sons of Liberty and helped raise money to help the soldiers that needed food, uniforms and boots. Haym was an American patriot who loved and protected his country. He got sick and died January 6, 1785.

I liked this book because it was about war. It showed how the soldiers lived and how they suffered. I didn't know about Haym. It was nice to read about what he did for the soldiers. I also like the colorful pictures in "Haym Salomon: American Patriot."

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Patriot Sons, Patriot Brothers
Hugh Owen Nash Jr.
Manufacturer: Westview Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Book Description

In Patriot Sons, Patriot Brothers, the untold story of Francis and Abner Nash, the Author interweaves the lives of the two brothers through the fabric of the American Revolution. He chronicles the War of the Regulation, pre-revolutionary North Carolina, the defense of Philadelphia at Brandywine and Germantown, the Siege of Charleston, and the southern battles of Camden, King's Mountain, Cowpens, Guilford Courthouse, and Yorktown. In addition, the Author writes of the astonishing circumstances that surrounded the Nash and Witherspoon families, and he places the settling of Middle Tennessee and the naming of Nashville in the context of America's struggle for independence.

John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot

Average customer rating:

Complete, yet lacking.
Leaving me wanting...
New England Giant
Readable, Interesting, a Little Vicious
An incredibly BIASED account of Hancock and his role in the

John Hancock: Merchant King and American Patriot
Harlow Giles Unger
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0471332097

Book Description

PRAISE FOR HARLOW Giles UNGER'S NOAH WEBSTER: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF AN AMERICAN PATRIOT

"Noah Webster was a truly remarkable man; shrewd, passionate, learned and energetic, God-fearing and patriotic. Mr. Unger has done a fine job reintroducing him to a new generation of Americans."-Washington Times

"Superb biography. . . . Don't miss this stirring book." -Florence King, The American Spectator

Customer Reviews:

Complete, yet lacking. .......2006-09-17

His name is known to all, being a common part of the vernacular and synonymous with ones signature, yet, he remains largely unknown to history other than the placement of his signature upon our Declaration of Independence. The mysterious identity that is John Hancock is well presented here in JOHN HANCOCK: MERCHANT KING AND AMERICAN PATRIOT by Harlow Giles Unger. This is perhaps, singly, the most informative tome to date on Hancock's life and career, yet is not without criticism.

Unger deftly replicates all the trappings of a good biography here, beginning with a good genealogy of the Hancock family and their path to prominence and prosperity, at least for parts of the family. The occurrences which set into motion, John Hancock's life being dramatically altered by being taken under the care of his childless and wealthy Uncle Thomas and Aunt Lydia, are well documented here. The book goes on to lend a credible chronicle of Hancock's life; his rise to wealth and prominence, his early involvement with the Sons of Liberty, his entrance and influence in the political spectrum, which covered the last three decades of his life and the many struggles, both politically and personally, of Hancock's life. Unger takes particular care to illustrate Hancock's benevolence to the less fortunate.

Though I have a lot to say in favor of this book, there is also much to take exception with. For example, Unger, himself a correspondent for the London Times Herald and overtly unsympathetic to the Colonialists cause, states that Gen. Amherst's plan to send smallpox laden blankets to the Indians in 1863 was rejected, however, Amherst himself admitted in a private letter that infected blankets had indeed been a part of the British arsenal put into use against Pontiac and the Indians. Unger also continuously and viciously attacks revolutionary advocates such as James Otis, Patrick Henry and, in particular, Samuel Adams, who is the recipient of endless attacks of vitriolic banter throughout the book. Though the relationship between Hancock and Adams was strained, the authors' incessant loathing of Adams eventually detracts from the overall work.

These shameless attacks diminish this otherwise valuable resource that accurately touches on an endless array of historically significant events, such as early disputes on the issue of slavery, Benjamin Church's betrayal of the patriot cause, and John Dickenson's invaluable dissertation on the Townsend Acts, just to name a few. Overall, I believe this a worthy read, accurate on most accounts, but would have been far better had Unger saddled his disdain for the patriot cause.

John Hancock is certainly worthy of the praise of a grateful nation and a man we tend to know little about and often, overlook completely for his sacrifice and dedication to the liberty of the states. Perhaps in the near future, publishers will see fit to provide us with a more balanced biography on this great patriot, but until then, this book will have to suffice as the best source available.

Monty Rainey
www.juntosociety.com

Leaving me wanting..........2004-10-27

Perhaps my expectations were set too high by the biography I read on Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson. I found Unger's book on John Hancock easy to read, interesting, but lacking of facts and objectivity. I got the impression that the author did not like any of the people involved in the American Revolution. Is this author a Tory? His descriptions of people and things were often shallow and repetitive. For example...Unger used the description of a livered carriage with four horses for Hancock throughout the book many, many times, but does not describe once what this really means. How many servants were working the carriage? Were they slaves? Were they in uniform? If so, what colors? How fancy? The book does not describe in much detail the relationships Hancock has with other founders other than Sam Adams whom he paints extremely negatively.

Plus, Unger gets at least one important historical fact wrong. Here's what I got from Isaacson's book: John Hancock, declared at the signing of the Declaration of Independence, "There must be no pulling different ways. We must all hang together." To which, Ben Franklin replied, "Yes, we must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately." In Unger's book, he attributes the first quote to Franklin not Hancock and omits the second quote all together - which is the famous line!

It just seems to me the author was sloppy in research and lazy in writing this book. If you can't find anything else about Hancock, then the information is interesting - I did find out that the Declaration was signed by one person - Hancock for the first month of its existence and that they created 13 originals - one for each state. It's a very quick read, but don't rely on this book as the final answer on what went on during the Revolution.

New England Giant.......2003-08-16

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My own ancestor Major Reuben Colburn, a patriot from Pittston, Maine was a close friend and business associate of Hancock. While his Maine dealings are only mentioned in passing by Mr. Unger, his research is impeccable and after all the story is, and has to be, told from Hancock's point of view. This is what he was doing during the formulation of our country in legal form. It was surprisingly anti-Adams but I believe this is normal in competition for fame, ideas and recognition both then and now.

General Washington and Benedict Arnold employed Colburn to supply and lead a 1100-man army to capture Quebec City in 1775. The mission failed and Colburn was stuck with the bill. He died broke as did Hancock. John Hancock was beloved in New England and Unger portays this with great accuracy and flair. He was big in our family, staying at Colburn House when in Maine seeing to his landholdings. One of Colburn's few surviving letters is addressed to Hancock from Pittston in 1786.

Hopefully my new book "Patriot On The Kennebec: Major Reuben Colburn and the March To Quebec 1775: His Life and Times," will join this one on a new mission to educate the public about our collective roots as Americans. Both men risked everything to start America, and to them we owe everything.

Readable, Interesting, a Little Vicious.......2002-07-11

So John Hancock turns out to be a pretty interesting fellow, the millionaire head of a mercantile empire who initially gets dragged into revolutionary politics to prevent the revolutionaries from vandalizing his property, but converts and becomes a leading, if moderate, revolutionary voice. A vain man and one accustomed to luxury, he nevertheless gives very generously of both his money and his time to the revolutionary cause and to the governing of Massachusetts.

His career includes stints as the president of the continental congress, member of the Massachusetts legislature and governor of the newly independent state of MA. His roles in the revolution and the adoption of the constitution are central: as president of congress, his is initially the only signature on the Declaration of Independence; he coordinates and equips the continental army, including large expenditures out of his own pocket; he turns the tide in Massachusetts in favor of ratification.

So the biography is interesting because the man is interesting, even pivotal. It's also well-written, in the sense of being easy to read.

But the book's also a little spiteful. Anyone who clashes with Hancock, ever, comes in for a little sting from the biographer's pen. Sam Adams, in particular, is described as a bloodthirsty, erratic and backstabbing radical, who undercuts and betrays Hancock at every turn. Even George Washington is painted as behaving irrationally, in contrast with Hancock's genteel polish, in respect of some offers of hospitality that Hancock extends to the general, and Unger seems incapable of mentioning John Adams without calling him "fat little John Adams".

An incredibly BIASED account of Hancock and his role in the.......2001-10-10

events leading to independence. After reading Unger's work, you would think that John Hancock single handedly brought this country to freedom. The author's extreme adulation for his subject constantly paints Hancock in positive light and ALWAYS as the victim of others, never at fault. Lame excuses are given for why Hancock did not receive this office or that praise. One of the most disturbing elements is the vindictive condemnation of Samuel Adams (probably the man most singularly responsible for influencing the Declaration of Independence) is incredibly overdone and grossly inaccurate. Speeches which were written by Adams (and some given by Adams) are credited to Hancock, a man who is overwhelmingly acknowledged as lacking the writing ability for such speeches. Hancock is instrumental in bringing about revolution but unfortunately, not in the way suggested by this author.

Sterling Point Books: John Paul Jones: The Pirate Patriot (Sterling Point Books)

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7th grade biography report

Sterling Point Books: John Paul Jones: The Pirate Patriot (Sterling Point Books)
Armstrong Sperry
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1402736150

Customer Reviews:

7th grade biography report.......2007-01-30

My 7th grade son recently read this for a biography report for school. He enjoyed this. He said it was entertaining and kept his interest. He would recommend it to others.

My America: We Are Patriots: Hope's Revolutionary War Diary, Book Two (My America)

Average customer rating:

We are patriots
Readers will be inspired by the experiences of Hope.
Wonderful Story
Wonderful second book about Hope
An excellent new My America book continuing Hope's story.

My America: We Are Patriots: Hope's Revolutionary War Diary, Book Two (My America)
Kristiana Gregory
Manufacturer: Scholastic Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0439369061

Book Description

In this wonderful second book featuring Hope Penny Potter, the Revolutionary War wages on and Hope's daily life is much affected. The war has even kept her from her dear friend, Polly, whose parents are loyal to the King. But when Hope's much missed brother and father return, relief sets in, if only for a short while. For the plot thickens when Hope finds out that her father was with the Sons of Liberty and they will be in danger if anyone finds out.

Customer Reviews:

We are patriots.......2005-03-04

Have you ever wondered how the patriots lived during the 1700's ?
In the book we are patriots it talks about a girl that one day turned 10 and her mom gives her a diary. She startes writing what was going on
in her life,about going to the war with the Redcoats during Revolutionary war. One good quality of the book is that the ten year old had a friend that was one of her familys enemiys in th war, and they didn't know until their parents told them,but they were still able to be friends no matter what. From this I learnedthat it doesn't matter where your friends come from or what color they are. What matters is to have a true friend. I recomend this book to people that want to know more about the past and how they lived back then.

Readers will be inspired by the experiences of Hope........2004-07-08

In Hope's second Diary, readers will experience all the events of the Revolutionary War through the eyes of a 10-year-old girl living in Philadelphia. Hope's family are Patriots, and that makes them a target for the English soldiers. With her father gone to fight the British, and her brother in a Redcoat prison, Hope and her mother had to stay in Valley Forge. But now they've moved back to their home in the city, and Hope is shocked to learn that her best friend Polly is a Loyalist. Polly's family won't let them see each other anymore, and Hope is sad to think they are on different sides in the war.

George Washington, The Sons of Liberty, and famous events like The Boston Tea Party are all a part of the history recorded in Hope's second diary. Readers will be inspired by the experiences of Hope and her family in this wonderful addition to the My America series.

Wonderful Story.......2003-09-06

I really enjoyed reading this book, the characters are so interesting. I love hearing them described through the love of Hope.I recommend this book for any young girl who likes history.

Wonderful second book about Hope.......2002-04-18

In this beautiful second book on 10-year-old Hope Penny Potter, the Revolutionary War rages on everyday and brings many conflicts into young Hope's life. Her friend Polly now can't even be with her for her parents are loyalists to the King and Hope is a Patriot. To aviod the British who have occupied her hometown of Phildelphia, Hope flees to Valley Forge, Pennslyvania where George Washington is. Hope worries everyday about her father and brother who have not returned from battle. But when Hope's brother and father return, relief sets in for Hope but not long for she discovers a secret that her father was with the Sons of Liberty and the family would definitely be in danger if anybody found out. I recommend this great book to every My America reader. Hopefully there will be more books on Hope. I really enjoy her!

An excellent new My America book continuing Hope's story........2002-04-16

Ten-year-old Hope Potter and her family have fled to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, hoping to be safe from a possible British occupation of Philadelphia. Hope still worries about her father, who has been gone for over a year now, and her brother Ethan, who has been captured by the British. When Ethan finally returns, it is a joyous occasion. To protect their home, the Potters decide to return to Philadelphia. As British soldiers occupy the city, and the Potters own home, Hope fears for the safety of herself and her family, but she knows that some things, like freedom, are worth believing in and fighting for. I highly recommend Hope's second diary to all fans of the My America series. I hope there is a third book about Hope and her family.

Daughter of Liberty (American Patriot Series, Book 1)

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Daughter of Liberty by J.M. Hochstetler Raises the Bar on Historicals
Inspiring and well written!
History Alive!
Great book from first-time author
Wonderful story

Daughter of Liberty (American Patriot Series, Book 1)
J. M. Hochstetler
Manufacturer: Zondervan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0310252563

Book Description

Mystery. Intrigue. Mistaken identities. Twenty-year-old Elizabeth Howard is living a life of secrets and lies. Torn between her parents, her loyalty to the opposition against the repressive policies of the British colonial ministry, and the love of a British Major, Elizabeth learns to follow the leading of her Lord instead of her own willful heart.

Customer Reviews:

Daughter of Liberty by J.M. Hochstetler Raises the Bar on Historicals.......2007-08-31

I'm incredibly impressed with the quality of this book and this author. Picture something between John Jakes and Diana Gabaldon, and you have Daughter of Liberty - a sweeping story of the beginning of the American Revolution AND the satisfying growth of a relationship that is fraught with impossibilities...and danger.

Inspiring and well written!.......2006-06-06

For someone like me who is not a fan of historic fiction and who honestly believed I had already read more than enough accounts of our country's revolutionary period, I was pleasantly surprised to discover The American Patriot Series by J. M. Hochstetler. The first book in this excellent series, Daughter of Liberty, was also the first book I had read by this particular author, but I knew right away it would not be the last. Within moments of turning to the opening page, I was captivated by this story of the brave and daring Oriole, a spy for the American Revolutionaries with a secret that could change the course of a nation, and Patriot, another spy with a most amazing secret of his own.

Hochstetler not only weaves a suspenseful tale of courage, intrigue, and romance, but also decorates the pages of this exquisite novel with some of the best writing I've come across in years. This book was well worth the read, and served to push me on to the second book in the series.

History Alive!.......2006-05-15

Rushing ahead to act without thought to God's will has consequences. Most often, negative, painful, and life-scarring. Yet we've all done it.

This is what connects a reader's heart to Elizabeth Howard, the main character in Daughter of Liberty, the first in The American Patriot Series, masterfully written by J. M. Hochstetler.

Elizabeth portrays the essence of innocent and faithful daughter to an established Boston family stalwartly supporting the Whig party. All the while, she is passionate for the patriot cause and dons the role of Oriole-elusive rebel spy.

Life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Captain Jonathan Carleton. He's magnetic, handsome, and a Redcoat. Elizabeth's traitorous heart is completely captured... a complication she hadn't counted on, especially when the first shots ring out in Lexington and Concord.

More than just her heart is at stake during the first skirmish of the Revolutionary War. The lives of many depend on Elizabeth. But has she truly learned to wait on God's will, or rush ahead in her own power to save the day?

J. M. Hochstetler's story delivers to the reader not only a page turner, but a wealth of education about the beginnings of the War for Independence.

Great book from first-time author.......2006-01-17

"The crack of the pistol's report came from directly behind the courier. Sizzling past so close to his ear he could feel the heat of it."

With these words, and the impact of a rebel fieldpiece, J. M. Hochstetler's Daughter of Liberty bursts onto the historical fiction scene.

Twenty-year-old Bostonian Elizabeth Howard sympathizes with the patriots' struggle for freedom from English oppression. Her convictions set her at odds with her parents' pro-British sympathies, and force her to live a life of lies and deception. By day she is a debutante, by night she is a spy.

Ruggedly handsome Jonathan Carleton was born in England, but is now a wealthy Virginian landowner. He's committed to serving his country, but to which does he owe his allegiance? As a member of the British regulars he stands for everything Elizabeth despises.

From the moment these two meet, their attraction is fiery and dangerous, and neither Jonathan nor Elizabeth suspects the other's true allegiance. Are they destined to remain enemies forever?

Add to this conflict a villain out to get both the hero and heroine, and a final plot twist that will delight fans of the Jane Seymore version of The Scarlet Pimpernel, and you've got a truly interesting read.

The Revolutionary War makes a great setting for the realistic plot and action Hochstetler incorporates. Fans of American history will appreciate this novel as a painless way to learn more about the lives of such famous historical figures as General Thomas Gage, General John Pitcairn, Paul Revere, and Dr. Joseph Warren.

Although I am a fan of historical fiction, I was a little overwhelmed with the depth of history included in this book. The emotion of "disgust" was also used too frequently in the prose for my taste. However, the plot, the lively dialogue, and the character interaction-especially the romantic development-are fabulous, so don't let the historical details stop you.

Wonderful story.......2005-10-08

I loved this book it was one of the most wonderful stories I have ever read. It has a lot of twists turns and romance a must read

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