Paul Revere's Ride

Book Description

Paul Revere's midnight ride looms as an almost mythical event in American history--yet it has been largely ignored by scholars and left to patriotic writers and debunkers. Now one of the foremost American historians offers the first serious look at the events of the night of April 18, 1775--what led up to it, what really happened, and what followed--uncovering a truth far more remarkable than the myths of tradition. In Paul Revere's Ride, David Hackett Fischer fashions an exciting narrative that offers deep insight into the outbreak of revolution and the emergence of the American republic. Beginning in the years before the eruption of war, Fischer illuminates the figure of Paul Revere, a man far more complex than the simple artisan and messenger of tradition. Revere ranged widely through the complex world of Boston's revolutionary movement--from organizing local mechanics to mingling with the likes of John Hancock and Samuel Adams. When the fateful night arrived, more than sixty men and women joined him on his task of alarm--an operation Revere himself helped to organize and set in motion. Fischer recreates Revere's capture that night, showing how it had an important impact on the events that followed. He had an uncanny gift for being at the center of events, and the author follows him to Lexington Green--setting the stage for a fresh interpretation of the battle that began the war. Drawing on intensive new research, Fischer reveals a clash very different from both patriotic and iconoclastic myths. The local militia were elaborately organized and intelligently led, in a manner that had deep roots in New England. On the morning of April 19, they fought in fixed positions and close formation, twice breaking the British regulars. In the afternoon, the American officers switched tactics, forging a ring of fire around the retreating enemy which they maintained for several hours--an extraordinary feat of combat leadership. In the days that followed, Paul Revere led a new battle-- for public opinion--which proved even more decisive than the fighting itself. When the alarm-riders of April 18 took to the streets, they did not cry, "the British are coming," for most of them still believed they were British. Within a day, many began to think differently. For George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Thomas Paine, the news of Lexington was their revolutionary Rubicon. Paul Revere's Ride returns Paul Revere to center stage in these critical events, capturing both the drama and the underlying developments in a triumphant return to narrative history at its finest.

Customer Reviews:

The Mercury of the American Revolution.......2007-09-20

Seldom does an academic book reach across the aisle and become a classic of popular history as well. Mr. Fischer's "Paul Revere's Ride" does just that. "Ride" captures the reader with incredible little known anecdotes as well as flawless research and a smooth narrative flow. The theme of Fischer's book was that Revere's ride far from being a singular achievement was in reality a collective effort of a multitude of revolulutionaries throughout the colony. Simply put, in reading history, Americans must sometimes put the proverbial `rugged individualist' on the shelf and look at history as how it developed, rather then how we would like to see it happen. What attracted me to this book in the first place was Malcolm Gladwell's "The Tipping Point" in which Mr. Fischer's book is cited. Revere was a man who knew everyone in Boston and moved in many different circles. We often forget that great changes are not accomplished by the sole recluse theorist writing in his study, but rather as Mr. Fischer points out by "collective responsibilities of the group dynamic." In this, Revere and his fellow Whigs rejected the sort of individualist credo that would later find it's prophet in Thomas Jefferson.

Another fascinating portrait is General Thomas Gage, the largely ineffectual and philosophical libertarian leader of the British in Boston. One is tempted to think if Gage had a little more command and control structure that he could have countered the quickness of Revere and the minutemen especially in the late night of April 18, 1775 and the early morning hours of the next day. Throughout the book, the reader may wonder why Gage chose not to have Revere and co. arrested, but Gage felt he was bound to the Constitution just as any British overseer would be. Of course, Thomas Gage did not know the ending to this story and neither did any of the Colonists. In this General Gage and his governance was just one in a long line of ineffectual imperial military forces brought to their knees by a united, close knit community. Fischer concludes his book with a variety of appendices and fascinating data about how the burgeoning revolutionaries really worked. Of note is the author's historiography of the "Ride" taking it from the Whig's attempt to suppress it for being against the myth of "national innocence" to the 1960's revisionists attempt to destroy the "Ride" as one of the most well known symbols of the dead white male. Perhaps, the last word should belong to that shining beacon of the American political landscape in the 1920's: Warren G. Harding who said: "I love the story of Paul Revere, whether he rode or not."

Everyone in America Should Read This Book!.......2007-06-14

I wish I could give it 10 'stars'! It is an entertaining read. It is unusual among history books in that the maps are actually useful, easy to understand and related to the text. The author writes the story so well, it almost reads like an entertaining novel. I definitely have a much greater appreciation of the events that sparked the American Revolution. I strongly urge everyone in America to read this book. It will change everything you never learned of American History in school.

Oh, by the way, I liked the book!

1st rate history that separates fact from the myth.......2007-04-21

David Hackett Fisher should be praised for his mid 1990s work on Paul Revere. The book was written years before "Founding Brothers" and bios of John Adams and George Washington made it acceptable again to study and revere our nations' founders. During the 1960-1990s most university historians focused on debunking any patriotic constructions of the American Revolution. and instead focused on the underlying social and economic factors that drove the conflict.

The author bravely presents a rebuttal that individuals do matter in the course of history. While Paul Revere's role clearly became an iconic symbol of American independence following the war, his actual contributions should not be tossed aside as pure myth. By ignoring most original scholarship and instead relying mainly on hundreds of original accounts of the events of 1775, the author presents a vivid and analytical retelling of the opening shots of the American Revolution and the intimate role of Paul Revere.

While Paul Revere did not lead the Revolution, he did do more than ride a horse late one night. The complex layers of the American insurgency against British occupation are wonderfully described. In, addition to the telling of Paul Revere's ride, the book contains a lengthy discussion of the Battles of Lexington and Concord from both the British and American perspective.

While this is not "thee" book on the American Revolution, it never tries to be. Instead it is a deeply researched, highly readable narrative of the early days of the American Revolution and the actual events of the famous midnight ride. Well worth you time for anyone who enjoys American history.

Evocative, interesting... but.......2007-03-29

To begin, I think that Fischer has very few superiors among historians for assembling material, and composing a story. Besides providing a detailed account he enriches it with cultural sidebars and descriptions of conditions and terrain that create an incredibly evocative text. the book was so visual i have no doubt it will stay in my memory long after ive forgotten better books. I definitely recommend it.
that being said I have a few criticisms I have not seen in other reviews. First I wish to address Fischer's theories of history which he perpetually attempts to budge into the narrative in an attempt at achieving the big idea. He maintains the importance of contingency in history and the impact of individual choice. the reader instinctively agrees but Fischer undercuts his thesis in this particular work by stressing the importance of collective action and communal responsibility. In fact the story is primarily one of community action and hence the irrelevance of his theory here. It comes across as forced.
More jarring is his dwelling on the virtues of his idealized revolutionaries vis a vis the degenerates of the modern world. The author quaintly and crotchedly flails at modern humanity in absurd generalized statements claiming we have no morality, thoughts of mortality, respect for ancestors, courage in warfare or communal responsibilty.
Finally, his historiagraphy section, while as an overview is helpful has irrelevant individual examples. He repeatedly uses non historians work to describe trends in the field. the obvious reason is so better to vent his spleen and hence make his point stronger. A dramatist and a novelist are his only examples for post vietnam history. He decries vietnam veteran Tim O'Brien for having the effrontery to identify with the British troops and thier quagmire, accusing him of "self pity." If only we had strong, patriotic men like Fischer over there we would have won handily! He also states that TWO textbooks in thirty years didnt even mention Paul Revere. Shocking! The implication seems to be that his work is a needed antidote to two centuries of misguided reporting, and that he, Fischer, will save us with the perfect synthesis of all that was good before.
Don't get me wrong I liked the book.

Another Brilliant History by David Hackett Fischer.......2006-12-12

This is brilliant book! It is, like any history written by David Hackett Fischer, extremely well researched and written and a tremendously compelling read.

Fischer focuses this history of the opening days of the American Revolutionary War on two figures; American Paul Revere and British General Thomas Gage. These individuals are used to examine the attitudes and culture of both sides as the war prepares to unfold and then explodes with a fury and intensity neither expected.

Fischer shows convincingly that the Americans were better prepared for the war than their British counterparts. Unlike the British, most Colonial military leaders and many of their soldiers were more experienced in warfare, having fought against the French and their indian allies in the Seven Years War, which preceded the Revolutionary War.

Fischer also dispels the myth of individual minutemen marching, fighting, and winning the first battle at Lexington and Concord. Instead, relatively well trained and drilled milita formations and regiments, alerted by a practiced system of riders, alert bells and musket and cannon shot, arrived in strength throughout the British march from Lexington and Concord back to Boston, inflicting a stinging defeat on Gage's men.

That luck had little to do with this was proven at the Battle of Bunker and Breed's hill, where well led militia inflicted more than a thousand casualties on the British. That battle prompted the British to send more troops and better commanders to America to pursue the war with increased intensity.

"Paul Revere's Ride" is recommended for any student - new or old - of the American Revolutionary War, especially for those who plan on visiting Lexington or Concord, where it all began.

Hidden Boston and Cape Cod: Including Cambridge, Lexington, Concord, Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket (Hidden Travel)

Average customer rating:

Hidden Boston and Cape Cod: Including Cambridge, Lexington, Concord, Provincetown, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket (Hidden Travel)
Patricia Mandell
Manufacturer: Ulysses Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Insiders' Guide to Cape Cod and the Islands (Insiders' Guide Series)
Frommer's Cape Cod, Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard 2007 (Frommer's Complete)
Frommer's Maine Coast (Frommer's Complete)

ASIN: 1569755205

Book Description

Combining unique travel choices, outdoor adventures, and little-known locales into guides where vacations meet adventures, each title in the Hidden series also offers readers the comfort of detailed maps, Internet information for each listing, author picks, suggested itineraries, and walking and driving tours. Hidden Boston and Cape Cod provides selective recommendations and opinionated reviews that lead to colonial sights in Boston, wild shorelines of Cape Cod, and winding bike paths in Nantucket. Plus, author Patricia Mandell guides readers to secret spots in her home state. 22 maps are included.

George the Drummer Boy (I Can Read Book 3)

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George The Drummer
George the Drummer Boy
Excellent Historical Fiction
early reader with a new perspective
Good History

George the Drummer Boy (I Can Read Book 3)
Nathaniel Benchley
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0064441067

Book Description

More than two hundred years ago, Boston belonged to the British. George was a drummer boy with the King's soldiers there. He wanted to be friends with the people of Boston. But they did not like the soldiers. They shouted and threw things at them.

One night, George and the other soldiers were sent on a secret mission. They crossed the river and headed toward Concord. George had no idea that this was the start of the American Revolution.

In this I Can Read Book, Don Bolognese's vibrant pictures capture the drama and humor of Nathaniel Benchley's exciting story.

Customer Reviews:

George The Drummer.......2007-10-09

My son has enjoyed Sam the Minuteman for several months now. He checks it out frequently at our local public library. When I found George the Drummer, I was so excited. It follows the same quality of Sam The Minuteman. We are Homeschoolers and have trouble finding good wholesome reading material. George and Sam have become by son's favorites.

George the Drummer Boy.......2007-09-07

ISBN 0064441067 - For the writing itself, I might have given this book 3 or 4 stars, but the content earns it a five. Reading Level 3, for ages 7-9 (grades 2-4).

George is a drummer with the King's Soldiers in Boston in 1776. The people of Boston don't like the soldiers, so they don't like George, which makes him unhappy. He'd like to be friends, but as a part of the army, his job is to follow orders. One night, his orders are to get up and get dressed. Along with his friend Fred, George does as he's told and the pair join the soldiers to cross the Charles River. The plan is to go to into Concord and Lexington to capture all the cannon and powder they find. George and Fred are there as the first shots of the American Revolution are fired.

The history we teach in schools in the U.S. doesn't often allow for another point of view. The old adage that "History is written by the victors" is sadly true, so much so that our children grow up without ever thinking that the people we fought in 1776 were actually people. This book is a very tiny step toward shedding a little light on that reality, and is well worth reading. Benchley does a very nice job of writing the short tale without judgment. The illustrations by Don Bolognese are well done, as well. Fans of the PBS show Liberty's Kids will find this book fits right in with their interest and others might discover that it opens their minds a little to curiosity about the other side of any story.

Excellent Historical Fiction.......2003-04-29

I read this book, along with Sam the Minuteman, to show writing and historical perspective. The book is probably intended for the lst grade readers. There are 61 pages in the book, 1/4 of the pages are full page illustrations. This book tells of one moment in history from the perspective of a British boy, as opposed to Sam the minuteman, which is the same moment in history told from the perspective of an American boy. The moment in history explored here is the beginning of the American Revolution. All of the kids from ages 4 to 10 liked hearing this book. ...

early reader with a new perspective.......2001-10-19

This early reader features George, a boy who drums for the army of British General Gage, and takes place in Concord and Lexington on the day the American Revolution begins. At 61 pages, with simple vocabulary, this would be a good selection for a young reader interested in history. The companion volume, 'Sam the Minuteman', tells the story of a boy on the side of the rebels on the same day. Nice illustrations in red and blue.

Good History.......2001-07-10

For second graders who have to read history books for school, this book is a good option. The vocabulary is manageable and the storyline is interesting. The author brings the Revolutionary War to life in a personal way which delights young readers. (Mom's part) This is information you normally do not learn in class. The Minutemen are people in the Revolutionary War who can load their guns in a minute. That's why they're called the Minutemen. (Munroe Woodward's part, Age 8)

Boston 1775: The Shot Heard Around the World (Praeger Illustrated Military History)

Average customer rating:

Too technical, from British point of View
Everything Anyone Needs to Know About the Opening Campaign of the American Revolutionary War!
Excellant coverage
Great stuff!
Tory propaganda weakens an otherwise useful text

Boston 1775: The Shot Heard Around the World (Praeger Illustrated Military History)
Brendan Morrissey
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0275984540

Book Description

The Battle of Bunker Hill and the burning of Charlestown were the first major battles of the American Revolution. Brendan Morrissey describes how the sparks at Lexington and Concord ignited the smouldering resentment of the Colonists into the flame of a rebellion. Colonist militia were pitted against British Redcoats in a series of struggles which led the British to evacuate Boston and to George Washington taking command of the fledgling American army. He looks at the forces involved: the regulars of the British Army, the Royal Navy and the American militia and 'minutemen'. The opposing commanders are also examined and the book is laid out in order to clearly show each of the phases in this early part of the American War of Independence: Lexington and Concord, Bunker/Breed's Hill and the American siege of British held Boston. Finally, the author investigates the reaction in Great Britain, Europe and America to the rebel success.

Customer Reviews:

Too technical, from British point of View.......2007-06-07

This book had great visuals, but the writing just did not flow. I love learning about the Revolutionary War, but found myself bored with what was written. The book was quite brief so even though some points were tedious, it was a quick read.

Everything Anyone Needs to Know About the Opening Campaign of the American Revolutionary War!.......2007-03-13

How can anyone not love the Osprey series of books?

Whenever I'm researching a military campaign or would just like to know a more about what happened historically, I turn to the Osprey series of publications. They are well organized, written, and illustrated and provide the reader with state-of-the art maps and graphics.

This particular volume provides the essentials on the Battles of Concord/Lexington and Breed's (Bunker Hill). Author Brendan Morrissey covers the following:

- The Road to War (Colonial America and Colonial policies)
- The Seat of War (Boston in 1775)
- The Opposing Commanders
- The Opposing Armies
- Lexington and Concord (19 April 1775)
- Breed's Hill (17 June 1775)
- The Seige of Boston
- Aftermath
- The Battlefields Today
- Chronology
- A Guide to Further Reading
- Wargaming the Boston Campaign

In short, this neat book contains everything anyone needs to know about the opening campaign of the Revolutionary War that set the stage for a British defeat eight years latter.

Excellant coverage.......2006-05-22

Hard to believe a Brit can write a good book on the American revolution but here it is.

Well organized and nicely written and also very balanced. A fun read. Maps are very good.

Great stuff!.......2005-11-26

Great stuff! Great maps and information - based upon fact and not fiction.

Tory propaganda weakens an otherwise useful text.......2005-08-23

I bought this book at the Bunker Hill national monument recently, hoping it would fill in the gaps that David McCullough left out of his excellent 1776. Unfortunately, I finished the book only more desperate to find a book that not only solved my original dilemma but could also serve as an antidote to this one.

First, what the book is and what it is not. It is not a narrative of what took place in Boston in 1775. Instead, it is a sequential distillation of the military events of 1775 in and around Boston. To be fair, it is part of the Campaigns series so I should not fault it for not reaching for the same heights that McCullough did.

I would not have minded this approach, however, had the author been even remotely objective in his presentation of the known facts -- or perhaps even-handed, trading barbs against both sides. But, alas, Morrissey chooses to chide the colonists at every turn possible and to praise the redcoats for their forbearance and grace under pressure. It becomes laughable when page after page he continually defends the British taxes and the behavior of the British regulars while portraying the American leaders as having only profit motives for rebellion and the militia as misled rabble.

I am willing to hear of our own people's weaknesses: they are many. However, to fail to note that the other side was equally flawed in aspects of its approach grows wearisome after about page 10.

In sum, the book does have great maps and visuals -- the commentary on the etchings are first rate (except when they again accuse Americans of dealing unjustly with the British). I will keep the book on the shelf for reference, but will not recommend it.

Lexington and Concord: The Beginning of the War of the American Revolution

Average customer rating:

A Reprint of the Essential History of the Battles of Lexington and Concord
great narrative of an interesting day in america.
Get past the first chapter, then it is a great history!
Samuel Whittemore, a Family Hero
Absorbing and well done

Lexington and Concord: The Beginning of the War of the American Revolution
Arthur Bernon Tourtellot
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0393320561

Book Description

In a minute-by-minute account, this popular book gives a vivid picture of what actually happened on April 19, 1775.

Customer Reviews:

A Reprint of the Essential History of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.......2007-03-07

"Lexington and Concord" is a reprint of Arthur Bernon Tourtellot masterful and long out of print, "William Diamond's Drum". It is the essential, must-read history of the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The book is extremely well-written and a great read!

Arthur Bernon Tourtellot based his book on primary sources, describing the battles that began the American Revolutionary War, from both the British and American perspectives. More importantly, he explains why each side acted as they did and the repercussions of their actions.

The book is well illustrated with prints of most of the major actors as well as maps depicting the British march (and then retreat) to and from Lexington/Concord.

"William Diamond's Drum" is required reading for anyone interested in how the war for American Independence.

great narrative of an interesting day in america........2007-02-12

this is a fascinating narrative (i wish i could say this about more history books) of the lexington and concord battle which formally got the american revolution underway. mr tourtellot has written about as interesting a book as could be hoped for on this topic. the book is an absolute page-turner that i highly recommend to anyone. especially you.

Get past the first chapter, then it is a great history!.......2006-07-07

This is a great book starting in Chapter 2. The author does a great job of bringing the first shots of the American Revolution to life. He does so by putting in maps of Lexington and Concord and even the paths taken by Revere and Dawes. In that sense, it is a great book to get me started on my way of many books I am reading on the battles of the American Revolution.

Now, to Chapter 1. I am not even going to go into the defense or degradation of Calvanism, as the author decided to do. In the first Chapter, I almost put down the book and decided to read it no more. Too bad the author had to put his own personal dislike for Calvanism so forceful in the first chapter. This almost takes away from a great history book that does a great job in the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Definitely a great book, but if you believe in a form of Puritanism and/or Calvanism, you will feel greatly berated after Chapter 1. Unfortunately, you probably cannot skip chapter one because it does dive into some of the main characters and how they came to live/preach in Lexington.

Chapter 2 throught the end of the book-- 5 stars.

Chapter 1 -- no stars. (More like a personal vendetta against Calvanism/Protestant religion).

Samuel Whittemore, a Family Hero.......2006-03-08

I'll admit more interest in the actions of a distant relative during the British retreat to Boston. However, the author was successful in putting a magnifying glass on this first historic event in United States history. Countless details lost in more general history books are brillantly illuminated - the actions of a few dozen named individuals is overshadowed by countless unnamed men who dogged the British every foot of the way.

It is no wonder we named an aircraft carrier after this event!

Absorbing and well done.......2006-02-14

I greatly enjoyed this book. The level of detail is amazing, probably due to the fact that the Continental Congress did such a thorough job of debriefing citizens and miliita in the aftermath of the battles to present the American side of the story.

As any good book of this type is, it cites it's sources extensively.

If anyone is looking for a little more detail on the events around the Battles at Lexington and Concord, this is a good one.

Let It Begin Here!: Lexington and Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution

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Let It Begin Here!: Lexington and Concord: First Battles of the American Revolution
Dennis Brindell Fradin
Manufacturer: Walker Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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

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ASIN: 0802789455

Book Description

In less than 24 hours a rebellious colony would be changed forever.

April 18, 1775
9:30 P.M. Paul Revere learns that the British army is marching to Lexington and Concord to arrest rebel leaders and destroy American military supplies.

11:00 P.M. Revere begins his famous midnight ride to warn his fellow patriots about the British plans.

April 19, 1775
12:00 A.M. Revere reaches Lexington and warns rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British are coming. They escape and rouse the town's militia.

1:00 A.M. Revere is captured by the British, but a fellow patriot continues on to warn the sleeping village of Concord.

5:00 A.M. An advance lookout for the Lexington militia spots the approaching British army and shouts a warning.

5:20 A.M. Most of the 70 Lexington militiamen, outgunned by the military might of the 250 British regulars, decide to back down. But a few men stand their ground, including Jonas Parker, a grandfather who has vowed never to flee the British.

Suddenly, a shot rings out.

We Were There at the Battle of Lexington and Concord (We Were There books, 20)

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We Were There at the Battle of Lexington and Concord (We Were There books, 20)
Felix Sutton
Manufacturer: Grosset & Dunlap
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: B0006AVMU6

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

Concord and the Dawn of Revolution: The Hidden Truths

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Concord and the Dawn of Revolution: The Hidden Truths
D. Michael Ryan
Manufacturer: The History Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Revolutionary | Historical Study | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1596291869
Release Date: 2007-02-28

Product Description

Despite the harsh chill of a New England winter, several towns in Massachusetts in early 1775 burned with a revolutionary fervor. With the springtime thaw came the specter of impending war, engulfing every Massachusetts citizen from Menotomy and Lexington to Lincoln and Concord. Historian D. Michael Ryan illuminates the daily deeds, trials and emotions of uprising experienced by Patriots and Loyalists, women and men, people of color and children during the first days of the Revolutionary War. Through a series of compelling essays, Ryan debunks many historical myths and brings forth little-remembered facts in honoring those who won recognition for our freedoms and thus became the first real heroes of a fledgling United States. These accounts of the time when our "shot heard round the world" was fired provide a glimpse into the hidden realities of the American Revolution.

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Paul Revere's Ride (Graphic History)
Xavier Niz
Manufacturer: Capstone Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0736849653

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