9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Meticulously approaches the war event by event, August 5, 2005
This review is from: Battlegrounds of Freedom: A Historical Guide to the Battlefields of the War of American Independence (Paperback)
Battlegrounds Of Freedom: A Historical Guide To The Battlefields Of The War Of American Independence by Norman Desmarais (an active re-enactor in the Second Rhode Island Regiment Continental Army) meticulously approaches the war event by event, describes the geographic and strategic context of each battle, and offers an extensive selection of black-and-white maps and photographs to aid the reader in retracing the conflict that shaped American history. A wealth of resources for the reader to draw upon, including websites noted for their accuracy and lists of visitor centers, museums, and battleground sites open to the public, Battlegrounds Of Freedom is a vital resource especially for re-enactment groups but also useful to historians and casual readers alike. An in-depth resource constructed with an eye for accuracy, and a passionate love for history itself.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Readable Guide to Revolutionary War Battlefields, June 20, 2005
This review is from: Battlegrounds of Freedom: A Historical Guide to the Battlefields of the War of American Independence (Paperback)
I met the publisher of this book at a conference, and he
gave me a galley copy of this book, for the purpose of
writing a review. I have no other connection with the
publisher or author.
Battlegrounds for Freedom offers concise and understandable
narratives of the military operations that took place at the
sites covered in the book. For each site, driving directions,
Web sites, and other information for visitors are included.
This book is not just for armchair historians. The author,
himself a Revolution-era re-enactor, has structured the book
so as to provide the maximum encouragement for readers to get
out there and visit the battlefields (even road maps are
included), and to experience at least a little of the soldiers'
experiences.
A short chapter explains the lure of re-enacting, and tells
how a person interested in trying it can get started. For those
who don't have enough free weekends to become re-enactors, a
listing of published books and diaries is given at the end of
the chapter; reading these would give an idea what life was like
for soldiers of this period.
The battle write-ups are concise, but accurate, and most of the
military actions are placed in context with other actions, so
that the overall strategy and flow of events during the
Revolution can be discerned.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent history resource thats fun to read!, July 21, 2005
This review is from: Battlegrounds of Freedom: A Historical Guide to the Battlefields of the War of American Independence (Paperback)
Ususally these sorts of geographical guides to historical sites are dull, discriptive naratives that are only useful as a reference when travelling. Mr Desmarais's book is quite different. In addition to the site descriptions, pictures and maps, he offers the reader the unique, in depth view of the events that draws you into the story and make you want to know more. Mr Desmarais's writing style is personal, engaging and dynamic. I could not put it down! You'll not regret your investment in "Battlegrounds of Freedom."
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
