The Complete Idiot's Guide to the American Revolution [Paperback]

Ph.D. Alan Axelrod (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: 2000

You're no idiot, of course. You know that the American Revolution started when those guys in Boston threw some tea off a boat. Or was it when Paul Revere made his famous ride? Let's face it: when it comes to knowing about our nation's struggle for independence, our grade-school memories are about as trustworthy as Benedict Arnold. Don't blush red (or white, or blue) yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to the American Revolution is an authoritative overview of the conflict, filled with little-known facts that will enlighten even the most educated history buff. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

You're no idiot, of course. You know that the American Revolution started when those guys in Boston threw some tea off a boat. Or was it when Paul Revere made his famous ride? Let's face it: when it comes to knowing about our nation's struggle for independence, our grade-school memories are about as trustworthy as Benedict Arnold. Don't blush red (or white, or blue) yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to the American Revolution is an authoritative overview of the conflict, filled with little-known facts that will enlighten even the most educated history buff. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:

Product Details

• Paperback: 396 pages
• Publisher: Alpha Books; 1st edition (2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028633792
• ISBN-13: 978-0028633794
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #817,759 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars George III never understood Americans, even in defeat., August 1, 2000

By 

LJF - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to the American Revolution (Paperback)

Alan Axelrod's finest book. He, In only 352 pages, explains early colonialism, commerce, trade, the growth of the colonies, 18th century American's mindset, and the entire war for their independence. His storybook style is so engaging, detail is never sacrificed for fear of reader runaway. I loved Part 1. In only 60 pages I learned more about early colonialism, along with England's, France's and Spain's stake in it, than in 13 years of public schooling. Does that make me an idiot or public school a joke? Either way, I was completely hooked. Axelrod takes each phase of the revolutionary process America and England fought for (and against) and gives it it's own personality. He explains how, as each event unfolded, mindsets changed or solidified. Both in America and in England. His expositions on famous battles, stratagies and results are the best part of the book. You can feel the pulse of each army and become a part of it. What's special though, is that he then lifts you into an omnipresent position where you see the blunders or genius of each side. I often asked myself, "Why did they do that?", or "How could they think that way?" That added a lot of fun to the reading of the book. Hindsight, what a tool! He also brings historical figures to life. Expect much more than, 'Washington crossed the river'. Benedict Arnold, Ethan Allen, General Cornwallis, King George III, Paul Revere, and John Paul Jones are only some of the many principal figures eloquently exposited without bogging the narrative down. I came away from the book with a deeper appreciation of how incredibly difficult it is for any nation, past or present, to form, complete and follow through with a revolution. The birth of a nation is nearly impossible. The American Forefathers were brave, visionary, intelligent, pragmatic and had a bulldog's resolve. Being an American is a mindset, not an ethnic background. Seeing what came of it all, I'm proud to be of their lineage.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book!!, January 13, 2006

By 

Mark P. Ardin "mnirvana" (CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to the American Revolution (Paperback)

This book and the one on the Civil War, both are excellent books. If only Complete Idiot's Guide could come out with books on the 100 Years War, History of Holy Roman Empire, History of Rome, Greece, Germany, Russia, and Persia ... You get the idea.

7 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, basic info in an easy-to-read format, February 2, 2001

By 

Jane James "homeschoolmum" (California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to the American Revolution (Paperback)

This is such an easy reference book on the subject! The book starts with ancient American history and goes through Y2K. Pretty comprehensive.

It's written in an easy-to-read format, with chapters and sections clearly outlined, so one can just pick it up and start just about anywhere and read a section.

It's pretty condensed, but a great starting point for lots of basic information. It's also not just about wars and other political incidents, but addresses things like the Constitution, Ross Perot, how Rockefeller got started, the end of slavery, the Right to Life movement... like I said, it's really comprehensive.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes history, but doesn't need or want a scholarly tome on the subject.