The history of the American rebellion against England, written by one of America’s preeminent eighteenth-century historians, differs from many views of the Revolution. It is not colored by excessive worship of the Founding Fathers but, instead, permeated by sympathy for all those involved in the conflict. Alden has taken advantage of recent scholarship that has altered opinions about George III and Lord North. But most of all this is a balanced history—political, military, social, constitutional—of the thirteen colonies from the French and Indian War in 1763 to Washington’s inauguration in 1789. Whether dealing with legendary figures like Adams and Jefferson or lesser-known aspects of a much picked-over subject, Alden writes with insights and broad eloquence.
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Clearly the best one-volume history of the Revolution written so far. -- Jack P. Greene, professor of history, John Hopkins University
About the Author
John R. Alden was Professor of History at Duke University for many years. The author of several books, including the South in the Revolution and a biography of Washington, he lives in Florida.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 45 people found the following review helpful
By Roger Lee
Format:Paperback
I didn't know very much about the Revolutionary War before I read this book. After reading it, I feel like I at least have a reasonable understanding of the military, political and social aspects of this conflict. It is important to point out that although Alden does cover the military campaigns in reasonable detail, this is by no means strictly a military history. Alden also spends much time discussing all of the political developments that occurred during the period of 1763-1789, both in America and England. He also spends some time discussing social issues, such as religion and slavery. Alden implies that the reason the United States became such a rich, powerful nation is that, unlike in England, in the U.S. it was possible for someone who is born relatively poor to become rich and powerful provided that they have the talent and they work hard. England, as well as all the other European powers of that time, was hampered by incompetent business, political and military leaders who received their positions because they were born into prominent families. The United States also became powerful due to the excellent political structure that was created by the Constitution. But I digress. Overall, I think that all Americans can be proud of the men who fought for our independence and had the courage to adopt a very inovative form of government (although, of course, there were some bad apples amoung them, such as Benedict Arnold). In sum, although this book is certainly no thriller, I found it to be very readable and full of interesting information.
17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I found the book excellent to begin my research into the Revolution and found it to be fair and balanced for both sides.Having amajor in Us History and needing a book for History: Revolutions, Alden was a treasure to have stumbled upon.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
John R. Alden delivers a most thoughtful and compelling analysis that differs from many views of the American Revolution. It is not colored by excessive worship of the Founding Fathers, but, instead, is permeated by sympathy for all of those involved in the conflict. Much happened during these event filled years. As a result there is less attention paid to the actual military phase of the Revolution.
This is not a history of the military operations of this conflict but rather is a more balanced history - political, military, social, and constitutional. This is an in depth work, not the stuff of the typical glorification of the American Revolution. As a result Mr. Alden delivers a thoroughly thought provoking and much more pleasing analysis than any other. Superbly written, his analysis on the formation of the Articles of Confederation, which took 5 years, is simply the most direct and finest analysis anywhere.
This is not a history of the military operations of this conflict but rather is a more balanced history - political, military, social, and constitutional. This is an in depth work, not the stuff of the typical glorification of the American Revolution. As a result Mr. Alden delivers a thoroughly thought provoking and much more pleasing analysis than any other. Superbly written, his analysis on the formation of the Articles of Confederation, which took 5 years, is simply the most direct and finest analysis anywhere.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Solid and valuable historical work
John Alden's work on the American Revolution was a good overview of the events leading up to the conflict and the military encounters. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Battleship
4.0 out of 5 stars
good, but woefully defecient of the Southern campaign
The opening is breath taking in its writing. Alden's expose of the conditions of the British Empire and the Colonies is insightful and poetic. Read more
Published on August 28, 2001 by irick
1.0 out of 5 stars
Dull, Plodding, Unimaginative, and Biased
I bought this book based on customer reviews. Folks, you let me down. This is a horribly written book. Read more
Published on June 4, 2001 by "doug1507"
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb Book
This is an excellent book on the american revolution. The book is just superb and I would recommend it for anyone who wants to learn more about this most important event in... Read more
Published on February 24, 2001
5.0 out of 5 stars
Price error?
This is not a review, but I thought you should know that you seem to advertise the list price at $10.95 and your price at $15.16.
MMT critique@umich.edu
Published on March 6, 1999
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 108
books:
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40
books
cite this book:
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- The Declaration Of Independence by Sam Fink on 4 pages
- Declaration of Independence: A Reading by Thomas and Adams, John Jefferson on 4 pages
- in Back Matter, and Index
- Origins of the American Revolution: With a New Introduction and a Bibliography by John C. Miller in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Revolutionary New Hampshire by Richard F. Upton in Back Matter
See all 108 books this book cites
- South Carolina and the American Revolution: A Battlefield History by John W. Gordon on 4 pages
- Governor John Wentworth and the American Revolution: The English Connection by Paul W. Wilderson in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- America's Nation-Time: 1607-1789 (Norton Library) by Labaree W Benjamin on page 186, and page 226
- Necessary Virtue: The Pragmatic Origins of Religious Liberty in New England by Charles P. Hanson in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- The American Founding Experience: Political Community and Republican Government by Charles S Hyneman on page 20, and page 23
See all 40 books citing this book
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