A History of the American Revolution [Hardcover]

John R. Alden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1969

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.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Clearly the best one-volume history of the Revolution written so far. -- Jack P. Greene, professor of history, John Hopkins University --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 541 pages
• Publisher: Random House Inc (T); 1st edition (February 1969)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039442851X
• ISBN-13: 978-0394428512
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,636,009 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting and very readable, May 30, 2000

By 

Roger Lee - See all my reviews

This review is from: A History Of The American Revolution (Da Capo Paperback) (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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Anexcellent, well balanced view of the the Revolution, September 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A History Of The American Revolution (Da Capo Paperback) (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:

3.0 out of 5 stars In Depth!, April 24, 2008

By 

Michael E. Fitzgerald (Kingwood, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A History Of The American Revolution (Da Capo Paperback) (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.