The War of the Revolution [Unknown Binding]

Christopher Ward (Author)

Book Description

“The War of the Revolution is a solid chunk of scholarship, likely to endure as a classical work on its subject.”—Time

From the first crack of musket fire at Lexington and Concord to the downing of the British colors at Yorktown, Christopher Ward does not tell the whole history of the American Revolution, but rather, illuminates the history of the war caused by that revolution—the military operations on land in the War for Independence. When The War for the Revolution was first published almost sixty years ago, it was instantly recognized as a modern classic of American historical scholarship, as well as a masterpiece of narrative nonfiction Revolutionary War history. Today it is probably the most cited single work on the American Revolutionary War. The combination of a simple format and eloquent writing make The War of the Revolution an ideal reference for the professional historian and American history buff alike. 40 black-and-white illustrations

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christopher Ward served as president of the Historical Society of Delaware and worked with the Federal Writer’s Project. Some of his works include The War of the Revolution, The Dutch and Swedes on the Delaware and The Saga of Cap’n John Smith. He died at the age of 75 in 1943. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Unknown Binding
• ASIN: B00005X4JA
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,399,242 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough Military History of the Revolution, February 1, 2002

By 

Wayne A. Smith (Newark, DE) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The War of the Revolution

Sixty years ago, Christopher Ward penned this gem of a history of the Revolutionary War.

In two volumes at almost 1,000 pages, this book is thorough. It presents a traditional military campaign history of the Revolution. What the reader gets are clear descriptions of battles and the ebb and flow of the war between the British and our side.

It's easy to read and well-organized format make this an ideal reference work, also. Although maps are simply drawn, they convey a clear picture of troop dispositions and identities at major battles.

There is a romance to this book that perhaps harks back to an earlier time. Although our side is portrayed faults as well as triumphs, Ward has a simple eloquence that imparts to reader a sense of wonder and patriotism at the perseverance of our troops and leaders. Richard Ketchum comes to mind as a comparison in his more recent accounts of Revolutionary War battles (although Ketchum makes more use of diary entries as he is focusing on single battles as opposed to the entire War).

This is out of print and will only be found on Z-shops or at antique bookstores. Ward's contemporary book, "The Delaware Continentals," was recently reprinted by the Delaware Heritage Commission. That book covers much of the same ground, although with a focus on the activities of the Delaware troops throughout the war. One hopes that a publisher will someday reprint Ward's "The War of the Revolution" so that current readers may enjoy this gem of a history.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Find it and read it, March 14, 2007

By 

J. Stanforth "TE Chance" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The War of the Revolution (Hardcover)

I purchased this book after seeing it repeatedly cited and commended by other authors. Their enthusiasm is not misplaced. Ward illuminates every battle of the war and devotes a short chapter to each. While this takes away somewhat from the feel of the campaign the book makes up for it by making the individual actions incredibly tangible. I havent read a military history of the war that really compares. Also, its written in a very mature voice that never waxes poetic or hysterical.