The Minute Men: The First Fight - Myths and Realities of the American Revolution (Ausa Book) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were confronted from the beginning with the almost insurmountable problems of scratching out a living from the boulder-strewn..." (more)
Key Phrases: snow shoe men, minute man companies, minute man company, Colonel Smith, North Bridge, Colonel Barrett (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"1. "A splendid book.... If the true measure of a book is how it stands up over time, then this one is indeed a classic.... Gavin has captured the human ingredients of the story, and he portrays them vividly." - Parameters 2. "Far more remarkable than fiction." - Portland (Maine) Sun-Telegram 3. "A convincing reinterpretation both of the Minute Men and of the battle which enshrined them as pioneers of American patriotism." - Cullom Davis, Louisville Courier-Journal" --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

A reprint of the 1967 work (Hawthorn Books). The concept of the farmer and shopkeeper pulling rifles off pegs on the wall to fight the British has been the typical image of the American minuteman. The fact that he may have had military training and drilled usually goes unmentioned. Interesting reading for the student or the professional. Annotation copyright Book News, Inc., Portland, Oregon.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 279 pages
• Publisher: Potomac Books Inc. (March 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574880497
• ISBN-13: 978-1574880496
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,210,352 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fantastic review of liberty in our revolution, December 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Minute Men: The First Fight : Myths and Realities of the American Revolution (Ausa Institute of Land Warfare Book.) (Hardcover)

Gen. Galvin wrote an extraordinary account of the minutemen's most dramatic battle. But he also shows that this was not their first battle by any account. The French and Indian wars had battled hardened many of the troops and all of the troop's leaders. He gives solid evidence that this was not a battle by "farmers" but military men. A fantastic read for anyone interested in the true history of the area.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Insight, November 25, 2002

By	J. Bolt "JB" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent insight into the life and times of colonial America through the eyes of the men who gave birth to our country. These men were the foundation for the American military tradition. Written by a man with an infantry background, Gen Galvin has written an excellent and entertaining book which gives the best account I have found to date on what the minute men were like, while dispelling many myths and revealing some fascinating facts. Spanning from the early colonial period, to the French and Indian war, to the American war of Independence, this book is well worth the read for anyone interested in colonial American history, the war of independence, or a great study for those interested in light infantry combat.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Poor Brits, August 4, 2003

By	Michael N. Ryan (Bel AIr, Maryland USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Who ever believes that the American peole have no military tradition should read this book.

In this book, the reader is shown in detail the origins and developement of a military concept unique to this nation from its begining to its highest moment at the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Well written, well thought out, with ample detail provided. The reader is given insights to the men of these units as well as their British opponants.

Indeed, once you understand the organizaaion and concept, you actually feel the British regulars were unlucky unknowing sheep sent off to slaughter. Poor Brits.