What are the best books about the American Revolution?

2016-04-18T13:38:21-04:00

Today marks the beginnings of what would become the American War for Independence.

What are some of the best, or worst, books you've read about the subject?

Response by MAJ Rene De La Rosa made Apr 18 at 2016 1:51 PM

2016-04-18T13:51:59-04:00

Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper; although a fictionalized account of 1757, it was not to far off the mark. You would only have to make it through the verbose language that Cooper wrote. It can be tedious.

Response by SPC David S. made Apr 18 at 2016 1:55 PM

2016-04-18T13:55:17-04:00

While the books about tactics, leaders or the heroes of war are always a good read I like to understand the back story to the wars especially if its about the finacial aspects of war. One such book about the American Revolution is 'Robert Morris: Financier of the American Revolution' This guy signed the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution yet ended up for the most part forgotten by many Americans

http://www.amazon.com/Robert-Morris-Financier-American-Revolution/dp/B004Q7E19O

Amazon.com: Robert Morris: Financier of the American Revolution: Charles Rappleye: Books

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Response by SFC J Fullerton made Apr 18 at 2016 4:56 PM

2016-04-18T16:56:20-04:00

"From Sea to Shining Sea" by James Alexander Thom. The book is about the Clark family of Virginia. The first half of the book take place during the Revolution and the Clark brothers role in the War, most notably the Battle and capture of the British Fort in Vincennes, Indiana by militia forces led by George Rogers Clark. It is a gripping account of the winter march through frozen swampland, the severe hardship of the conditions and lack of food, and the success of capturing virtually the entire British force on the western frontier. The second half of the book focuses on William Clark and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Great book!

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Apr 18 at 2016 5:45 PM

2016-04-18T17:45:05-04:00

I read some books but the art war escaped me when I was young. I did watch a good movie about the suffering, cold, hungry, beleaguered Continent Army and the militia. The revolution is almost a perfect model to describe an insurgency.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xz8j37IBwKw&list=PLBEFC88C17D2C3149

The Crossing Part 1 (Long Retreat From New York)

The Crossing Part 1 George Washington and the Continental Army of America crossing the Delaware River on Christmas Day, and the Battle of Trenton on December...

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Apr 19 at 2016 12:05 AM

2016-04-19T00:05:12-04:00

One of the best I've seen is 1776 by David McCullough who had done the bulk of the narration for the Ken Burns civil war PBS series masterpiece, it has some extremely good anecdotes I'd thought ESP how Washington refused mail from the British addressed to George Washington Esq until it had been readdressed to genl George Washington a story I'd seen elsewhere as well sevl times now.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2016 3:31 PM

2016-04-19T15:31:13-04:00

Jeff Shaara's "Rise to Rebelllion," and "The Glorious Cause" are great books. Also read his other books about the Civil War, WWI and WWII.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 1:55 AM

2016-04-20T01:55:52-04:00

I read and really like "Washington's Crossing" which begins several decades prior to the famous crossing, and does a great job describing all the factors that led up to the Revolution. Lots of great information, maps, and diagrams. I highly recommend it.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jul 19 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-07-19T14:11:42-04:00

The US Declaration of Independence, US Constitution and the Federalist Papers provide critical background information to why we fought and what our end game was SSG Carlos Madden

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 19 at 2016 2:36 PM

2016-07-19T14:36:45-04:00

Actually, although not a book, I highly recommend the musical "1776". As a student of history I was astounded by the portrayals of the central figures of the Revolution. Washington is patrician and yet accessible. Franklin is earthy and full of humor. Adams is a nudge, constantly annoying and pushing his compatriots and fretting over the fact that they don't like him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAfjiUZEU94

1776 Original Movie Trailer

A fan-made trailer of the 1972 musical depicting the Second Continental Congress' struggle for American Indepedence.

Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 19 at 2016 3:05 PM

2016-07-19T15:05:36-04:00

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7829?msg=welcome_stranger

Try this one, you might find it rather unusual and if interest, I'll try to send others as well, many thanks.

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Response by Capt Daniel Goodman made Jul 19 at 2016 3:07 PM

2016-07-19T15:07:34-04:00

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1067.1776

This was given to me by a friend of my wife and myself, enjoy....

1776

In this masterful book, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year ...

Response by SSgt Robert Dant made Jul 19 at 2016 10:41 PM

2016-07-19T22:41:08-04:00

I read a lot of Christian books that focus on how the mindset of the country was at the time and how Christianity formed many of the actions taken. They are also very good at pointing out historical facts that I had not heard and give great insight into the mindset of the people.

Response by SGT Aaron Atwood made Jul 20 at 2016 3:49 PM

2016-07-20T15:49:48-04:00

Thomas Paine's Common Sense, plus his Crisis Papers. I read a really good one a couple years back on the end of the war, but I can't recall the title or author.