What do you think?
Rate this book
George Washington's War: The Saga of the American Revolution
“Exciting accounts of the major campaigns [of the American Revolution] . . . a reminder of what history can be when written by a master.” —Publishers Weekly“Beginning with a recapitulation of the French and Indian War—which, though ending in British victory, represented the beginning of the end of the British empire in America—[Robert] Leckie briskly recounts the well-known events leading to America’s break with Britain and the military development of the war. In anecdotal biographical sketches, he draws vivid portraits of the war’s George III, George Washington, Thomas Gage, Lord Cornwallis, and Benedict Arnold, among others. Leckie summarizes the principal battles of the war—Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Washington’s disastrous Long Island and Manhattan campaigns, his victories at Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga, and Yorktown—in lucid, workmanlike fashion. In superb depictions of the British leaders and of the British home front, he also adds details rarely found in popular American histories, and, unlike some historians, he doesn’t neglect the southern war—the battles of Camden, Cowpens, and King’s Mountain are covered as thoroughly as any.” —Kirkus Reviews“Entertaining and enlightening.” —Booklist
690 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1992
217 people are currently reading
544 people want to read
About the author
Robert Leckie
55 books218 followersLeckie was born on December 18, 1920, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in Rutherford, New Jersey. He began his career as a writer in high school, as a sports writer for ''The Bergen Evening Record'' in Hackensack, New Jersey.
On January 18, 1942, Leckie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.He served in combat in the Pacific theater, as a scout and a machine gunner in H Company, 2nd Battalion 1st Marines Regiment 1st Marine Division (United States). Leckie saw combat in the Battle of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Cape Gloucester, and had been wounded by blast concussion in the Battle of Peleliu. He returned to the United States in March 1945 and was honorably discharged shortly thereafter.
Following World War II, Leckie worked as a reporter for the Associated Press, the ''Buffalo Courier-Express'', the ''New York Journal American'', the ''New York Daily News'' and ''The Star-Ledger''. He married Vera Keller, a childhood neighbor, and they had three children: David, Geoff and Joan According to Vera, in 1951 he was inspired to write a memoir after seeing ''South Pacific '' on Broadway and walking out halfway through. He said "I have to tell the story of how it really was. I have to let people know the war wasn't a musical His first and best-selling book, ''Helmet for My Pillow'', a war memoir, was published in 1957. Leckie subsequently wrote more than 40 books on American war history, spanning from the French and Indian War (1754–1763) to Operation Desert Storm (1991). Robert Leckie died on December 24, 2001, after fighting a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
On January 18, 1942, Leckie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.He served in combat in the Pacific theater, as a scout and a machine gunner in H Company, 2nd Battalion 1st Marines Regiment 1st Marine Division (United States). Leckie saw combat in the Battle of Guadalcanal, the Battle of Cape Gloucester, and had been wounded by blast concussion in the Battle of Peleliu. He returned to the United States in March 1945 and was honorably discharged shortly thereafter.
Following World War II, Leckie worked as a reporter for the Associated Press, the ''Buffalo Courier-Express'', the ''New York Journal American'', the ''New York Daily News'' and ''The Star-Ledger''. He married Vera Keller, a childhood neighbor, and they had three children: David, Geoff and Joan According to Vera, in 1951 he was inspired to write a memoir after seeing ''South Pacific '' on Broadway and walking out halfway through. He said "I have to tell the story of how it really was. I have to let people know the war wasn't a musical His first and best-selling book, ''Helmet for My Pillow'', a war memoir, was published in 1957. Leckie subsequently wrote more than 40 books on American war history, spanning from the French and Indian War (1754–1763) to Operation Desert Storm (1991). Robert Leckie died on December 24, 2001, after fighting a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 5, 2016
This is my second Robert Leckie book. After reading and enjoying "A Few Acres of Snow: the Saga of the French and Indian Wars" I found that the author had written books on most of the conflicts of America and decided to read them as a series. (The only American War on which he seems not to have written is the Spanish American war which might be included in his book on WWI.)
I like Leckie's writing style. He is a knight of the old code who uses adjectives as they were meant to be used, to actually describe people and events, a master of a writing style you don't encounter much anymore. He is not afraid to call a spade a spade and does so with reckless abandon. For instance: "In the meantime, in Philadelphia it was a new kind of Congress that listened to [Horatio] Gate's second attempt to unseat [Phillip] Schuyler. Many of these delegates had attended the first two congresses, but they were not now the same men. They were as yet far from being, in the words of the French mystic poet Charles Peguy, those 'politicians who live off the country that patriots have died for.' Nor were they yet like the selfish leeches of our own day, whose order of priorities is themselves; their party; their campaign contributors; and then, if there is anything left, their country. Nevertheless they were not motivated by the same noble and selfless spirit of the First and Second Congresses, when debate was courteous and the objective was the right and proper course to be followed in the crises dividing the colonies from the Mother County. But now true patriotism had degenerated into selfish regionalism, characterized by rancor, backbiting and smear. As the war entered its third year the delegates began to look like the professional politicians of our own time, excelling at promoting themselves and their states, overnight experts in whatever subject was scheduled for the following day."
The crux of the story, of course, is General George Washington, the greatest man in American history, without whom there would have been no United States of America. The book begins with the fall of Quebec (the end of the book "A Few Acres of Snow"). It follows the events which led to the break of the American Colonies with their King, George III, and then the fight between the British and with their Patriot cousins which ended at Yorktown. What always amazes me is how near a thing defeat always was and the number of miracles (call them favorable coincidences or whatever you wish) which occurred to bring about the final victory of Washington's men. Each year there were at least a dozen points at which the whole Patriot effort could have been lost but somehow the war was continued. Leckie artfully points to each of these near misses and describes how each deficit was overcome.
I like Leckie and I like his books. "George Washington's War" was excellent and I recommend it highly.
I like Leckie's writing style. He is a knight of the old code who uses adjectives as they were meant to be used, to actually describe people and events, a master of a writing style you don't encounter much anymore. He is not afraid to call a spade a spade and does so with reckless abandon. For instance: "In the meantime, in Philadelphia it was a new kind of Congress that listened to [Horatio] Gate's second attempt to unseat [Phillip] Schuyler. Many of these delegates had attended the first two congresses, but they were not now the same men. They were as yet far from being, in the words of the French mystic poet Charles Peguy, those 'politicians who live off the country that patriots have died for.' Nor were they yet like the selfish leeches of our own day, whose order of priorities is themselves; their party; their campaign contributors; and then, if there is anything left, their country. Nevertheless they were not motivated by the same noble and selfless spirit of the First and Second Congresses, when debate was courteous and the objective was the right and proper course to be followed in the crises dividing the colonies from the Mother County. But now true patriotism had degenerated into selfish regionalism, characterized by rancor, backbiting and smear. As the war entered its third year the delegates began to look like the professional politicians of our own time, excelling at promoting themselves and their states, overnight experts in whatever subject was scheduled for the following day."
The crux of the story, of course, is General George Washington, the greatest man in American history, without whom there would have been no United States of America. The book begins with the fall of Quebec (the end of the book "A Few Acres of Snow"). It follows the events which led to the break of the American Colonies with their King, George III, and then the fight between the British and with their Patriot cousins which ended at Yorktown. What always amazes me is how near a thing defeat always was and the number of miracles (call them favorable coincidences or whatever you wish) which occurred to bring about the final victory of Washington's men. Each year there were at least a dozen points at which the whole Patriot effort could have been lost but somehow the war was continued. Leckie artfully points to each of these near misses and describes how each deficit was overcome.
I like Leckie and I like his books. "George Washington's War" was excellent and I recommend it highly.
August 7, 2011
In America, it was once a common tradition to name wars after our leader at the time. During the colonial period, we had King William's War (War of the Grand Alliance), Queen Anne's War (War of Spanish Succession), and King George's War (War of Austrian Succession)*. After Independence, we still informally referred to conflicts by our leaders, Mr. Madison's War (War of 1812) or Mr. Polk's War (Mexican-American War). However, over time, this feel out of fashion and we started to refer to wars by geographical area or politician significance**. In that bold tradition, Leckie's titles the tale of the American Revolution as: George Washington's War.
Leckie portrays the American Revolution as an epic tale involving colossal figures. Although the book has George Washington's name on the cover, the work covers far more then just him. The book focuses on many of the military leaders and statesmen of the period. In fact, sometimes Leckie goes a little overboard with information. Not only explaining a certain leader and who they were but also he likes to go into immense detail about their family history dating back centuries. For example, although I, as a history buff, eat a lot of this stuff up, one wonders if the average reader feels the need to know George Germain's ancestry dating all the way to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
One of the major things that I learned from reading this book is how the structure of the American and British Armies contributed to an American victory. The American Army was so small and assembled haphazardly that it was possible for people like Nathaniel Greene to be promoted right from buck private to a general officer. The cream rose to the top in the American Army. While the British Army was the exact opposite of the American Army, officers had to buy their commissions if they wanted to serve in the Army in any leadership role. This allowed the American Army to have a higher quality group of leaders then the British.
"A wealth young officer could not, of course, simply buy his way up the chain of command. He had to serve a certain amount of time in his rank and wait until a vacancy occurred above him, either in his own regiment or somewhere else. Even if promoted, he still had to buy his higher new rank." p.171
In the end, George Washington's War is a wonderful experience and an even better source of reference for anyone who had any question about the American Revolution.
*Since King George II was king for both War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War, Americans refer to the later as the French and Indian Wars.
**There had been some attempt to name later wars after presidents but it never quite caught on the way it had in earlier generations. Ex. "Mr. Lincoln's War" (U.S. Civil War), "Mr. Wilson's War" (World War I), and "Mr. Roosevelt's War." (World War II).
Leckie portrays the American Revolution as an epic tale involving colossal figures. Although the book has George Washington's name on the cover, the work covers far more then just him. The book focuses on many of the military leaders and statesmen of the period. In fact, sometimes Leckie goes a little overboard with information. Not only explaining a certain leader and who they were but also he likes to go into immense detail about their family history dating back centuries. For example, although I, as a history buff, eat a lot of this stuff up, one wonders if the average reader feels the need to know George Germain's ancestry dating all the way to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
One of the major things that I learned from reading this book is how the structure of the American and British Armies contributed to an American victory. The American Army was so small and assembled haphazardly that it was possible for people like Nathaniel Greene to be promoted right from buck private to a general officer. The cream rose to the top in the American Army. While the British Army was the exact opposite of the American Army, officers had to buy their commissions if they wanted to serve in the Army in any leadership role. This allowed the American Army to have a higher quality group of leaders then the British.
"A wealth young officer could not, of course, simply buy his way up the chain of command. He had to serve a certain amount of time in his rank and wait until a vacancy occurred above him, either in his own regiment or somewhere else. Even if promoted, he still had to buy his higher new rank." p.171
In the end, George Washington's War is a wonderful experience and an even better source of reference for anyone who had any question about the American Revolution.
*Since King George II was king for both War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years War, Americans refer to the later as the French and Indian Wars.
**There had been some attempt to name later wars after presidents but it never quite caught on the way it had in earlier generations. Ex. "Mr. Lincoln's War" (U.S. Civil War), "Mr. Wilson's War" (World War I), and "Mr. Roosevelt's War." (World War II).
May 20, 2017
A great read. Leckie helped get me more interested in this conflict and the book has his usual human touch.
August 29, 2018
What a book this was! Honestly, when I requested this book at the library and picked it up, I didn't realize that it was going to be such a massive undertaking. LOL This book is over 600 pages, but I am so glad I persevered and finished the book. Now, on to my detailed review of it.
What I Liked: This book covers everything you could possibly look for in researching the American Revolutionary War and when I say everything, I mean that. This book started from the very beginning on the different causes that brought about the Declaration of Independence and the colonies' decision to separate from England and ended at the completion of the war in 1781.
This book was eye-opening. I mean, wow. I was quite shocked at some of the stuff I learned through this book, but it gave me a wider view and perspective on the lives of America's Founding Fathers. My heart ached for General Washington as he tried his best to lead the army. It made me grimace to realize that the Congress back then grew to distrust him and treated him pretty horribly. The story about Benedict Arnold and what led up to his decision to betray America was also very interesting and enlightening. Even though this book was not written from a Christian standpoint, it reminded me that even though the men and women in the 1770's lived in a different time period than we do today, they still dealt with many of the issues and struggles our generation deals with in this present day and age.
But all this to say, I still walked away from this book with a deeper appreciation for all that our Founding Fathers and the many families who sacrificed their livelihoods, went through for us. It was humbling, to say the least.
Overall, I really liked and appreciated this book. I learned a LOT.
What I Didn't Like: I only had one primary issue with this book and that was the language. At times, the language became very crude and definitely not appropriate for my standards. Several times in the book when the author was giving us an inside peek, as it were, into different events in the war, he would include some of the profanity that the men would use in those situations. I did NOT appreciate that. I cringed every time those parts in the book would come along. If I had owned the book, I would be getting the white out and making a few remedies. :)
But that was my only complaint that I remember.
I give this book 4 stars for a very informative and interesting book.
What I Liked: This book covers everything you could possibly look for in researching the American Revolutionary War and when I say everything, I mean that. This book started from the very beginning on the different causes that brought about the Declaration of Independence and the colonies' decision to separate from England and ended at the completion of the war in 1781.
This book was eye-opening. I mean, wow. I was quite shocked at some of the stuff I learned through this book, but it gave me a wider view and perspective on the lives of America's Founding Fathers. My heart ached for General Washington as he tried his best to lead the army. It made me grimace to realize that the Congress back then grew to distrust him and treated him pretty horribly. The story about Benedict Arnold and what led up to his decision to betray America was also very interesting and enlightening. Even though this book was not written from a Christian standpoint, it reminded me that even though the men and women in the 1770's lived in a different time period than we do today, they still dealt with many of the issues and struggles our generation deals with in this present day and age.
But all this to say, I still walked away from this book with a deeper appreciation for all that our Founding Fathers and the many families who sacrificed their livelihoods, went through for us. It was humbling, to say the least.
Overall, I really liked and appreciated this book. I learned a LOT.
What I Didn't Like: I only had one primary issue with this book and that was the language. At times, the language became very crude and definitely not appropriate for my standards. Several times in the book when the author was giving us an inside peek, as it were, into different events in the war, he would include some of the profanity that the men would use in those situations. I did NOT appreciate that. I cringed every time those parts in the book would come along. If I had owned the book, I would be getting the white out and making a few remedies. :)
But that was my only complaint that I remember.
I give this book 4 stars for a very informative and interesting book.
April 10, 2019
A fascinating book about the America Revolution, although with a lot less George Washington in it than the title might suggest. The author has strong opinions on many of the figures and events of the time and is very forward in sharing them, making the book that much more fascinating.
December 30, 2009
This is a very comprehensive and EXCELLENT account of the American Revolutionary War.I learned so much that I didn't know about most of the key players in the American Revolution through the author's very insiteful concise bios which he wove into the appropriate sections of the book. I came away from the reading of this book with a renewed respect and admiration for the sacrifices and sufferings of those who fought for our country's freedom and independence from the British. The key downfall of the British, in my opinion, was their insufferable arrogance in thinking that they couldn't possibly be beaten by a bunch of backwoods bumpkins which is pretty much how they viewed the American fighting force ... AND their inability to think "outside the box" when fighting in conditions that they had not really encountered before. The Americans, on the other hand, were constantly challenged to think creatively in their approach to fighting a far superior and more experienced British war machine. And in the end, the French sacrificed a lot on behalf of birthing the new nation also !
I had to think many times as I was reading this book, that we seem to have switched roles in our fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq today ... Instead of thinking creatively and "outside the box" as our forefathers did, our country is fighting a conventional war with a VERY VERY unconventional enemy !!
I had to think many times as I was reading this book, that we seem to have switched roles in our fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq today ... Instead of thinking creatively and "outside the box" as our forefathers did, our country is fighting a conventional war with a VERY VERY unconventional enemy !!
April 6, 2012
Very long, but an excellent comprehensive overview of the Revolutionary War. Leckie gives chapter-long bios of all the important figures on both sides, details the battles and occasionally detours into subjects such as the Continental Congress and Europe's view of the conflict. Sometimes he overdramatizes biographical background, but nevertheless, the overall work is solid. I learned a lot from this book.
June 27, 2020
As the title indicates, this history of the American Revolution concentrates on the military aspects of the war. And he does a great job of it. I loved the side histories of most of the major figures in the war, which really gives you a good picture of the men involved. Every battle is described in detail, and Leckie isn't afraid to call out tactics, both good and bad, on both sides. He can be down right brutal at times! There were some excellent discussions of the men and equipment that fought the war, just how ugly it got at times. Didn't realize how many atrocities were committed on both sides. Ugly.
But in the end, I was depressed. Leckie tried to end it on a high note, with high falutin' words about the first government of and for the people, with some small concession to just how one sided it really was. But it just gets you to thinking, maybe this wasn't so great. I mean, Britain abolished slavery something like 30 or 40 years before we did. And while I am sure being black in the UK is no picnic, I am pretty sure it is better than being black in America. After reading about the revolution in *A People's History of the United States* by Zinn and, most especially, *These Truths: A History of the United States* by Lepore, you see how one sided these histories really are. And how depressing the end result is currently even.
But if what you are looking for is an entertaining and informative read about the military side of the American Revolution, I don't see how you could do any better.
But in the end, I was depressed. Leckie tried to end it on a high note, with high falutin' words about the first government of and for the people, with some small concession to just how one sided it really was. But it just gets you to thinking, maybe this wasn't so great. I mean, Britain abolished slavery something like 30 or 40 years before we did. And while I am sure being black in the UK is no picnic, I am pretty sure it is better than being black in America. After reading about the revolution in *A People's History of the United States* by Zinn and, most especially, *These Truths: A History of the United States* by Lepore, you see how one sided these histories really are. And how depressing the end result is currently even.
But if what you are looking for is an entertaining and informative read about the military side of the American Revolution, I don't see how you could do any better.
February 28, 2025
It took awhile but was an excellent read.
Robert Leckie, Marine Veteran of the South Pacific and Journalist is one of the best historians around. His WWII Memoir, A Helmet for my Pillow was amazing...then I found his book on the French and Indian War (A Few Acres of Snow: The Saga of the French and Indian Wars. Wiley & Sons. 2000. ISBN 0-471-24690-5.) which widened the scope, but was an amazing history. That set me on a Revolutionary war path, since I was amazed about how little I knew. I started with Washington's Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution by Patrick O'Donnell since the Marylander's Sacrifice at the Battle of Brooklyn was well known by most native New Yorkers and Mr. O'Donnell did them justice, it led to his other book The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware by Patrick K. O'Donnell, which piqued my interest in George Washington, and I chose George Washington's War: The Saga of the American Revolution. Harper Collins. 1992. ISBN 0-06-016289-9. and I was not disappointed. General Washington became a real person to me, not just the FIRST President, or the guy on the Quarter, or the dollar. it took a while to read the 600+ pages since I was preparing to retire from the National Park Service after 33+ years and my time to read was limited. I so thoroughly enjoyed the book, and getting to see the Man who became a legend. Mr. Leckie was/is a remarkably literate writer and he expects us all to be the same - keep a dictionary handy, and a good atlas of the Revolutionary War battles to enjoy the history (I love Maps!) I am back in WWII right now, I am reading The Last Hill: The Epic Story of a Ranger Battalion and the Battle That Defined WWII Bob Drury, Tom Clavin It is the story of the 2nd Ranger Battalion in the Hurtgen Forest in Belgium, one of my favorite battles, and the one just before The Bulge in the same area. I will let you know...
Robert Leckie, Marine Veteran of the South Pacific and Journalist is one of the best historians around. His WWII Memoir, A Helmet for my Pillow was amazing...then I found his book on the French and Indian War (A Few Acres of Snow: The Saga of the French and Indian Wars. Wiley & Sons. 2000. ISBN 0-471-24690-5.) which widened the scope, but was an amazing history. That set me on a Revolutionary war path, since I was amazed about how little I knew. I started with Washington's Immortals: The Untold Story of an Elite Regiment Who Changed the Course of the Revolution by Patrick O'Donnell since the Marylander's Sacrifice at the Battle of Brooklyn was well known by most native New Yorkers and Mr. O'Donnell did them justice, it led to his other book The Indispensables: The Diverse Soldier-Mariners Who Shaped the Country, Formed the Navy, and Rowed Washington Across the Delaware by Patrick K. O'Donnell, which piqued my interest in George Washington, and I chose George Washington's War: The Saga of the American Revolution. Harper Collins. 1992. ISBN 0-06-016289-9. and I was not disappointed. General Washington became a real person to me, not just the FIRST President, or the guy on the Quarter, or the dollar. it took a while to read the 600+ pages since I was preparing to retire from the National Park Service after 33+ years and my time to read was limited. I so thoroughly enjoyed the book, and getting to see the Man who became a legend. Mr. Leckie was/is a remarkably literate writer and he expects us all to be the same - keep a dictionary handy, and a good atlas of the Revolutionary War battles to enjoy the history (I love Maps!) I am back in WWII right now, I am reading The Last Hill: The Epic Story of a Ranger Battalion and the Battle That Defined WWII Bob Drury, Tom Clavin It is the story of the 2nd Ranger Battalion in the Hurtgen Forest in Belgium, one of my favorite battles, and the one just before The Bulge in the same area. I will let you know...
September 20, 2019
George Washington’s War
After reading several other books on Washington and many of the other founding father’s, I found this one of the most detailed not only of Washington, many of the founding fathers as well as important people in Great Briton and France. Unfortunately, the author filled the pages with unnecessarily words most people would not know. Either I looked up some or figured out their meaning by the context of the sentence. In spite of this annoying fact, I still would recommend it to anyone interested in the Revolutionary War.
After reading several other books on Washington and many of the other founding father’s, I found this one of the most detailed not only of Washington, many of the founding fathers as well as important people in Great Briton and France. Unfortunately, the author filled the pages with unnecessarily words most people would not know. Either I looked up some or figured out their meaning by the context of the sentence. In spite of this annoying fact, I still would recommend it to anyone interested in the Revolutionary War.
November 29, 2020
This is an excellent book - well researched and, as a WW2 hero, Leckie gives an interesting perspective, especially to battlefield scenes. However Leckie's style definitely takes some getting used to as it is dissimilar to today's historians & indeed unique to pretty much anyone other book I've read. Sometimes his backgrounds of each military figure can be laborious but somehow, before you even realize it, Leckie has you onboard and it becomes tougher & tougher to put down. Plus, he's a Jersey guy so extra credit for that!
did-not-finish
October 13, 2024I didn't get very far into this very thick book before I decided to give up. The author made a lot of sweeping statements and judgments which I felt didn't always fit the facts. Even some that did, lumped so many different groups together as to give a very one-dimensional look at the issue.
There are other books I'd rather read on this same subject that are better written.
Content notes: The historical facts of the immorality of some of the kings were discussed, but just the historical facts. Many religious groups are talked about in unflattering terms.
There are other books I'd rather read on this same subject that are better written.
Content notes: The historical facts of the immorality of some of the kings were discussed, but just the historical facts. Many religious groups are talked about in unflattering terms.
September 30, 2022
A long and well-written popular history in the “great man” tradition. Its focus on the decisions of leadership at the expense of material causes is a shortcoming - one that leads to a number of cringeworthy takes on the overriding character of the founding fathers, etc. It stinks of too much credulity toward its sources, which are not cited in most cases.
December 18, 2024
Didn't realise how little I knew about the War of Independence, maybe because it was a British defeat. Seemed a balanced account. Still find the defeat happened quickly at the end. Ultimately though... could the British had won? Wasn't it like Vietnam and Afghanistan maybe? Unless the outcome could have become more like Australia.
September 17, 2018
I have read several books on George Washington and the Revolution this last year. I also watched the series Turn. I have enjoyed them all but this one was very comprehensive and informative. If you like history that does not throw the punches. You will like this one.
December 3, 2017
This an excellent overview of the American Revolution. I learned a lot and couldn’t put this down.
September 6, 2018
Informative and interesting. Leckie grabs your attention and makes this an enjoyable read.
December 23, 2020
I am not a battle fan, so reading this book was challenging. I was mainly reading it for genealogy information.
October 17, 2023
I learned a lot from this history. Especially enjoyed the author's unvarnished opinions about the personalities involved in this conflict.
October 7, 2018
Excellent book-Learned a lot about the revolution.
March 31, 2009
Excellent overview of the American Revolutionary War. It is told mostly has a military history, but it also includes interesting portraits of the people doing the fighting & the leading. It ends a bit abruptly with the American victory at Yorktown, but that's appropriate since that was the end of the fighting.
February 10, 2017
This book is an exhaustive review of the American Revolution. Leckie takes the reader on a journey from the Fall of Quebec in 1759 to the final triumph in Yorktown 22 years later. He details the battles, the leaders, and the soldiers on both sides of the conflict.
A long read, but well worth the investment.
A long read, but well worth the investment.
Read
August 9, 2011You might be familiar with the author Robert Leckie as he is one of the people in the HBO series The Pacific. This is a 1 volume history of the American Revolutionary War, written chronologically and thematically. I liked the writing style. As it is a 1 volume instead, it isn't super detailed. However, it has certainly made me keen to read a full 3 volume set in the future, if a good one exists.
July 30, 2013
I think this was a good book that gives very big and comprehensive history of the revolutionary war. i also love how the author is not silent about his opinion adding much needed humor to the book. if the author is a history professor his classes must be amazing! Yeah, i wanted to know more and i learned alot while being emtertained.
January 11, 2014
I enjoyed this. And, it's a long one. Covers pretty much just the war and the back-story of all the major players. Loved learning about the motivations of Washington, Benedict Arnold, and the British commanders. The book does come off as very biased, he puts everyone in either a very positive or very negative light, but not a dry read at all.
July 28, 2012
An amazing author. He really knows how to bring history to life by using brutal honesty and humanizing those who have been immortalized in American history. Love this book and all that I've read from Robert Leckie. A great American.
March 30, 2015
A detailed and eminently readable history
... Of the American Revolution. Replete with facts yet readable. The only thing it omits is the madness of King George, whose porphyria undoubtedly had an effect on the outcome.
... Of the American Revolution. Replete with facts yet readable. The only thing it omits is the madness of King George, whose porphyria undoubtedly had an effect on the outcome.
November 15, 2009
This isn't as good as Bobrick's Angel in the Whirlwind, but nothing else I've read is either. The strong point of Leckie's book is the excellent mini-bigraphies that round out each section.
October 22, 2010
I put it down on page 322 as I needed to focus on a different era. Great story-telling look at American Revolution. Easy to read, but pretty thorough.
May 26, 2011
Very readable, but excessively pro-American in content.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews