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The War of the Revolution
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.
1012 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1952
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About the author
Christopher Ward
134 books8 followersChristopher Ward is the grandson of Jock Hume and Mary Costin. He is a former editor of the Daily Express.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 8, 2022
Many people confuse the American Revolution with the American War of Independence, however while the former is both military and political developments the latter is strictly for the armed conflict that was apart of the former. The War of the Revolution by Christopher Ward follows the armed conflict in eastern North America that would bring about the birth of the United States.
While histories of the American Revolution cover all facets of the conflict, for 95% of this book Ward focuses only on the military aspect on land—this includes both battlefield events and provisioning the armies—of the conflict. Save for setting up how the fighting began between the colonists and the British army in Massachusetts and interesting asides, Ward follows the maneuvers, tactics, and strategies of both sides as well as the personalities of their generals, officers, and notable regular soldiers. Originally published as two volumes, one focused on the war in the North and the other in the South, not only due to the shift of geographic emphasis that occurred during the war but also the nature of the war in each region. One interesting feature is that Ward is very detailed in describing the history of the Continental regiments from Maryland and Delaware, this is because this book is an outgrowth of a history Ward wrote about Delaware’s contribution to the Continental Army throughout the war.
The War of the Revolution is an excellently written military history of the American War of Independence that Christopher Ward developed out of a history of the participation of one of the smallest states within the Continental Army. Though roughly 70 years old, this book is a must read for those fascinated with military history whether of the United States specifically or in general.
While histories of the American Revolution cover all facets of the conflict, for 95% of this book Ward focuses only on the military aspect on land—this includes both battlefield events and provisioning the armies—of the conflict. Save for setting up how the fighting began between the colonists and the British army in Massachusetts and interesting asides, Ward follows the maneuvers, tactics, and strategies of both sides as well as the personalities of their generals, officers, and notable regular soldiers. Originally published as two volumes, one focused on the war in the North and the other in the South, not only due to the shift of geographic emphasis that occurred during the war but also the nature of the war in each region. One interesting feature is that Ward is very detailed in describing the history of the Continental regiments from Maryland and Delaware, this is because this book is an outgrowth of a history Ward wrote about Delaware’s contribution to the Continental Army throughout the war.
The War of the Revolution is an excellently written military history of the American War of Independence that Christopher Ward developed out of a history of the participation of one of the smallest states within the Continental Army. Though roughly 70 years old, this book is a must read for those fascinated with military history whether of the United States specifically or in general.
March 29, 2021
This book (or books) was published in 1952. I can't find another purely military history of the war of the revolution that has been issued since then. Robert Middlekauff's "The Glorious Cause," part of the Oxford History of the United States series and a Pulitzer contender uses Ward's book as a crutch to tell the military story of the Revolution. This is a crying shame because, as good as Ward's book is (and it is well written and well organized) it is a creature of its time. Ward uses terms like "Ethiopian" as a euphemism for Black Americans and "savages" for Native Americans.
I also think Ward was heavily influenced by Douglas Southall Freeman's "Lee's Lieutenants" as Ward follows the same schema in providing thumbnail sketches of the senior officers and offers an assessment of their capabilities. Nothing wrong in this.
I did learn a great deal. The armies involved were very small, and often (particularly on the American side) starving and ill-clothed. The British commanders ranged from the incompetent (Burgoyne) to the disengaged (Howe). Cornwallis alone merits faint praise for making the most of what he had, and that simply was not enough. Even so, my impression is that the war could have easily been won by British with a few good breaks and better commanders.
With the constant flood of military histories being published every year, why doesn't somebody bring Ward's work up to date? There are many books that look at a battle or an individual but there seems to be a gaping hole when it comes to a complete military history of this war.
I also think Ward was heavily influenced by Douglas Southall Freeman's "Lee's Lieutenants" as Ward follows the same schema in providing thumbnail sketches of the senior officers and offers an assessment of their capabilities. Nothing wrong in this.
I did learn a great deal. The armies involved were very small, and often (particularly on the American side) starving and ill-clothed. The British commanders ranged from the incompetent (Burgoyne) to the disengaged (Howe). Cornwallis alone merits faint praise for making the most of what he had, and that simply was not enough. Even so, my impression is that the war could have easily been won by British with a few good breaks and better commanders.
With the constant flood of military histories being published every year, why doesn't somebody bring Ward's work up to date? There are many books that look at a battle or an individual but there seems to be a gaping hole when it comes to a complete military history of this war.
June 10, 2014
A thorough, detailed compliation of the revolution. At 1000 pages, and most of the work concentrated on military action, it could be a hard read for some. For me, a long time Marine and student of military actions, this was a treat. Military studies aside, this was a deep dive look at the war and I learned so much of our history and the names involved. The biggest problem I had with the book was keeping up with all the new material I became instantly interested in for future research and study. And bring a dictionary when you sit down to read this, the English language has become very truncated since the writing of this book. many new wirds to learn.
June 28, 2018
I am reading one book after another about colonial New England and the American Revolution in preparation for a trip to visit a retired American historian in Vermont, the plan being to visit many of the sites in both Vermont and New Hampshire relevant to the period.
Having gone to public schools during the Cold War I was subjected to the usual indoctrination about American history, our secular religion with its elements of selective facts, hagiography and mythology. It wasn't all bad as millions came out of it as I did, firm believers in principles of equity, liberty, democracy and fairness--and thus, the Sixties...
Beginning in high school I began to be exposed to the harsher realities of the founding of the United States, both in school and without. This, however, has been the first history I've ever read entirely focused on the military campaigns of the revolution. It was grimmer than expected.
Among other things, I learned of the genocidal campaigns--some ordered by Saint Washington himself--against native American peoples, the mistreatment that led the Satanic Benedict Arnold into the arms of the British, the slaughtering of unarmed civilians and captured enemies. In other words, it was a war and, like most wars, extremely ugly.
There was heroism too. Most impressive are the accounts of the suffering of colonial troops through disease, malnurishment, maltreatment and broken promises. Sure, I'd heard about Valley Forge before, about the bloody prints in the snow and all, but I'd not known how unexceptional that was nor had any previous writer so impressed me with their descriptions.
Ward's book is serious scholarship and, although concentrated on the colonials and their allies, it is fair to the British--even the arch-traitor Arnold. A glossary helps with the archaic, mostly military, terminology. Maps display most of the main battles. The detail may be tedious for all but the most devoted military enthusiasts, but the picture painted by the whole 900-plus pages of the text is existentially engrossing.
Oh, one last point: The war did not end with the British surrender at Yorktown...
Having gone to public schools during the Cold War I was subjected to the usual indoctrination about American history, our secular religion with its elements of selective facts, hagiography and mythology. It wasn't all bad as millions came out of it as I did, firm believers in principles of equity, liberty, democracy and fairness--and thus, the Sixties...
Beginning in high school I began to be exposed to the harsher realities of the founding of the United States, both in school and without. This, however, has been the first history I've ever read entirely focused on the military campaigns of the revolution. It was grimmer than expected.
Among other things, I learned of the genocidal campaigns--some ordered by Saint Washington himself--against native American peoples, the mistreatment that led the Satanic Benedict Arnold into the arms of the British, the slaughtering of unarmed civilians and captured enemies. In other words, it was a war and, like most wars, extremely ugly.
There was heroism too. Most impressive are the accounts of the suffering of colonial troops through disease, malnurishment, maltreatment and broken promises. Sure, I'd heard about Valley Forge before, about the bloody prints in the snow and all, but I'd not known how unexceptional that was nor had any previous writer so impressed me with their descriptions.
Ward's book is serious scholarship and, although concentrated on the colonials and their allies, it is fair to the British--even the arch-traitor Arnold. A glossary helps with the archaic, mostly military, terminology. Maps display most of the main battles. The detail may be tedious for all but the most devoted military enthusiasts, but the picture painted by the whole 900-plus pages of the text is existentially engrossing.
Oh, one last point: The war did not end with the British surrender at Yorktown...
December 4, 2013
Long, long book. Lots of troop numbers and explanations of the layout of the terrain, not enough maps! America got lucky on numerous occasions, its surviving horrible conditions, its leadership enduring frequent desertion, and bankrupt of supplies and materiel, it truly is a miracle the country gained its independence.
January 5, 2021
Having been recommended this book on a board gaming forum, it is exactly what I expected it to be. It seems American History highlights the Boston Tea Party, the skirmishes at Lexington and Concord, the Battle of Bunker Hill (with a nod to Breed's Hill if it really wants to show its stuff), the rough winter at Valley Forge, and then the surrender at Yorktown ending it all. We are taught about Washington and Cornwallis, and of course, Benedict Arnold. In my experience that is the brunt of it and we move on.
This book is overwhelmingly dedicated to the battles, and specifically about which units participated, who lead them, how they were deployed, and the butcher's bill of casualties, typically with a best guess after the underreporting of one's own casualties and the overreporting of the enemy's. Little is mentioned of the political struggle, except to highlight the important benchmarks or anecdotal events to see there context.
While this may sound dreadfully boring, the narrative flowed well. Almost all of the major characters received a quick biography of their past exploits and how they got to this point when first introduced. The thoughts were well researched as journals and official reports were quoted to give insight throughout. Being less concerned with telling a story, sometimes the outcome of the battle was spoiled before the details of the outcome were described.
The structure was well laid out. The first book followed the relatively better known northern battles from the start through their conclusion. The second book follows up a few loose ends from the norther campaign and then resets and picks up the southern campaign, sprinkles in some of the contests in the west before bringing it all together in the last two chapters to close out at in Virginia.
I found a little too late, that a Glossary of Military Terms tucked in the back of the book. Having a rudimentary dive into military history and board games, I knew most of these terms, such as abatis and fascine (though thought this came about only with tank technology). I did learn that a "carcass" was not the gruesome thing I thought was being fired into sieged towns. Knowing it was basically a flaming shot would have prevented some uncomfortable readings early on!
What was eye-opening was how many battles the Americans actually lost but still managed to win the war. As with reading about the American Civil War, it seemed with just a little more courage, a little more info, and a little more discipline, pushing after many of the battles could have decisively ended the war earlier. But America got the personalities they needed and won the battles that were turning points: the decisive battle of Saratoga, Steuben training the forces, Washington taking over for Lee at Monmouth; then Gates rout at Camden, but Morgan finally checking Tarleton at Cowpens and Greene winning the race that wore out Cornwallis, allowing him to be held in place by Lafayette until Washington and the French could finish him off.
The only thing preventing this from a 5-star rating is it could have used more illustrations. Most battles have one but usually only showing initial deployments and the subsequent movements throughout the battle. The illustrations also didn't always match up the descriptions in the text. So a key point I expected to find on the map might be missing or the description of a regiment's command was slightly different. The consistency of detail from one map to the next varied as well. There were a few instances of missed editing. In the event of the killing of Jane McCrea started correctly but she soon turned into Jenny McCrea and much later referenced as Jennie McCrea. Finally in this edition, there is no index (a must!) nor bibliography (less useful to me but maybe by some). Instead one must email to get a copy. I am sure this was to save space in this already large paperback, but using this for reference is greatly hampered with a missing index.
Overall, I found this an excellent resource on the breadth of the American Revolution and hope to dive in again to reinforce all I learned. It has already stood the test of time being written 80 years ago!
This book is overwhelmingly dedicated to the battles, and specifically about which units participated, who lead them, how they were deployed, and the butcher's bill of casualties, typically with a best guess after the underreporting of one's own casualties and the overreporting of the enemy's. Little is mentioned of the political struggle, except to highlight the important benchmarks or anecdotal events to see there context.
While this may sound dreadfully boring, the narrative flowed well. Almost all of the major characters received a quick biography of their past exploits and how they got to this point when first introduced. The thoughts were well researched as journals and official reports were quoted to give insight throughout. Being less concerned with telling a story, sometimes the outcome of the battle was spoiled before the details of the outcome were described.
The structure was well laid out. The first book followed the relatively better known northern battles from the start through their conclusion. The second book follows up a few loose ends from the norther campaign and then resets and picks up the southern campaign, sprinkles in some of the contests in the west before bringing it all together in the last two chapters to close out at in Virginia.
I found a little too late, that a Glossary of Military Terms tucked in the back of the book. Having a rudimentary dive into military history and board games, I knew most of these terms, such as abatis and fascine (though thought this came about only with tank technology). I did learn that a "carcass" was not the gruesome thing I thought was being fired into sieged towns. Knowing it was basically a flaming shot would have prevented some uncomfortable readings early on!
What was eye-opening was how many battles the Americans actually lost but still managed to win the war. As with reading about the American Civil War, it seemed with just a little more courage, a little more info, and a little more discipline, pushing after many of the battles could have decisively ended the war earlier. But America got the personalities they needed and won the battles that were turning points: the decisive battle of Saratoga, Steuben training the forces, Washington taking over for Lee at Monmouth; then Gates rout at Camden, but Morgan finally checking Tarleton at Cowpens and Greene winning the race that wore out Cornwallis, allowing him to be held in place by Lafayette until Washington and the French could finish him off.
The only thing preventing this from a 5-star rating is it could have used more illustrations. Most battles have one but usually only showing initial deployments and the subsequent movements throughout the battle. The illustrations also didn't always match up the descriptions in the text. So a key point I expected to find on the map might be missing or the description of a regiment's command was slightly different. The consistency of detail from one map to the next varied as well. There were a few instances of missed editing. In the event of the killing of Jane McCrea started correctly but she soon turned into Jenny McCrea and much later referenced as Jennie McCrea. Finally in this edition, there is no index (a must!) nor bibliography (less useful to me but maybe by some). Instead one must email to get a copy. I am sure this was to save space in this already large paperback, but using this for reference is greatly hampered with a missing index.
Overall, I found this an excellent resource on the breadth of the American Revolution and hope to dive in again to reinforce all I learned. It has already stood the test of time being written 80 years ago!
January 8, 2014
A well-written and readable treatment of the revolutionary war’s land campaigns. The book is almost a thousand pages long, so it is nothing if not thorough. Ward gives us clear treatment of all the war’s battles. Ward is concerned primarily with the war’s land campaigns; naval operations receive only passing mention.
The book’s style is a bit romantic, but, again, this was written in 1952. Still, Ward writes simply and eloquently. Ward’s attention to detail is smooth and crisp. The scope of the book is admirable and is allowed by the book’s immense size.
Like, I said, the book is a little romantic in parts. He calls the war “resistance to tyranny” and sometimes indulges in this type of rhetoric, but not enough to derail the narrative. Ward’s treatment of George Washington sometimes verges on hero worship. Ward writes that Washington declined payment for his services as commander-in-chief, but cites this as an example of Washington’s “modesty.” In fact, Washington offered to work for expenses because he knew they would total much more than the offered salary. Washington’s refusal was not an example of modesty, but of shrewdness.
As a military history of the war, Ward's book succeeds.
The book’s style is a bit romantic, but, again, this was written in 1952. Still, Ward writes simply and eloquently. Ward’s attention to detail is smooth and crisp. The scope of the book is admirable and is allowed by the book’s immense size.
Like, I said, the book is a little romantic in parts. He calls the war “resistance to tyranny” and sometimes indulges in this type of rhetoric, but not enough to derail the narrative. Ward’s treatment of George Washington sometimes verges on hero worship. Ward writes that Washington declined payment for his services as commander-in-chief, but cites this as an example of Washington’s “modesty.” In fact, Washington offered to work for expenses because he knew they would total much more than the offered salary. Washington’s refusal was not an example of modesty, but of shrewdness.
As a military history of the war, Ward's book succeeds.
September 15, 2023
After several years of taking my time reading this massive book. As it's over 800 pages of reading material I finally finished it. If you're looking for an American Revolution narrative on the military aspect of The American Revolution, which covers the northern theatre in volume one and southern theatre in volume two. Without the political aspect thrown in. Look no further than this book.
This book is definitely one of my personal favorites I've read on the American Revolution. It's an easy-to-read narrative, in a straightforward manner to comprehend, and the chapters are not overly long either. My only gripe about the book is that I wish it had more maps. I suppose that's a personal pet peeve of mine, as I like a decent amount of maps to get the lay of the land in military history books. Other than the map issue, it's a seriously enjoyable narrative.
This book is definitely one of my personal favorites I've read on the American Revolution. It's an easy-to-read narrative, in a straightforward manner to comprehend, and the chapters are not overly long either. My only gripe about the book is that I wish it had more maps. I suppose that's a personal pet peeve of mine, as I like a decent amount of maps to get the lay of the land in military history books. Other than the map issue, it's a seriously enjoyable narrative.
October 7, 2014
A precise account of each battle,Ward was a masterful author who provided great insight into the who,what and how of each battle.He demonstrated incredible knowledge and had a gift for putting in in layman's terms.An excellent read on the subject!
December 30, 2017
This is the single best book on the American Revolutionary War that I have ever read. In terms of its treatment of the battles, their effects, the strategies in play, and the consequences of those decisions, you cannot get better than this. Highly recommend.
October 20, 2015
Amazing work including maps and first person accounts of the many battles of the Revolution. There was no us or them it was a straight forward view of the battles as best as they could be reported.
August 25, 2018
An indispensable reference and commentary on the the history of the American Revolutionary War, and historical efforts to document it.
December 31, 2024
A very well respected history of the American Revolution battles, not a political treatise. This book goes into great minutia in describing the lead-up to the battles, the ensuing battle and the aftermath. How many grenadiers, how many cavalry, how many light infantry, how many militia, how many regular army, Tories, Hessians, how they were dressed, what kind of weapons they had, what state and city they came from. The research Christopher Ward performed to complete this book (Published in 1941) is amazing. It was originally published in two volumes and goes for over 900 pages.
It doesn't always go in chronological order, but rather by state and territory, which gives for a better narrative in my opinion. It also points out that there were battles fought, mainly in the south, that were strictly between the Americans (Patriots) and British loyalists (Tories), with no British involved. So this was truly a civil war as well as a revolutionary war.
because of the length of the book I had to set it down once to read something a little lighter and resume later. but it was definitely worth the read.
It doesn't always go in chronological order, but rather by state and territory, which gives for a better narrative in my opinion. It also points out that there were battles fought, mainly in the south, that were strictly between the Americans (Patriots) and British loyalists (Tories), with no British involved. So this was truly a civil war as well as a revolutionary war.
because of the length of the book I had to set it down once to read something a little lighter and resume later. but it was definitely worth the read.
September 25, 2023
A military history, this, as Ward makes clear at the outset. Nevertheless, it is packed with wonderful vignettes and snapshots of characters I'd never heard of. Good maps at the beginning of each chapter help a lot - I have a clearer picture of Bunker Hill, for instance, than ever. The account of Benedict Arnold's arduous trek to Quebec is incredible. Indeed, the stuff on the war in Canada or along the border is some of the best. I confess I didn't read this cover-to-cover but what I did - some 75-80% of it was excellent and would be of interest to general history readers, too. But for those who like military history (it's hard to find accounts of the American Revolution outside West Point textbooks or similar specialty-niche books) "The War of the Revolution" will prove most rewarding.
August 23, 2020
Very readable and comprehensive military history. Maybe a bit dated, but worth a look.
Want to read
April 8, 2021I have both Volume 1 and Volume 2.
August 18, 2021
Quite enjoyable even though writing style is a bit dated.
August 30, 2018
Excellent two volume set on the Wars that were fought against the British Empire in the Independence battles of America.
The only thing it needs are more and better maps !!!
Very well written, researched and bound.
I would recommend to kids and anyone interested in the History of America
The only thing it needs are more and better maps !!!
Very well written, researched and bound.
I would recommend to kids and anyone interested in the History of America
January 8, 2011
Two volume history of the Revolutionary War.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews