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The Revolutionary Paul Revere
“Quick in the saddle and fast out of town.” Watch one of America’s most remarkable heroes come alive through fast-paced prose and gripping storytelling.
He’s Famous for his Ride. He’s Essential for So Much More.
The story of Paul Revere is the story of the American Revolution.
Always smack dab in the thick of things, he was an ordinary citizen living in extraordinarily turbulent times. Revere played key roles in colonial tax fights and riots, the infamous Boston Massacre, the Tea Party, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, and even the rati?cation of the U.S. Constitution. In this fast-paced, dramatic account, Paul Revere’s life pulses with energy as author Joel J. Miller explores his family and church life along with his revolutionary contribution as a spy, entrepreneur, express rider, freemason, and commercial visionary.
“The story of Paul Revere—a hero of Massachusetts, a hero of America—was never more timely. Nor has it ever been better told than by Joel J. Miller. The Revolutionary Paul Revere gallops along with all the drama and intrigue of a great novel, highlighting what makes Revere so essential in the story of America’s founding and its growth as a force for freedom in the world. This is a vibrant, vital, and wonderful story.”
?WILLIAM J. BENNETT, Author, The Last Best Hope and A Century Turns
He’s Famous for his Ride. He’s Essential for So Much More.
The story of Paul Revere is the story of the American Revolution.
Always smack dab in the thick of things, he was an ordinary citizen living in extraordinarily turbulent times. Revere played key roles in colonial tax fights and riots, the infamous Boston Massacre, the Tea Party, the Battle of Lexington and Concord, and even the rati?cation of the U.S. Constitution. In this fast-paced, dramatic account, Paul Revere’s life pulses with energy as author Joel J. Miller explores his family and church life along with his revolutionary contribution as a spy, entrepreneur, express rider, freemason, and commercial visionary.
“The story of Paul Revere—a hero of Massachusetts, a hero of America—was never more timely. Nor has it ever been better told than by Joel J. Miller. The Revolutionary Paul Revere gallops along with all the drama and intrigue of a great novel, highlighting what makes Revere so essential in the story of America’s founding and its growth as a force for freedom in the world. This is a vibrant, vital, and wonderful story.”
?WILLIAM J. BENNETT, Author, The Last Best Hope and A Century Turns
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2010
83 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
About the author
Joel J. Miller
8 books10 followersJoel J. Miller is the author of several books including The Revolutionary Paul Revere. His writing has been featured in The American Spectator, Reason, Real Clear Religion and elsewhere. He blogs on faith and spirituality at joeljmiller.com. He and his family live in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 27, 2017
Such an excellent book. Well worth checking out for all!
April 11, 2010
Have you ever wondered about the back story of one of America's greatest revolutionary heroes? Then The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel J. Miller is the book for you. It's an irreverent look at an American hero who always seemed to be in the thick of things.
The book is a quick and easy read that follows the life of Paul Revere from the immigration of his father, Apollos, in 1716 to Revere's death in 1818. Miller highlights every day events in Revere's life that propelled him into the limelight. For example, his work as a goldsmith granted him access to key people in his community which led to his joining the influential brotherhood ~ the masons.
While not an academic book, Miller does provide nice reference material and easy to follow explanations of various characters and events that go into shaping Revere's life and character. As an history instructor, I can appreciate the colloquialisms in the book because it makes the story much more approachable and enjoyable for people who are not necessarily history buffs but who have an interest in sort of man~behind~the~action stories.
Disclosure: This is a Thomas Nelson Review. I received this book free through Booksneeze.com in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review, just an honest one.
The book is a quick and easy read that follows the life of Paul Revere from the immigration of his father, Apollos, in 1716 to Revere's death in 1818. Miller highlights every day events in Revere's life that propelled him into the limelight. For example, his work as a goldsmith granted him access to key people in his community which led to his joining the influential brotherhood ~ the masons.
While not an academic book, Miller does provide nice reference material and easy to follow explanations of various characters and events that go into shaping Revere's life and character. As an history instructor, I can appreciate the colloquialisms in the book because it makes the story much more approachable and enjoyable for people who are not necessarily history buffs but who have an interest in sort of man~behind~the~action stories.
Disclosure: This is a Thomas Nelson Review. I received this book free through Booksneeze.com in exchange for a review. I am not required to write a positive review, just an honest one.
February 7, 2019
I got about 1/3 of the way through. It was surprisingly interesting (I don't usually care for straight history books), but am having an attack of sciatica and require lighter reading to soothe me. A pity, since I'm now leading our book club and it's this month's selection. I may finish it later . No, I won't. Too many other books on my to be read list. A distressing accompaniment to old age is a cumpulsion to be honest, even with myself. I miss self-illusion.
July 13, 2012
I have to admit that this book sat on my shelf for some time before I finally cracked it open. When I did, I wondered why I'd waited so long. This is a book that deserves to stand alongside other books about the era, such as [[ASIN:1400032539 His Excellency: George Washington]], and [[ASIN:0375705244 Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation]].
Joel Miller's telling of the life of Paul Revere is a tale long overdue. Maybe other books have been written about Paul R., but if so I'm not aware of them. In most narratives of the struggle for American independence, Revere is mentioned, but often a little more than a side note. In fact, Revere was in the thick of it from before the beginning. He participated in the French and Indian Wars, was a craftsman, but was not a scholar or political theorist, yet he rubbed shoulders with virtually all of the revolutionaries of Boston. He hung out at the Green Dragon, was a respected Mason, and loving husband and father.
Miller's narrative goes far beyond the staid statement of fact and place. He includes insights and craft in telling the story of Paul Revere - who most people know only because of Longfellow's poem that immortalized his late night ride to raise the countryside and stir the militia when the Redcoats were on the move. It's a little known fact that Revere routinely served as a trusted courier, and traveled often between Boston and NYC, Boston and Philadelphia, etc.
I found this book to be both informative and entertaining.
Much of the storyline will be familiar to even casual students of the struggle for American Independence, but what makes this version different is that it is told from the perspective of Paul Revere. It also includes significant amounts of information about his professional and family lives.
And his tale doesn't end when the war ends. He lived to be over 80 years old in a day when it was common for working men to die in their 50s. He had 16 children, and left a legacy worth knowing about.
Well written, fully enjoyed.
5 stars.
Joel Miller's telling of the life of Paul Revere is a tale long overdue. Maybe other books have been written about Paul R., but if so I'm not aware of them. In most narratives of the struggle for American independence, Revere is mentioned, but often a little more than a side note. In fact, Revere was in the thick of it from before the beginning. He participated in the French and Indian Wars, was a craftsman, but was not a scholar or political theorist, yet he rubbed shoulders with virtually all of the revolutionaries of Boston. He hung out at the Green Dragon, was a respected Mason, and loving husband and father.
Miller's narrative goes far beyond the staid statement of fact and place. He includes insights and craft in telling the story of Paul Revere - who most people know only because of Longfellow's poem that immortalized his late night ride to raise the countryside and stir the militia when the Redcoats were on the move. It's a little known fact that Revere routinely served as a trusted courier, and traveled often between Boston and NYC, Boston and Philadelphia, etc.
I found this book to be both informative and entertaining.
Much of the storyline will be familiar to even casual students of the struggle for American Independence, but what makes this version different is that it is told from the perspective of Paul Revere. It also includes significant amounts of information about his professional and family lives.
And his tale doesn't end when the war ends. He lived to be over 80 years old in a day when it was common for working men to die in their 50s. He had 16 children, and left a legacy worth knowing about.
Well written, fully enjoyed.
5 stars.
December 10, 2025
Rating = 3.5
June 19, 2010
I accepted this book for review on a whim. It was about early American history (which I love!) and they seem to be few and far between sometimes – so I jumped on this one…and I was NOT disappointed. This book gives a great in-depth look at the Revere family (formerly Rivoire) from Paul’s father, Apollos, through the end of the great American hero’s life. You get an inside look at events such as the Boston Massacre, Tea Party, battles of Lexington and Concord, the various taxations, etc. Everyone knows about Revere’s midnight ride, but did you know he also was essentially a jack-of-all-trades? Among other things he was: a silversmith, patriot, dentist, ran a copper foundry, ran a shop, was a mason, and a father of 16 children! At the same time you get an intimate look at some of Revere’s contemporaries – which was something I didn’t expect.
The way this book was written, you wouldn’t know it was non-fiction. It was never dry and always full of drama and witticisms. One of my favorite quotes shows brilliantly the humor of the author, “after repeal of the Stamp Act, Parliament was up Debt Creek without a farthing” (Miller 96). Comments like this are numerous and it keeps the reader engaged and you never realize all of the facts and tidbits you are taking in. Another technique that the author uses to his benefit is breaking the fourth wall. The author makes comments such as “recall from the earlier story…” (Miller 21) like you are right there with him while he tells you this story. I also liked the subtitles for each chapter; they came as one sentence previews of the chapter that always began with “in which…”. It was just a nice way to set you up for what was going to happen – but it didn’t give anything away if you know American history at all. All of these things combined made for a very interesting look at early American history. If only all non-fiction could be presented this way!
If you are looking for a unique look at colonial and early American history, this is the book for you.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
The way this book was written, you wouldn’t know it was non-fiction. It was never dry and always full of drama and witticisms. One of my favorite quotes shows brilliantly the humor of the author, “after repeal of the Stamp Act, Parliament was up Debt Creek without a farthing” (Miller 96). Comments like this are numerous and it keeps the reader engaged and you never realize all of the facts and tidbits you are taking in. Another technique that the author uses to his benefit is breaking the fourth wall. The author makes comments such as “recall from the earlier story…” (Miller 21) like you are right there with him while he tells you this story. I also liked the subtitles for each chapter; they came as one sentence previews of the chapter that always began with “in which…”. It was just a nice way to set you up for what was going to happen – but it didn’t give anything away if you know American history at all. All of these things combined made for a very interesting look at early American history. If only all non-fiction could be presented this way!
If you are looking for a unique look at colonial and early American history, this is the book for you.
This book was received for review from the publisher - I was not compensated for my opinions and the above is my honest review.
April 16, 2022
Every kid of elementary age learns about Paul Revere's midnight ride. They learn how he rode through the county side screaming "the British are Coming" (wrong wording from events) and how he was a hero for doing that.
They don't learn that he was caught on his ride, that he wasn't the only rider to set out, that he was a rabble rouser, a mason and someone who had talent and drive enough to work himself above his station in life.
The book is a quick and easy read that follows the life of Paul Revere from the immigration of his father, Apollos, in 1716 to Revere's death in 1818. Miller highlights every day events in Revere's life that propelled him into the limelight. For example, his work as a goldsmith granted him access to key people in his community which led to his joining the influential brotherhood ~ the masons. It touches on his desire to serve in the Continental Army and his duties in the militia.
I enjoyed the book, its insight was enough to peak more interest to find a more in depth book. This would be a good read for teenagers who enjoy history and have heard of Paul.
They don't learn that he was caught on his ride, that he wasn't the only rider to set out, that he was a rabble rouser, a mason and someone who had talent and drive enough to work himself above his station in life.
The book is a quick and easy read that follows the life of Paul Revere from the immigration of his father, Apollos, in 1716 to Revere's death in 1818. Miller highlights every day events in Revere's life that propelled him into the limelight. For example, his work as a goldsmith granted him access to key people in his community which led to his joining the influential brotherhood ~ the masons. It touches on his desire to serve in the Continental Army and his duties in the militia.
I enjoyed the book, its insight was enough to peak more interest to find a more in depth book. This would be a good read for teenagers who enjoy history and have heard of Paul.
October 26, 2025
This book was so refreshing. Given how familiar Paul Revere is because of the poetry of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, it was fun to read a book about him and learn more about his life. The truly refreshing part, however, was how Mr. Miller handled a subject which could have been four or five times as long, and kept it focused on his subject. I hadn't realized how exhausting it is to read a book ostensibly about an individual and then get chapter after chapter about history only tangentially related to the main subject.
Paul Revere was much more interesting than just being a Founding Father. He was forced to provide for his family early in life, was an artisan then a master craftsman, he became a military commander during parts of the early Revolutionary War, and lived a long life for someone born in the 1700s. The editor off this book deserves some recognition for the tight packaging of this book, because of its focus it was a powerful story which really enjoyed.
When I decided a few years ago to read more about remarkable people it was for books like this, inspiring, accessible, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Paul Revere was much more interesting than just being a Founding Father. He was forced to provide for his family early in life, was an artisan then a master craftsman, he became a military commander during parts of the early Revolutionary War, and lived a long life for someone born in the 1700s. The editor off this book deserves some recognition for the tight packaging of this book, because of its focus it was a powerful story which really enjoyed.
When I decided a few years ago to read more about remarkable people it was for books like this, inspiring, accessible, and thoroughly enjoyable.
August 21, 2022
This is an easy read, written in a slightly informal, conversational style. Paul Revere himself is still less interesting than some other figures of the revolutionary era to me, but seeing as how I went into this with just a 5th grade understanding of the famous "midnight ride", I definitely appreciate his accomplishments much more now. The book does a good job of detailing his tenacious ingenuity in business and innovation. Also, I'd never heard this quote from when he was stopped during that infamous ride:
“We are now going toward your friends, and if you attempt to run, or we are insulted, we will blow your Brains out.”
“I told him he might do as he pleased,” recounted Paul.
I want to see that line acted out in an elementary school play someday, that is such a baller response.
“We are now going toward your friends, and if you attempt to run, or we are insulted, we will blow your Brains out.”
“I told him he might do as he pleased,” recounted Paul.
I want to see that line acted out in an elementary school play someday, that is such a baller response.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
Book #24 in 2025: The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel Miller
The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel Miller offers a compelling portrait of the American patriot, revealing his lesser-known contributions beyond the famous midnight ride.
Miller challenges the iconic image of Revere, presenting him as a skilled craftsman, committed patriot, and active participant in the broader revolutionary movement.
The book effectively highlights Revere's role in shaping America's fight for independence, making it an insightful read for history enthusiasts.
Prepping for our April 8 special presentation by Dr. Marianne Holdzkom, Associate Professory of History from Kennesaw State University as she leads us an in depth look at Revere’s midnight ride as we celebrate its 250th Anniversary.
Recommended as a general history on Revere. A quick 5.5 hour listen through Hoopla.
The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel Miller offers a compelling portrait of the American patriot, revealing his lesser-known contributions beyond the famous midnight ride.
Miller challenges the iconic image of Revere, presenting him as a skilled craftsman, committed patriot, and active participant in the broader revolutionary movement.
The book effectively highlights Revere's role in shaping America's fight for independence, making it an insightful read for history enthusiasts.
Prepping for our April 8 special presentation by Dr. Marianne Holdzkom, Associate Professory of History from Kennesaw State University as she leads us an in depth look at Revere’s midnight ride as we celebrate its 250th Anniversary.
Recommended as a general history on Revere. A quick 5.5 hour listen through Hoopla.
August 4, 2017
I didn't think this was a serious book. It is written in a breezy, glib manner using present day vernacular and slang to describe events that occurred centuries ago. The author even made up new words, ie 'shored it' evidently meaning to 'take to the shore, or walking on the beach'. I suppose if you are a callow teenager you might appreciate the language. But I kept looking for the first time he would use 'awesome' to describe a lunch or 'cool dude' to describe Paul Revere. I couldn't torture myself to finish the book but I gave it a rating of two stars just for umm, well, I didn't want to be too mean. If you are a serious reader of history this is not the book for you.
September 27, 2017
More than a midnight ride
I found it amazing that I knew so little of Paul Revere, other than his famous ride and being a silversmith. He did so many varied things in his life that this is definitely worth reading. I would have given it 5-stars except I didn't like the use of Olde English in much of the writing.
I found it amazing that I knew so little of Paul Revere, other than his famous ride and being a silversmith. He did so many varied things in his life that this is definitely worth reading. I would have given it 5-stars except I didn't like the use of Olde English in much of the writing.
September 27, 2018
For someone interested in one of the heroes of the American Revolution, but only knows Paul Revere from the poem or his silversmith business, this book is highly recommended. It's a quick, easy read with short, fast-moving chapters that keep the action moving. The book is told in a more modern language than what you get from most historical biographies, but for me, that helped hold my interest.
October 1, 2025
Not a review of the book, which was fine, except I couldn't finish it.
I listened to the audiobook and whenever I paused, it would reset to chapter 15. I didn't realize until I had about 15 minutes left, I just thought Audible app was being a bit slow.
When I tried to click into the last chapters, I couldn't go beyond chapter 16🤷♀️
I listened to the audiobook and whenever I paused, it would reset to chapter 15. I didn't realize until I had about 15 minutes left, I just thought Audible app was being a bit slow.
When I tried to click into the last chapters, I couldn't go beyond chapter 16🤷♀️
July 10, 2017
Paul Revere was a key player in the American Revolution, but he was also a family man and an expert and innovative craftsman. This was a good accounting of Revere's life and times.
August 5, 2017
Quite simply, this book illuminates the life and times of a great man.
November 1, 2017
Easy/interesting overview of the life of Paul Revere. From his early life, his first & second marriages, his famous ride, his war years & his amazing work years, he led a truly interesting life.
August 6, 2018
This book gives us a fuller picture of the life of Paul Revere.
August 10, 2018
A very well written book about an amazing man. I had no idea just how much he did in his life. Truely an unforgettable read.
August 16, 2019
Enjoyable view into the life of the Legend, and also the man, Paul Revere.
April 27, 2020
A quick read and an interesting, fact based, chronological journey through Revere's life.
September 26, 2020
A good read focused on the business life of Paul Revere.
April 12, 2024
Read this book in preparation for an upcoming trip to Boston. Revolutionary America is a big interest of mine and this book was pretty good. As with any historical book there were a lot of names and dates that a person could get lost in but Paul Revere’s life was quite fascinating which made for a really interesting read.
October 8, 2024
An excellent look at one of the Revolutionary War’s many heroes. Accessible, readable and feels like a story as much as a biography. Ranks right up there with Ester Forbes’ biography of Revere.
February 17, 2018
The writer Joel Miller’s biography of Paul Revere is a readable book that demonstrates the statement that can be paraphrase on the back of the book that is more to Revere’s life than “his famous ride.” Miller, often times breaks the third wall between author and reader and chats with the reader. For example, describing how the Boston “Massacre” was memorialized in Boston in 1771, Miller paraphrases the Boston Gazette as saying after the memorial, “everyone went home.” Miller then adds “in more ways than one.” In case of this book, I think the breaking of the third wall worked in this case. This style allows Miller to move less clumsily into parts of his subject than some other biographers when it comes to guessing the emotional state of their subjects. For example, when it comes to guessing the emotional state of Revere after the death of his first wife, Sarah in 1773. I wish the book had more illustrations, Miller would reference a piece of cartooning by Revere or a piece of sliver silversmithing by Revere and I would be curious to see the picture of this piece of work and the book will not have pictures of this pieces. Thomas Nelson Publishing of Nashville, Tennessee, the publishers of Miller’s The Revolutionary Paul Revere has a politically conservative bend in according to Miller in an interview with Nick Gillespie of Reason.com from July of 2010. One does not have to share Miller or Thomas Nelson Publishing, politics, to find Miller’s The Revolutionary Paul Revere to be a well-done biography.
August 13, 2012
For someone who has no knowledge of America’s freedom struggle, “The Revolutionary Paul Revere’, is fast paced biography that not only talks about one of the most important patriots but also educates the reader on the start of the American freedom struggle The focus of the novel is Paul Revere, who is probably most known for his role as the express rider, who on one very famous midnight ride , awoke every house from Boston to Lexington and informed them about the approaching red coats. The story starts from his birth of France and his move to Boston under the bounds of an apprenticeship. Paul Revere is an enterprising young man who not only excels in his craft as a silversmith but also manages to rise about his station and mingle with the gentlemen of his time. In his early youth, he gets involved with the masonic society in Boston and is soon participating in the local political meeting. These early years of iniitation ensure that he becomes a key participant in the freedom struggle at its peak I beleive that Joel Miller did a very good job of explaining Paul Revere role as a revolutionary, though, some more personal details and characterstics would have made for a more interesting reading. The best thing that I liked was how this book was a crash course in American history for me – Joe talks about the American freedom struggle as much as he talks about Paul’s role in it. He captures very well the first notions of dissent among the populace as newly established towns thrived inspite the various colonial laws and regulations. I learned of many famous patriot names – Sam Adams, John Hancock – which may be common knowledge to most Americans. I will be reading more on who these people were and what they did. Joel Miller’s writing style is simple and succinct. It never gets text-bookish. For me it was literally a page turner! However, as this book outlines a story almost 200 years old..use of slang language is jarring and out of place. I also feel that towards the end of the book, the writer has lost his steam and is trying to just finish off the last few chapters. This book was both educating and entertaining and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in history.
October 24, 2010
A poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow recounts Revere's famous ride to alert the colonists that the British were coming, but there is so much more to know about this American revolutionary. Thankfully, Miller saw fit to write it all down for you in this dramatic and engaging new biography.
The book opens in 1797, with Revere as an old man writing to Reverend Jeremy Belknap, a minister, historian, and secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Society, in which Revere fulfills his promise to provide Belknap with facts and anecdotes of events that took place before the Battle of Lexington.
The book then swiftly moves back in time to when people were arriving from England to settle in the new land. Paul Revere's father would arrive in 1716, change his last name from "Rivoire" to "Revere", and marry the daughter of a neighbor. In December 1734 they welcomed their second child, who elevated himself above that of a simple tradesman to become an entrepreneur, freemason, and express rider carrying important messages for the cause.
In The Revolutionary Paul Revere, Miller brings the reader through the high-points and low-points of Revere's life, and he does so in such a way that the reader can't help but turn page after page. Each chapter begins with a short blurb, a summary, if you will, of what part of Revere's life will be discussed or what political events are shaping the young nation and leading it closer to a revolution. An example from Chapter 3:
In which our hero grows up, learns
his ABCs along with his father's trade
of goldsmithing, shows self-determination,
and gets a whupping for going to church--
all before tragedy strikes the family.
Miller brings Revere and pre- and post-Revolutionary America alive in this swiftly moving story of an American hero and the war that would finally make the colonies free and independent states. I highly recommend this book to lovers of early American history and anyone who wants to read a biography that reads like a novel.
The book opens in 1797, with Revere as an old man writing to Reverend Jeremy Belknap, a minister, historian, and secretary of the Massachusetts Historical Society, in which Revere fulfills his promise to provide Belknap with facts and anecdotes of events that took place before the Battle of Lexington.
The book then swiftly moves back in time to when people were arriving from England to settle in the new land. Paul Revere's father would arrive in 1716, change his last name from "Rivoire" to "Revere", and marry the daughter of a neighbor. In December 1734 they welcomed their second child, who elevated himself above that of a simple tradesman to become an entrepreneur, freemason, and express rider carrying important messages for the cause.
In The Revolutionary Paul Revere, Miller brings the reader through the high-points and low-points of Revere's life, and he does so in such a way that the reader can't help but turn page after page. Each chapter begins with a short blurb, a summary, if you will, of what part of Revere's life will be discussed or what political events are shaping the young nation and leading it closer to a revolution. An example from Chapter 3:
In which our hero grows up, learns
his ABCs along with his father's trade
of goldsmithing, shows self-determination,
and gets a whupping for going to church--
all before tragedy strikes the family.
Miller brings Revere and pre- and post-Revolutionary America alive in this swiftly moving story of an American hero and the war that would finally make the colonies free and independent states. I highly recommend this book to lovers of early American history and anyone who wants to read a biography that reads like a novel.
September 23, 2010
Paul Revere always makes me think of my fifth and sixth grade teacher. I was in a combination class and had the same three teachers for three years in a row but my "home room" teacher for two of those years was a fan of the arts. Everything she taught ended up going back to the arts.
When it came time to learn about Paul Revere, of course she read us the the famous poem but she also spoke of his work as a silver smith and the famous portrait of him painted by John Singleton Copley. In the painting, he's not on a horse. He's not being a revolutionary. No, he's proudly holding one of his creations.
So when I was approached to review The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel Miller earlier this year, I jumped on the chance. I read it right away too but work for the Census and then my son going back to school and finally my own school work got in the way and I've been neglecting to write this review.
The book starts like many biographies seem to, with the parents. It must be difficult when writing a biography, especially of a famous person, to know when it the right time to start. Some books will go back as far as the grand or even sometimes great grand parents. I personally don't want to spent so much time learning about a person's family tree. A simple diagram and perhaps an annotated list of suggested reading would suffice. Fortunately not too much precious space is spent on Revere's father and the hows and whys behind his coming to the colonies.
The main focus is thankfully on Revere and his entire life, not just those revolutionary moments. That means there is ample time spent on his career, his friendships with other big names from the era, his marriages and his children.
I found the book to be well balanced and fascinating (beyond the initial slow start). Revere isn't painted as a god among men as some biographies of revolutionary war heros do. His flaws are given as much times as his successes.
I received the book for review.
When it came time to learn about Paul Revere, of course she read us the the famous poem but she also spoke of his work as a silver smith and the famous portrait of him painted by John Singleton Copley. In the painting, he's not on a horse. He's not being a revolutionary. No, he's proudly holding one of his creations.
So when I was approached to review The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel Miller earlier this year, I jumped on the chance. I read it right away too but work for the Census and then my son going back to school and finally my own school work got in the way and I've been neglecting to write this review.
The book starts like many biographies seem to, with the parents. It must be difficult when writing a biography, especially of a famous person, to know when it the right time to start. Some books will go back as far as the grand or even sometimes great grand parents. I personally don't want to spent so much time learning about a person's family tree. A simple diagram and perhaps an annotated list of suggested reading would suffice. Fortunately not too much precious space is spent on Revere's father and the hows and whys behind his coming to the colonies.
The main focus is thankfully on Revere and his entire life, not just those revolutionary moments. That means there is ample time spent on his career, his friendships with other big names from the era, his marriages and his children.
I found the book to be well balanced and fascinating (beyond the initial slow start). Revere isn't painted as a god among men as some biographies of revolutionary war heros do. His flaws are given as much times as his successes.
I received the book for review.
June 9, 2021
EDIT 6/9/21: I totally forgot I ever read this book (which I guess says all you need to know about it even if it was 11 years ago). But having recently finished Paul Revere's Ride, I highly recommend that book. Definitely not this one.
Just about everyone knows (or used to know) the story of Paul Revere's midnight ride: one if by land and two if by sea, and "the British are coming" and all that. But few know the rest of good ol' Paul's story. Unfortunately, it would appear there's not much else to know. Ostensibly, this book is about Paul Revere but it's more about the Revolutionary War in the Boston area and Paul's contributions to it... even if it was just that he was working most of the time and ran a few errands.
I expected that there must be more to Revere's story (otherwise, why write a book?) but it pretty much sounds like he had his 15 minutes of fame with the midnight ride, and other than a few footnote contributions he was just a regular patriot willingly doing his part. The language of the book is surprisingly casual (even referring to Revere's father as "Pop" at one point and starting most chapters with "In which our hero...") which makes me think I'm not the intended audience for this history book. I imagine teenagers or those just becoming interested in the Revolution might find this insightful, maybe even inspiring further interest. For such it's probably a 4 star book. But if you're already familiar with this history (maybe through McCullough's John Adams or Langguth's Patriots) there's probably not much new here except a few details of Revere's life.
Just about everyone knows (or used to know) the story of Paul Revere's midnight ride: one if by land and two if by sea, and "the British are coming" and all that. But few know the rest of good ol' Paul's story. Unfortunately, it would appear there's not much else to know. Ostensibly, this book is about Paul Revere but it's more about the Revolutionary War in the Boston area and Paul's contributions to it... even if it was just that he was working most of the time and ran a few errands.
I expected that there must be more to Revere's story (otherwise, why write a book?) but it pretty much sounds like he had his 15 minutes of fame with the midnight ride, and other than a few footnote contributions he was just a regular patriot willingly doing his part. The language of the book is surprisingly casual (even referring to Revere's father as "Pop" at one point and starting most chapters with "In which our hero...") which makes me think I'm not the intended audience for this history book. I imagine teenagers or those just becoming interested in the Revolution might find this insightful, maybe even inspiring further interest. For such it's probably a 4 star book. But if you're already familiar with this history (maybe through McCullough's John Adams or Langguth's Patriots) there's probably not much new here except a few details of Revere's life.
April 23, 2010
The many rôles of Paul Revere
The story of Paul Revere (1734-1818) is the story of the American Revolution. His midnight ride (18 April 1775) – warning of the advance of the British Army leading to the battles of Lexington and Concord - continues to be regarded as a stirring patriotic symbol. But who was Paul Revere? What other roles did he have during these turbulent times?
In this book, Mr Miller describes the life, times and rôles of Paul Revere and his family. Paul Revere was to some extent an ordinary citizen who happened to live in and be impacted by turbulent times. Paul Revere’s public life included rôles in the colonial tax fights and riots; the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party; the battles of Lexington and Concord; and involvement in the ratification of the US Constitution. His private life included two marriages and sixteen children. Paul Revere was also a businessman with a number of different interests: including silver smithing, bell casting and towards the end of his life, copper refining.
In short, the life of Paul Revere is interesting on a number of different levels, and not just to Americans. Paul Revere had a long and interesting life which encompassed America’s transition from colony to nation.
I enjoyed this book and learned a great deal about both Paul Revere and the times in which he lived.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The story of Paul Revere (1734-1818) is the story of the American Revolution. His midnight ride (18 April 1775) – warning of the advance of the British Army leading to the battles of Lexington and Concord - continues to be regarded as a stirring patriotic symbol. But who was Paul Revere? What other roles did he have during these turbulent times?
In this book, Mr Miller describes the life, times and rôles of Paul Revere and his family. Paul Revere was to some extent an ordinary citizen who happened to live in and be impacted by turbulent times. Paul Revere’s public life included rôles in the colonial tax fights and riots; the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party; the battles of Lexington and Concord; and involvement in the ratification of the US Constitution. His private life included two marriages and sixteen children. Paul Revere was also a businessman with a number of different interests: including silver smithing, bell casting and towards the end of his life, copper refining.
In short, the life of Paul Revere is interesting on a number of different levels, and not just to Americans. Paul Revere had a long and interesting life which encompassed America’s transition from colony to nation.
I enjoyed this book and learned a great deal about both Paul Revere and the times in which he lived.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
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