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Lexington and Concord: The Beginning of the War of the American Revolution
In a minute-by-minute account, this popular book gives a vivid picture of what actually happened on April 19, 1775. "Tourtellot's book is the best account we have of the day of Lexington and Concord. The actions of each individual who played a conspicuous part in the day's work are minutely traced but Mr. Tourtellot never loses the main thread of his narrative and the wealth of detail he has included gives substance and color to an exciting story."― J. C. Miller, New York Herald Tribune Book Review "Tourtellot does not let his 19th of April float up in the spring air unconnected with a past or a future. He has built in very skillfully the story of the months before that day and then sends its echoes rolling on through time―and into distant states and nations....No other book generally available performs an even remotely comparable job....Makes full use of old material, adds a good deal that has come to light in the intervening years and, standing firmly on its own base, presents magnificently for the general reader and the specialist this immortal opening chapter of our beginnings as a nation."―Bruce Lancaster, The Saturday Review "The result of thoughtful examination of the evidence and clear writing."―Walter Muir Whitehill, New England Quarterly "An absorbing and vital history, containing much newly published information about a crucial week in the history of the United States. "―J.M. Goodsell, Christian Science Monitor
336 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1959
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 16, 2018
I lived in Lexington until age 5, attending Sunday school across from the triangular 2 acre Lexington Common (Lexington Green) and later graduated from high school in Concord where the Old North Bridge is located and the “Shot Heard Round the World” occurred, so Revolutionary War history is right up my alley. Among our school hallways were names such as Emerson, Barrett and others.
I highly recommend this history book detailing the battle of Concord and Lexington that ignited America’s Revolutionary War, as it is one of the finest accounts I have read. It’s well researched accompanied by many maps and photos. All American’s should comprehend the origins of our modern nation along with the mindset to rise and fight for freedom.
On a side note in high school we were the Concord Patriots and our conference sports rival was the Lexington Minutemen. The year I graduated was the sadly final year of the longstanding crosstown rivalry. In 1775 Concord’s population was twice that of Lexington however by my graduation Lexington’s population had soared to over twice Concord’s. Although we won many contests and did not mind being an underdog, Concord was delegated the following year to a lower scholastic division.
I highly recommend this history book detailing the battle of Concord and Lexington that ignited America’s Revolutionary War, as it is one of the finest accounts I have read. It’s well researched accompanied by many maps and photos. All American’s should comprehend the origins of our modern nation along with the mindset to rise and fight for freedom.
On a side note in high school we were the Concord Patriots and our conference sports rival was the Lexington Minutemen. The year I graduated was the sadly final year of the longstanding crosstown rivalry. In 1775 Concord’s population was twice that of Lexington however by my graduation Lexington’s population had soared to over twice Concord’s. Although we won many contests and did not mind being an underdog, Concord was delegated the following year to a lower scholastic division.
February 10, 2015
Lexington and Concord by Arthur Tourtellot provides an in-depth look at the skirmishes that started the American Revolution and the forces that were responsible for bringing them about. Never going into voluminous detail, but still keeping an agile view of how the events are interconnected, the reader gets a great view of how the events of the revolution were pushed forward by the Sons of Liberty. Despite the conciliatory nature of Gage and the British up until the point of the battles; it would be the determination of Sam Adams and his cohorts that would push the field so that tensions would flare and boil over. While it will never be possible to know who fired first from the Americans or the British as the author points out it did not matter. The course for war had been set and this kicked off the events that would force the delegations at the continental congress to begin their plodding actions towards war and independence. For those looking for a high level overview with a little detail this is a great book. If you want a list of every solider and how it affected their lives you will need to look elsewhere. This is a great companion for any military history collection or those interested in the American Revolution.
April 30, 2013
In April1775 Patriot Sam Adams felt the revolutionary movement had reached a stalemate, and realized that he would have to wait for an event to change the feelings of the people. On April 19, 1775 Governor General Thomas Gage sent a regiment of 700 plus British soldiers to march to Concord to seize and destroy hidden ammunition and other military stores of the colonists. On the way they were to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock, chief rabble rousers and antagonists for the revolutionary cause. The provincial militia were mustered to the Lexington Common, shots were fired, many Americans were killed at Lexington. Thus began the American War For Independence. Sam Adams had finally gotten his "event". Many myths are dispelled, credit given where it was due on both sides. An interesting read. Several local maps depicting the progress of the action. It was interesting to read how quickly word traveled in the 18th century, and how gossip and rumor and careful propaganda fueled the Patriot cause.
August 19, 2015
This book gives an account of Lexington and Concord from an interesting perspective - beginning with the patriot movement in the town of Lexington itself. It has plenty of primary sources regarding the battle, and it has some interesting points in the aftermath. But overall, I think Fisher's Paul Revere's Ride is much better. I had two issues I with this book. First was Tourtellot's frequent and vigorous denunciations of the Calvinism and Puritanism of New England. The other was the way he framed the leaders of the patriot movement. I think he gives them to great a role in directing the events of the time, and also puts too many thoughts and motivations into their mouths. It also seems that they are painted as caricatures - Samuel Adams, the mastermind behind it all, and John Hancock, the silly and useless figurehead.
June 22, 2013
This is an excellent book on the beginning of the Revolutionary War. As a non-history reader, I am addicted now to American History. Our history is so rich and exciting. We seldom approach this subject as a great story, but it is one of the best.
January 23, 2024
This was the second non-fiction history book I ever read, and, in truth, perhaps that clouds my judgement of it at first glance; I was younger when I read this (although, in truth, how much younger is 19 versus 23?). I was brand-spanking new to reading history and taking it somewhat seriously; I had just stumbled off the literary masterwork that was David McCullough's "1776". I was, to put it mildly, on a wave excited for this book.
There were two reasons I was especially excited to delve into "Lexington and Concord". I have always had a peculiar fascination with the first official battle of the American Revolution, with the clash of a rabble of colonists versus a crop of well-trained British soldiers; of the "shot heard 'round the world" and the famous midnight ride of silversmith turned folk-hero Paul Revere. So, when I picked this book up, I was expecting a rollicking story.
I was sorely mistaken, at least when it comes to the first half of this book. Really, a good chunk of the book is dealt with establishing the towns of Lexington and Concord; their histories, social dynamics, loyalties and allegiances. This was something was generally adverse to when I began this journey into history (I have grown to appreciate the minute details), but I cannot help but feel as though a major reason this book dragged for me was the prose itself. This is not a lively narrative history; it is a dense, sober, and highly analytical recounting of the events surrounding Lexington and Concord, as well as the dense history of the region beforehand. Also of note, the first half in particular lingers quite heavily on discussing the religious aspects of the communities. While certainly interesting, I often questioned how much of this information related to the overall topic at hand, versus how much was to show off the depth of research.
Fortunately, the book picks up significantly once we get into the thick of the action, with the clashes at Lexington, and the frantic chase of the British back to Boston. The author seems to switch gears and liven up the prose, which, in turn, sends the narrative hurtling at a much better pace. As well, here is where the author attempts to pepper in small historical anecdotes; minutemen and soldiers battling over drinking water, a simple-minded man wandering between ranks offering hard cider, and so on. These are the stories that make not only this history come to life, but give it a distinct American feel that I cannot exactly quantify.
The long and short: while the first half drags significantly longer than the latter, this is a remarkable achievement of scholarship that has laid the groundwork for future volumes on the conflict at Lexington and Concord for generations of historians. For that alone, the work is commendable; however, it still suffers from an overly rigid style of prose and a first half that drags; while the second half is far better, it is not quite enough to yank this book up to three stars.
There were two reasons I was especially excited to delve into "Lexington and Concord". I have always had a peculiar fascination with the first official battle of the American Revolution, with the clash of a rabble of colonists versus a crop of well-trained British soldiers; of the "shot heard 'round the world" and the famous midnight ride of silversmith turned folk-hero Paul Revere. So, when I picked this book up, I was expecting a rollicking story.
I was sorely mistaken, at least when it comes to the first half of this book. Really, a good chunk of the book is dealt with establishing the towns of Lexington and Concord; their histories, social dynamics, loyalties and allegiances. This was something was generally adverse to when I began this journey into history (I have grown to appreciate the minute details), but I cannot help but feel as though a major reason this book dragged for me was the prose itself. This is not a lively narrative history; it is a dense, sober, and highly analytical recounting of the events surrounding Lexington and Concord, as well as the dense history of the region beforehand. Also of note, the first half in particular lingers quite heavily on discussing the religious aspects of the communities. While certainly interesting, I often questioned how much of this information related to the overall topic at hand, versus how much was to show off the depth of research.
Fortunately, the book picks up significantly once we get into the thick of the action, with the clashes at Lexington, and the frantic chase of the British back to Boston. The author seems to switch gears and liven up the prose, which, in turn, sends the narrative hurtling at a much better pace. As well, here is where the author attempts to pepper in small historical anecdotes; minutemen and soldiers battling over drinking water, a simple-minded man wandering between ranks offering hard cider, and so on. These are the stories that make not only this history come to life, but give it a distinct American feel that I cannot exactly quantify.
The long and short: while the first half drags significantly longer than the latter, this is a remarkable achievement of scholarship that has laid the groundwork for future volumes on the conflict at Lexington and Concord for generations of historians. For that alone, the work is commendable; however, it still suffers from an overly rigid style of prose and a first half that drags; while the second half is far better, it is not quite enough to yank this book up to three stars.
June 12, 2020
April 19, 1775. A turning point in the American colonies' relationship with the mother country. British soldiers entered the town of Lexington, Massachusetts, and engaged in a face-off with members of the local militia. No one knows who, but a shot rang out. When the ensuing smoke cleared, eight colonials lay dead, 11 more wounded, and pandemonium reigned across the Lexington green. The occasional scrape or scratch aside, the redcoats were unharmed and continued on their way to their primary target: neighboring Concord, where they would receive orders to conduct a house-to-house search for contraband weapons and ammunition.
The reception in Concord was very different. At North Bridge, a confrontation with some 400 militia-farmers, from Concord and neighboring communities, shots again rang out, as soldiers once again killed two of their own people; this time, though, a colonial commander gave the order to return fire. Two soldiers were killed, eight more wounded, and, in doing so, an act of treason committed. The American Revolution had begun.
Originally published under the title, WILLIAM DIAMOND'S DRUM, Arthur B. Toutellot's narrative provides rich detail on the first day of real change in the American colonies. Toutellot has done his homework, relying on old records as far back as eyewitness recollections, but incorporating later material that shed more light on these historic events. The writing is clear, straightforward, substantial, and, by all accounts, the best available account on the battles of Lexington and Concord.
The reception in Concord was very different. At North Bridge, a confrontation with some 400 militia-farmers, from Concord and neighboring communities, shots again rang out, as soldiers once again killed two of their own people; this time, though, a colonial commander gave the order to return fire. Two soldiers were killed, eight more wounded, and, in doing so, an act of treason committed. The American Revolution had begun.
Originally published under the title, WILLIAM DIAMOND'S DRUM, Arthur B. Toutellot's narrative provides rich detail on the first day of real change in the American colonies. Toutellot has done his homework, relying on old records as far back as eyewitness recollections, but incorporating later material that shed more light on these historic events. The writing is clear, straightforward, substantial, and, by all accounts, the best available account on the battles of Lexington and Concord.
April 13, 2019
Lexington and Concord covers the familiar ground and the “battle road” well enough.
A casual student of the Revolutionary War will recognize most of the elements of the story.
A serious student or historian will appreciate Tourtellot’s energetic investigation of the motivations of some of the principal players on April 19, 1775, including Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Capt. John Parker, and Lt. Col. Francis Smith.
Here’s the scoop: Tourtellot all too plainly suggests that Samuel Adams convinced Capt. Parker to line his men up on the Lexington green so the British soldiers could shoot at them, and start the Revolutionary War.
Of course, I’m using my own words here to paraphrase the author’s obvious intention in Lexington and Concord to put a Machiavellian spin on the story every schoolgirl knows: Parker and his militia men (technically, they weren’t Minutemen) bravely showed up and stood their ground to protect their town even though they were outnumbered 10-to-1 by the British regulars, who viciously fired first and killed 10 of the patriots on the field.
One might think that Tourtellot’s explicit application of tarnish to the Lexington story is mean-spirited and unthinkable. It is pretty well established that Parker initially had no bloodthirsty inclination to put his men in harm’s way.
One might also think that Sam Adams’ manipulation of Parker—who was subject to Adams’ authority—is all too thinkable.
Read more of my book reviews and poems here:
www.richardsubber.com
A casual student of the Revolutionary War will recognize most of the elements of the story.
A serious student or historian will appreciate Tourtellot’s energetic investigation of the motivations of some of the principal players on April 19, 1775, including Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Capt. John Parker, and Lt. Col. Francis Smith.
Here’s the scoop: Tourtellot all too plainly suggests that Samuel Adams convinced Capt. Parker to line his men up on the Lexington green so the British soldiers could shoot at them, and start the Revolutionary War.
Of course, I’m using my own words here to paraphrase the author’s obvious intention in Lexington and Concord to put a Machiavellian spin on the story every schoolgirl knows: Parker and his militia men (technically, they weren’t Minutemen) bravely showed up and stood their ground to protect their town even though they were outnumbered 10-to-1 by the British regulars, who viciously fired first and killed 10 of the patriots on the field.
One might think that Tourtellot’s explicit application of tarnish to the Lexington story is mean-spirited and unthinkable. It is pretty well established that Parker initially had no bloodthirsty inclination to put his men in harm’s way.
One might also think that Sam Adams’ manipulation of Parker—who was subject to Adams’ authority—is all too thinkable.
Read more of my book reviews and poems here:
www.richardsubber.com
January 8, 2018
A fascinating and accurate human portrayal of the events surrounding Lexington and Concord. The author does a wonderful job researching the entire ordeal and provides a description devoid of fantastical, deity-like individuals who possess an immense and prescient self-awareness of their actions. The best example of this is the author's description of Paul Revere's famous ride. The author does an excellent job of providing multiple theories on thoughts of individuals and, while utilizing the writings of those involved for guidance, simultaneously offers other reasons or causes of events. I highly recommend reading this book for anyone who 1) desires a well researched and reasoned approach to American history, and 2) is interested in how vitally important the use of information (and misinformation) is in achieving political goals.
June 18, 2018
I really wanted to give this book a 3.5 starts, but unfortunately Goodreads doesn't allow for that. It is a great piece of history that I enjoyed reading about, however unlike some of the other historians that I have read on this subject, this particular author is very dry in his telling of the story. He was much more worried that we know ever single person that was there and involved in some way, no matter how minor their story was than telling us the significance of the actions being portrayed. In other words, he did not figure out how to tell us this huge piece of history like a storyteller. In either case, it was worth reading and one of the only books that really focuses on this particular piece of the historical events.
April 3, 2025
Nearly 250 years ago a few dozen colonists gathered on Lexington Common and upon the approach of a British column and a mysterious gunshot the Revolutionary War began. This book details the lead up to this clash with a thorough examination of the world of 1770’s Boston and its surroundings as well as the major figures across the spectrum from military and civilian leaders to the individual citizens of the Massachusetts countryside. The skirmishes of Lexington and Concord are also analyzed in an engaging manner. I’ve read other takes on this event that are far too speculative but this book presented a highly detailed study that never felt dry and captured the drama of this momentous event.
December 29, 2022
An energetic and detailed retelling of pretty much all of the events and actions leading up to the clashes at Lexington and Concord, and the immediate aftermath, including the vision of John Adams promoting independence (and George Washington) in Philadelphia. With several pages of End Notes and a multipage bibliography in particulare including the eyewitness accounts consulted in researching for the book. A compact resource regarding the opening minutes, days, and months that were the beginning of the American War for Independence.
May 27, 2020
Im biased for having grown up in Lexington, which gave me the advantage of being able to picture the landscape, but this book is awesome. The level of detail about what happened April 19, 1775 is mind blowing. I couldn’t put it down.
July 20, 2018
An intimate portrait of the Revolution. Coupled w books like "Chains", this is an absolute MUST-READ!!
September 20, 2018
Clear, concise of events leading up to the battle and immediate consequences there of. Good read.
January 25, 2014
I normally don't care for book about singular battles (I know this was technically two different battles, but they have always been lumped together as one), but this book was pretty good. Usually books about singular battles get too heavily into lists of soldiers, the weapons they were using, the provisions they had, the positions they were in, etc, and not enough on the events leading up to the battle, and the long-term effects the battle ended up having. This book has a perfect balance of both. You learned plenty about the soldiers/officers in the battle, what they did or didn't do, and where they were at what point during the battle, but you also learn plenty about the before & after of the battles.
Also, I felt like I learned more about Samuel Adams in this book than I did in the autobiography by Mark Puls.
Also, I felt like I learned more about Samuel Adams in this book than I did in the autobiography by Mark Puls.
May 6, 2010
Absorbing, fast-paced account of the battle at Lexington and Concord and interesting details about Sam Adams, John Hancock and the everyday people of Lexington and Concord. This book was recommended to me and at first I wasn't sure if I'd like it. But once I started reading it, I could hardly put it down. My appetite has been whetted for more books on the Founders and American history in general.
"Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they want a war, let it begin here."
Captain John Parker
"Don't fire unless fired upon. But if they want a war, let it begin here."
Captain John Parker
April 24, 2013
This book was also published under the title "William Diamonds Drum". Excellent research, fascinating story about a critical day in American history. Highly recommend it especially to teachers and patriots. Combine this with "John Adams" by David McCullough and you have a phenomenal foundation for the War of Independence.
May 22, 2010
Highly recommend as an introduction and backdrop to the American Revolution. Clearly lays out what happened at Lexington and Concord, why it happened and the effect it had on starting the Amercian Revolution.
December 20, 2007
Unexpectedly entertaining - and this from someone who was always fascinated with the American Revolution.
August 13, 2009
The REAL story of the events that took place here.
January 3, 2010
A really good exploration of the cultural climate in New England prior to the shot heard 'round the world.
January 23, 2013
It is so important to remember the birth of the United States and the attendant ideals. This was a great book, not just to remember, but to learn details most textbooks don't mention.
November 10, 2014
Good quick book for those wanting to know just a little more about these events commonly glossed over in history classes, but far from an in depth total, academic review.
January 20, 2014
Wonderfully written, riveting account of the the beginning of the revolutionary war.
October 17, 2016
Getting better - full of good details.
August 9, 2007
Engaging story of a two day event that started the Revolutionary War.
March 28, 2017
I have really mixed feelings about this book. The chapters actually detailing what happened in Lexington and Concord are no less than completely awesome. I was completely enthralled as I read them. But the beginning and ending pieces of the book fell completely flat for me. I didn't enjoy the details and it didn't read as smoothly. For the middle I'd have given this 5 stars, but the other bits probably 2 stars, maybe even 1.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews