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The Whites of Their Eyes: Bunker Hill, the First American Army, and the Emergence of George Washington
Drawingupon new research and scholarship, historian Paul Lockhart, author of thecritically acclaimed Revolutionary War biography The Drillmaster of ValleyForge, offers a penetrating reassessment of the first major engagement ofthe American Revolution. In the tradition of David McCullough’s 1776,Lockhart illuminates the Battle of Bunker Hill as a crucial event in thecreation of an American identity, dexterously interweaving the story of thispivotal pitched battle with two other momentous the creation ofAmerica’s first army, and the rise of the man who led it, George Washington.
437 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2011
41 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Paul Lockhart
10 books26 followersPaul Lockhart is a history professor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. His first four books are about the history of Scandinavia, but in 2006 he decided to write for a broader audience and hence returned to his roots in early American history. His fifth book, THE DRILLMASTER OF VALLEY FORGE: THE BARON DE STEUBEN AND THE MAKING OF THE AMERICAN ARMY (HarperCollins, 2008), was his first wide-release title.
Lockhart's latest book, THE WHITES OF THEIR EYES: BUNKER HILL, THE FIRST AMERICAN ARMY, AND THE EMERGENCE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON (HarperCollins, 2011), tells the story of that famous battle and challenges some of the most enduring myths -- and misperceptions -- about that battle.
Paul Lockhart lives near Dayton, Ohio, with his wife, Mary, and their five-year-old son, Alex ... plus two cats and two dogs.
Lockhart's latest book, THE WHITES OF THEIR EYES: BUNKER HILL, THE FIRST AMERICAN ARMY, AND THE EMERGENCE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON (HarperCollins, 2011), tells the story of that famous battle and challenges some of the most enduring myths -- and misperceptions -- about that battle.
Paul Lockhart lives near Dayton, Ohio, with his wife, Mary, and their five-year-old son, Alex ... plus two cats and two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
March 24, 2025
A fine, well-chronicled history of the Continental Army's establishment as a force to be reckoned with in the dawn of 1775. With numerous lengthy paragraphs found throughout each chapter, the lack of stopping points or subchapters typically found in-between reading is rather unfortunate, albeit these suggested breaks are fortunately—yet scarcely—provided by Lockhart. The most powerful and riveting content comes from Lockhart's insightful descriptions and (gruesome) detail of battles between the Continentals and British, with Israel Putnam's brash but determined attitude and courage stepping inches from death at almost every turn as one of many examples. Indeed, the patience and struggles that both Artemas Ward and Thomas Gage masterfully held is accounted for appropriately, when their rather unfortunate positions as commander-in-chiefs before the War for Independence would truly ignite into a global conflict:
Ward was the right man because he was serious, imperturbable, patient, and conservative. And because he knew the routine of army life. Until the army was ready for combat, it needed an administrator, an organizer, not a warrior. For the remainder of his days, Ward would be hounded by criticisms of his command style—that he was not aggressive, that he did not try to take the war to the British, that he failed to take any kind of action at all. The points were true . . . but specious. What the rebel army most certainly did not need in the spring of 1775 was a gambler, a general who might be tempted to risk it all in one grandiose but futile assault on Boston. The army needed time to grow, to prepare, to survive. Ward—with Gage’s involuntary help—gave it that time.
Lockhart has an engaging narrative that goes hand-in-hand with his background and previous titles focusing on military expertise, drill technique, battlefield weaponry and tactics, and overall general combat. Oft-slighted and forgotten individuals such as William Prescott, Artemas Ward, 'Old Put,' Thomas Gage, and John Thomas are aptly given their own early contributions and self-made marks to those beginning flames of the overall War. While these are all well-argued for and remembered by Lockhart, he still adds keen insight to the likes of Washington, Joseph Warren, Charles Lee, William Howe, Henry Clinton, and other players who would be suitably honored (depending on one's allegiance) even after the twilight years of Revolution. Lockhart's written a gritty telling of the Battle of Bunker Hill, while also notably piecing together just how efficiently the likes of a functioning army (artillery, rations, recruitment, powder, drills, rank, etc.) remarkably came together to take on that of an established world power.
Ward was the right man because he was serious, imperturbable, patient, and conservative. And because he knew the routine of army life. Until the army was ready for combat, it needed an administrator, an organizer, not a warrior. For the remainder of his days, Ward would be hounded by criticisms of his command style—that he was not aggressive, that he did not try to take the war to the British, that he failed to take any kind of action at all. The points were true . . . but specious. What the rebel army most certainly did not need in the spring of 1775 was a gambler, a general who might be tempted to risk it all in one grandiose but futile assault on Boston. The army needed time to grow, to prepare, to survive. Ward—with Gage’s involuntary help—gave it that time.
Lockhart has an engaging narrative that goes hand-in-hand with his background and previous titles focusing on military expertise, drill technique, battlefield weaponry and tactics, and overall general combat. Oft-slighted and forgotten individuals such as William Prescott, Artemas Ward, 'Old Put,' Thomas Gage, and John Thomas are aptly given their own early contributions and self-made marks to those beginning flames of the overall War. While these are all well-argued for and remembered by Lockhart, he still adds keen insight to the likes of Washington, Joseph Warren, Charles Lee, William Howe, Henry Clinton, and other players who would be suitably honored (depending on one's allegiance) even after the twilight years of Revolution. Lockhart's written a gritty telling of the Battle of Bunker Hill, while also notably piecing together just how efficiently the likes of a functioning army (artillery, rations, recruitment, powder, drills, rank, etc.) remarkably came together to take on that of an established world power.
April 5, 2016
I stopped reading on page 38 because of two glaring errors. Confusing Somerset with Somerville, Massachusetts is pretty sloppy, especially when referring to a specific incident at Winter Hill prior to the outbreak of the war. On the very next page, Lockhart writes, "militia from Bristol and Plymouth counties, north of Boston" - when in fact these locales are south of Boston.
Mistakes like these so early in the book make me distrust the material. The author should be embarrassed.
Mistakes like these so early in the book make me distrust the material. The author should be embarrassed.
April 1, 2024
The story of the earliest days of the American Revolutionary War is one that is both well known and simultaneously poorly understood. Lockhart endeavors to dispel the mythology that has been passed down through the generations to relate the true history of 1775 and the outbreak of the American War for Independence.
Lockhart’s account begins with a brief recounting of the events of April 19, 1775 and the Battles of Lexington and Concord. While those conflicts are referenced frequently, they serve more for context, as Lockhart’s narrative picks up in the days following the British retreat into Boston and the resulting siege of April 1775-March 1776. The Battle of Bunker Hill serves as the seminal event of the book, with much of the narrative building to that confrontation. He outlines the largely ad hoc establishment of the militia “minutemen” forces that formed the original army that became the Continental Army.
Lockhart’s analysis concludes that the British troops, while better trained and disciplined, were no more experienced and veteran than the American colonial forces they opposed. This lack of experience resulted in a number of uncharacteristic blunders on the part of the British that led to massive casualties during the Battle of Bunker Hill which would rarely be seen again during the war.
Important early military leaders are also discussed at length, as Lockhart tries to re-establish their importance and primacy to the early survival of the Revolution. Individuals such as Artemas Ward and William Prescott who led that first American army have largely been forgotten, as George Washington and his military “family” have come to be viewed as the martial leaders that won the American War of Independence.
Washington is curiously a primarily background character until the final chapter, at which point he had been appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and departed Philadelphia to take command of the forces around Boston. While the diminished role of Washington is absolutely accurate regarding his role in the early days of the war, it seems some additional insight and analysis of his activities could have been inserted to parallel the events unfolding simultaneously in Massachusetts.
However, Lockhart has done commendable work in retelling the history of the early days of the Revolutionary War and the historical figures that led those efforts. Definitely a great book that would help anyone interested in studying the history of the American Revolution.
Lockhart’s account begins with a brief recounting of the events of April 19, 1775 and the Battles of Lexington and Concord. While those conflicts are referenced frequently, they serve more for context, as Lockhart’s narrative picks up in the days following the British retreat into Boston and the resulting siege of April 1775-March 1776. The Battle of Bunker Hill serves as the seminal event of the book, with much of the narrative building to that confrontation. He outlines the largely ad hoc establishment of the militia “minutemen” forces that formed the original army that became the Continental Army.
Lockhart’s analysis concludes that the British troops, while better trained and disciplined, were no more experienced and veteran than the American colonial forces they opposed. This lack of experience resulted in a number of uncharacteristic blunders on the part of the British that led to massive casualties during the Battle of Bunker Hill which would rarely be seen again during the war.
Important early military leaders are also discussed at length, as Lockhart tries to re-establish their importance and primacy to the early survival of the Revolution. Individuals such as Artemas Ward and William Prescott who led that first American army have largely been forgotten, as George Washington and his military “family” have come to be viewed as the martial leaders that won the American War of Independence.
Washington is curiously a primarily background character until the final chapter, at which point he had been appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and departed Philadelphia to take command of the forces around Boston. While the diminished role of Washington is absolutely accurate regarding his role in the early days of the war, it seems some additional insight and analysis of his activities could have been inserted to parallel the events unfolding simultaneously in Massachusetts.
However, Lockhart has done commendable work in retelling the history of the early days of the Revolutionary War and the historical figures that led those efforts. Definitely a great book that would help anyone interested in studying the history of the American Revolution.
March 13, 2013
I have always been fascinated with the Revolutionary War and how the leaders in the Colonies sacrificed everything, including the safety of their own families for the "cause". And the soldiers that answered the call were farmers, publicans, mill workers etc. Regular men that left their homes and farms to chase the dream of being free of a Monarch's yoke. This well-researched novel touches on that premise somewhat but is more of a primer on how the Continental Army got organized initially and how the leadership was established prior to George Washington's emergence. And, of course, how this rag tag army delivered the first blooding of British troops that became a catalyst for future Colonists to take up arms. Although technically, the Redcoats were victorious at Bunker Hill, it was at such a cost in lives and morale that the Revolution was truly launched at this battle.
May 27, 2011
The shift of 13 loyal crown colonies, to the independent United States is subtle, because it happens over the better part of the decade, Yet when it happened, particularly in New England, where the descendants of many of the old Roundheads from the Civil War of a century before reside; it happened with a deliberate violence that stunned the Empire in its organization and intent. The turn of the colonial resistance from petition, to protest to armed resistance precedes this story. The rise of the First American Army, and its really amateur siege of the British Army in Boston, throughout 1775, is the subject of this book.
Lockhart, a professor of European and military history at Wright State University, brings his professional experience to primarily examining the organization and action of the First American Army in comparison and contrast to the British Army. He brings a fresh perspective on the primary sources relating to that military conflict in the Boston area in 1775. What he has done, besides telling afresh the story of that early resistance, is to show how many popular ideas, like the experience of the British army, and the reliability of the New England militia, are largely overstated and not really demonstrated by the military facts of those moments.
This book focuses on the leadership of the two militaries and the many challenges they both faced. The military stories of the leadership is well told. Lockhart is sympathetic to both, and freely shows the shortcomings of both sides. His irony argument is that the leadership of the colonial militia had more experience fighting for the Crown than did rank and file members of the British Army they were facing, yet both corps of enlisted men were both raw and inexperienced.
The sense of place, the physical environment of the land around Boston harbor is well told here, precisely because it is so important to understanding the decisions and reactions of both militaries. The political decisions, removed away in Philadelphia and London, are only at the periphery of this work, for they both were only spectators, particularly to decisions regarding Bunker Hill. Though Lockhart does show effectively how the conflict around the harbor in 1775 hardened the political leadership of both sides to pursue the conflict towards its end of either total rebellion suppression (like in Ireland in the 1790’s) or towards independence. The book ends with the establishment and attempt of military professionalism, through Washington and leadership from the Continental Congress, not from voluntary New England committees.
As a popular work of military history, Lockhart writes a good narrative, and explains well the military tactics and terminology of the 18th century well enough. The general reader should enjoy the story, and the examination of human nature through the many characters of the battle. The book could have used more descriptions of the views of the junior officers and senior enlisted men of the British Army, though I realize that those are harder to come by. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable read that brings new light to the conflict.
Lockhart, a professor of European and military history at Wright State University, brings his professional experience to primarily examining the organization and action of the First American Army in comparison and contrast to the British Army. He brings a fresh perspective on the primary sources relating to that military conflict in the Boston area in 1775. What he has done, besides telling afresh the story of that early resistance, is to show how many popular ideas, like the experience of the British army, and the reliability of the New England militia, are largely overstated and not really demonstrated by the military facts of those moments.
This book focuses on the leadership of the two militaries and the many challenges they both faced. The military stories of the leadership is well told. Lockhart is sympathetic to both, and freely shows the shortcomings of both sides. His irony argument is that the leadership of the colonial militia had more experience fighting for the Crown than did rank and file members of the British Army they were facing, yet both corps of enlisted men were both raw and inexperienced.
The sense of place, the physical environment of the land around Boston harbor is well told here, precisely because it is so important to understanding the decisions and reactions of both militaries. The political decisions, removed away in Philadelphia and London, are only at the periphery of this work, for they both were only spectators, particularly to decisions regarding Bunker Hill. Though Lockhart does show effectively how the conflict around the harbor in 1775 hardened the political leadership of both sides to pursue the conflict towards its end of either total rebellion suppression (like in Ireland in the 1790’s) or towards independence. The book ends with the establishment and attempt of military professionalism, through Washington and leadership from the Continental Congress, not from voluntary New England committees.
As a popular work of military history, Lockhart writes a good narrative, and explains well the military tactics and terminology of the 18th century well enough. The general reader should enjoy the story, and the examination of human nature through the many characters of the battle. The book could have used more descriptions of the views of the junior officers and senior enlisted men of the British Army, though I realize that those are harder to come by. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable read that brings new light to the conflict.
December 31, 2012
Great book that details the battle at Bunker Hill and explains how the American army that fought there largely disappeared from the scene thereafter and with appropriate reason: George Washington came on the scene and transformed the American army into a skilled, disciplined fighting force that had no place for the heartfelt but disorganized militiamen who stood at Bunker Hill.
Lockhart takes pains to explain that many long-held beliefs about the British redcoats are just that: in truth, the Brits were not always a superior force; the redcoats who fought at Bunker Hill were inexperienced and did not follow their officers, something which had also happened previously, at Lexington and Concord.
And British generals, especially Thomas Gage, were not ineffective but ham-strung by the wrong-headed beliefs of the British politicans back home in Parliament. (What a surprise! Distant politicans with no concept of battlefield conditions who insist they know better than the military!)
A good read for anyone interested in the history of the American Revolution.
Lockhart takes pains to explain that many long-held beliefs about the British redcoats are just that: in truth, the Brits were not always a superior force; the redcoats who fought at Bunker Hill were inexperienced and did not follow their officers, something which had also happened previously, at Lexington and Concord.
And British generals, especially Thomas Gage, were not ineffective but ham-strung by the wrong-headed beliefs of the British politicans back home in Parliament. (What a surprise! Distant politicans with no concept of battlefield conditions who insist they know better than the military!)
A good read for anyone interested in the history of the American Revolution.
May 17, 2025
I think the parts about Bunker Hill and the First American Army were very interesting. The parts about the emergence of George Washington seemed largely grafted on to draw in a few more readers. I suppose a lot of us don't really pay enough attention to the real history of those early months around Boston, and just remember the myths we were fed as kids. This book does a good job of trying to see through the myth and murk of accreted folk history and tell the story of what really happened on Breed's Hill and around Boston throughout 1775. Worth a read in my opinion if you're even vaguely interested in the revolution.
October 28, 2019
Really enjoyed this account of Bunker Hill. More detailed than any other I’ve seen.
October 17, 2022
3.75 / 5.0
Deep Dive and interesting informative critical account of siege oof Boston
Deep Dive and interesting informative critical account of siege oof Boston
July 24, 2025
Worthwhile book to understand the battle of Bunker Hill and what it did for the Revolution and the Army.
February 26, 2017
This is an excellent book that details the inchoate struggle not for independence, but liberty in the careful and thorough retelling of the important early battle at Bunker Hill. The author is very skilled in his military analysis and illustrates a vivid picture to the reader of how the skirmishes, tactics, and strategies played a collective role in the consequences for both the Americans and British, in terms of casualties, fatalities, and the fate of the Cause. Lockhart brings to light lesser known militia officers and builds a case for them to showcase their valuable contributions in 'holding down the fort' until General Washington and his men arrived, thus taking over operations and assigning ranks to said officers. Washington is spotlighted toward the end with his crucial role going forward.
This is a well-written and highly insightful book on this early chapter in the Revolutionary War that I would certainly recommend to history fans and military warfare students, if only to highlight the incredibly daunting yet persevering character of the nascent American spirit.
This is a well-written and highly insightful book on this early chapter in the Revolutionary War that I would certainly recommend to history fans and military warfare students, if only to highlight the incredibly daunting yet persevering character of the nascent American spirit.
August 21, 2015
We Americans like our myths as well as anybody, especially as they relate to our founding, and the Battle of Bunker Hill holds a special place. It was the first pitched battle between the rebellious colonists and the British Redcoats (and happened on Breed's Hill, not Bunker Hill). It was actually a victory for the British - a very costly victory, but a victory nonetheless - and interestingly, spectators far outnumbered participants. But we often think of the resourceful colonists as simple but determined farmers triumphing in the face of a highly trained professional foe who misunderstood the "American" way of fighting and attempted a foolish "European" style of warfare - arrogantly underestimating the scrappy and plucky rebels. Sometimes there's more myth in that view than reality.
Paul Lockhart puts the conflict into context by explaining that the British generals were very familiar with fighting in America since most of them had participated in earlier frontier wars. Many of them were also very comfortable with American ways and had great admiration for the Americans. General Gage knew his troops were seriously undermanned to put down a growing rebellion and during the battle it soon became frighteningly apparent how green the Redcoat soldiers were, having never experienced warfare before and reacting with fear instead of following their training. The Americans were just as undisciplined and clumsy and made many mistakes - the greatest of which was setting up their fortification on the wrong hill, Breed's instead of Bunker Hill as had been ordered.
This is a good narrative that explains the real story of how the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought - the mistakes and the triumphs, the bravery and the cowardice - and it makes the accomplishments of the rebels all the more amazing. Many of the heroes who fought and led them have since been forgotten to history, overshadowed by events that followed in the Revolutionary War. Lockhart explains very well the challenges faced by both sides, even the no-win situation Gage faced because of the willful ignorance of the King and Parliament back in Britain. He also describes the arrival of George Washington, who was appointed commander of the Colonial Army after the battle, and the difficulties he faced in turning a mob of soldiers into a (somewhat) more disciplined fighting unit. But the greatest value here, other than telling a really good history, is in the clarification and analysis of the situation, giving the reader a more realistic perspective on the events and repercussions of that day. It sometimes sounds a little academic and textbookish, but still dishes out plenty of excitement and action without diminishing the bravery of the "Yankey" Patriots.
Paul Lockhart puts the conflict into context by explaining that the British generals were very familiar with fighting in America since most of them had participated in earlier frontier wars. Many of them were also very comfortable with American ways and had great admiration for the Americans. General Gage knew his troops were seriously undermanned to put down a growing rebellion and during the battle it soon became frighteningly apparent how green the Redcoat soldiers were, having never experienced warfare before and reacting with fear instead of following their training. The Americans were just as undisciplined and clumsy and made many mistakes - the greatest of which was setting up their fortification on the wrong hill, Breed's instead of Bunker Hill as had been ordered.
This is a good narrative that explains the real story of how the Battle of Bunker Hill was fought - the mistakes and the triumphs, the bravery and the cowardice - and it makes the accomplishments of the rebels all the more amazing. Many of the heroes who fought and led them have since been forgotten to history, overshadowed by events that followed in the Revolutionary War. Lockhart explains very well the challenges faced by both sides, even the no-win situation Gage faced because of the willful ignorance of the King and Parliament back in Britain. He also describes the arrival of George Washington, who was appointed commander of the Colonial Army after the battle, and the difficulties he faced in turning a mob of soldiers into a (somewhat) more disciplined fighting unit. But the greatest value here, other than telling a really good history, is in the clarification and analysis of the situation, giving the reader a more realistic perspective on the events and repercussions of that day. It sometimes sounds a little academic and textbookish, but still dishes out plenty of excitement and action without diminishing the bravery of the "Yankey" Patriots.
April 14, 2012
Before I started this book on the Battle of Bunker Hill, I thought about what I "knew" about the subject. I knew the battle didn't occur on Bunker Hill (it was Breed's Hill, though in my memory it had morphed to Greed's Hill). I also had the vague notion that it was an American victory (I was wrong about that).
Paul Lockhart's book is a very interesting recounting of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the events surrounding the battle (from the initial confrontation with the British at Lexington and Concord to the siege of Boston.) Lockhart tells the story of the formation of the first American army, including all the problems Artemis Ward faced in getting it into fighting shape. Though George Washington is in the title of the book, his role probably accounts for 20% of the book.
My favorite aspect of the book is Lockhart's attempt to correct the mythology that has built up around the battle. He takes historians to task for their shallow reading of certain decisions the officers made before, during, and after the battle. Lockhart gives some generals, like Artemas Ward, their due respect for the difficulties they faced and obstacles they overcame. Ward has been vilified by historians for decades, in part to pump up the myth of George Washington even more. Lockhart goes back to the evidence at hand to give each person their due credit (and due blame).
Mr. Lockhart's writing style is clear and very readable. He is writing for a mass audience and it works well. My only issue with the book is that some of the maps are poorly placed (the most important areas are in the fold between the pages, making them difficult to read). I read a pre-release reviewers copy though, so that might be fixed in the retail release.
Paul Lockhart's book is a very interesting recounting of the Battle of Bunker Hill and the events surrounding the battle (from the initial confrontation with the British at Lexington and Concord to the siege of Boston.) Lockhart tells the story of the formation of the first American army, including all the problems Artemis Ward faced in getting it into fighting shape. Though George Washington is in the title of the book, his role probably accounts for 20% of the book.
My favorite aspect of the book is Lockhart's attempt to correct the mythology that has built up around the battle. He takes historians to task for their shallow reading of certain decisions the officers made before, during, and after the battle. Lockhart gives some generals, like Artemas Ward, their due respect for the difficulties they faced and obstacles they overcame. Ward has been vilified by historians for decades, in part to pump up the myth of George Washington even more. Lockhart goes back to the evidence at hand to give each person their due credit (and due blame).
Mr. Lockhart's writing style is clear and very readable. He is writing for a mass audience and it works well. My only issue with the book is that some of the maps are poorly placed (the most important areas are in the fold between the pages, making them difficult to read). I read a pre-release reviewers copy though, so that might be fixed in the retail release.
February 3, 2012
I am your typical public-school-educated person whose view of the American Revolution comes from the pages of perfectly adequate, but necessarily limited, textbooks. So, with this book, I was looking forward to expanding my understanding of the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.
Because the topic is as all-encompassing as it ever was, the author chooses to focus on the events leading up to and including the Battle of Bunker Hill, and how these early experiences led to the formation of a unified American army equipped for the job of liberating a country.
In particular, his aim is to shatter the myths we perpetuate of plucky American patriots vs. arrogant British imperialists. Truth is, there was courage and bravery on both sides. Combat experience and inexperience on both sides. Cowardly and slovenly tendencies on both. Brilliant moves and rash moves on both sides. Pride, arrogance, doubt and despair all around.
Mr. Lockhart follows the unlikely ascendancy of George Washington, as he is chosen over several qualified candidates to form and train a unified American army from the disparate and undisciplined colonial militias that joined together at Bunker Hill. (I enjoyed his description of John Hancock's utter desolation at not being chosen! Here's another American patriot we get a very selective view of in school... such nice handwriting.)
Mr. Lockhart's is a highly readable narrative, though the casual reader can get bogged down in discussions of battle strategy. But it's a livelier read than any textbook I ever had to slog through. And no test at the end!
Because the topic is as all-encompassing as it ever was, the author chooses to focus on the events leading up to and including the Battle of Bunker Hill, and how these early experiences led to the formation of a unified American army equipped for the job of liberating a country.
In particular, his aim is to shatter the myths we perpetuate of plucky American patriots vs. arrogant British imperialists. Truth is, there was courage and bravery on both sides. Combat experience and inexperience on both sides. Cowardly and slovenly tendencies on both. Brilliant moves and rash moves on both sides. Pride, arrogance, doubt and despair all around.
Mr. Lockhart follows the unlikely ascendancy of George Washington, as he is chosen over several qualified candidates to form and train a unified American army from the disparate and undisciplined colonial militias that joined together at Bunker Hill. (I enjoyed his description of John Hancock's utter desolation at not being chosen! Here's another American patriot we get a very selective view of in school... such nice handwriting.)
Mr. Lockhart's is a highly readable narrative, though the casual reader can get bogged down in discussions of battle strategy. But it's a livelier read than any textbook I ever had to slog through. And no test at the end!
January 8, 2012
The Whites of their Eyes provides a very good look at a time in American history that often gets little attention. This book focuses on the time between Lexington and Concord and the abandonment of Boston by the British at the start of the American Revolution. Paul Lockhart looks at the principle players of the story from American commanders Putnam, Ward, and Prescott to the British of Gage, Howe and Clinton and how they fought during the intervening time. The books primary focus is of course on the battle of Bunker Hill (Breed's Hill to be technically correct as the author points out) which was a decisive feature in showing just how long the war would be. Like the battle of Manassas in the civil war this battle would show the British that an army of 6000 trapped in Boston would not win the war. It showed the Americans they could stand up to the British and while they were not equals it sent waves of confidence through the American army that George Washington could use to build it into a fighting force. Overall this book covers the high points of the time period, provides new insight into their significance and is a great addition to the historiography of the American Revolution. For those looking to learn more about the early days of the Revolution this is a great book to start with and provides insight even for those who are well versed in the American Revolution.
August 3, 2015
The Whites of Their Eyes: Bunker Hill, the First American Army, and the Emergence of George Washington is a good read for anyone interested in military or US History. Lockhart not only shows how and why Washington became the ultimate choice to lead the continental army, but demonstrates Washington's role during the siege at Boston. Boston itself is shown as a different place than it is today, as locations changed for different buildings and other purposes - all within 50 years. These changes in location and atmosphere are made very clear.
Lockhart, while perhaps a bit technical at times (his descriptions of locations, and some of the more technical aspects of the Battle of Bunker Hill and events leading to it can get a bit tiresome) shows an excellent study of the unsung heroes of the revolution. The Whites of their Eyes provides detail into the lives of many men who are rarely discussed in classrooms but should be. The lives of Israel Putnam (who sounds like the basis for Natty Bumpo), Joseph Warren, William Prescott, and John Stark. These men were not only amazingly brave, but had great stories. Lockhart brings these stories to life, to the point that the reader feels they know these men. A great read, I would highly recommend it.
Lockhart, while perhaps a bit technical at times (his descriptions of locations, and some of the more technical aspects of the Battle of Bunker Hill and events leading to it can get a bit tiresome) shows an excellent study of the unsung heroes of the revolution. The Whites of their Eyes provides detail into the lives of many men who are rarely discussed in classrooms but should be. The lives of Israel Putnam (who sounds like the basis for Natty Bumpo), Joseph Warren, William Prescott, and John Stark. These men were not only amazingly brave, but had great stories. Lockhart brings these stories to life, to the point that the reader feels they know these men. A great read, I would highly recommend it.
August 17, 2011
A very balanced, well-written account of the first battle of the American Revolution. Dr. Lockhart provides us with neither the myth/legend nor a politically correct re-write but goes out of his way to tell the story from both the British and the Colonial point of view. Characters that have taken the brunt of the bad press through the years (American Artemis Ward and Brit Thomas Gage) are given more credit for the good they may have done than in any other account of Bunker Hill that I have read.
I found Dr. Lockhart's writing engaging and compelling. In the way the story is told I was reminded of Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels, another book that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend highly. One improvement I would make would be the book's maps. To be fair, I was reading an ARC, so it is possible that the actual published version will have better visuals, but the ones I had to go on were rudimentary and placed across pages that made them extremely difficult to read. There were no illustrations of the battlefield at all, and this would have made a very nice addition.
I found Dr. Lockhart's writing engaging and compelling. In the way the story is told I was reminded of Michael Shaara's The Killer Angels, another book that I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend highly. One improvement I would make would be the book's maps. To be fair, I was reading an ARC, so it is possible that the actual published version will have better visuals, but the ones I had to go on were rudimentary and placed across pages that made them extremely difficult to read. There were no illustrations of the battlefield at all, and this would have made a very nice addition.
August 30, 2011
One battle - the premise of this book is one early battle in the Revolutionary War. One might think that it would be a rather boring book given this, but instead the pages of this book contain inspiring images of average men running to the call of duty.
I think the most amazing thing about the beginning of the USA is that it really was just average/normal people that started the uprising that turned into something so much more. In this book two armies struggled through figuring out war - the terrain, the equipment, the passion and the goal. I found the details on the events leading up to this legendary battle fascinating. Most of the book is actually about the days before the actual skirmish and yet it never felt bogged down or boring.
This book fit right in with the biographies I have been reading for the Presidential Challenge - providing another perspective into the Revolution. I highly recommend this for any history buff or anyone interested in the early US war techniques.
I think the most amazing thing about the beginning of the USA is that it really was just average/normal people that started the uprising that turned into something so much more. In this book two armies struggled through figuring out war - the terrain, the equipment, the passion and the goal. I found the details on the events leading up to this legendary battle fascinating. Most of the book is actually about the days before the actual skirmish and yet it never felt bogged down or boring.
This book fit right in with the biographies I have been reading for the Presidential Challenge - providing another perspective into the Revolution. I highly recommend this for any history buff or anyone interested in the early US war techniques.
July 19, 2011
Profesor Lockhart wriien an excellent account of the events leading up to the battle of Bunker Hil, the battle itself and the aftermath. I really liked this book on a numer of levels. First, it is extremely readable - none of the pretentious diction that seems to characterize so much historical writing nowdays. The Whites of their Eyes reads almost like a novel. Second, if Lockhart had an axe to grind, I can't fathom what it was. He seems to me to be very objective in his outlook and goes to some pains to point out both the favorable and unfavorable aspects of those he writes about. Third, he gives log overdue credit to some real patriots who have been overlooked by most historians - Artemas Ward, William Prescott and John Stark to name just a few. A well done effort that I will recommend to my friends who enjoy history.
October 16, 2011
Paul Lockhart debunks what he feels are common myths and misconceptions of America’s first great battle of the Revolutionary War. The author paints vivid portraits of the generals of both the American and British forces thereby illuminating this famous conflict in a new light. The tendency to assume the same American Army that fought our revolution’s first major battle consisted of the same participants in later battles is dispelled here. Moreover, past historians have given little credit to Artemis Ward who organized our first Army. Lockhart makes these rectifications without wasting words or burying us with boring details. All in all, this is one of the better books written about the American Revolution.
November 25, 2012
Paul Lockhart sets out to take a look at the first pitched battle of the Revolutionary War and examine how and why it resulted in a technical victory (although one paid for with very high casualties) for the British. In a very light and easy to read narrative, Lockhart shows how the army came together and what was going on in the minds of both the patriot and British thinking. He spends a great deal of time debunking many of the myths of the battle (including the quote that gives the book its name). At the same time the analysis is spot on. Lockhart also shows that the army that fought at Bunker Hill was not at all what Washington wanted or needed when he arrived after the battle had been fought. All in all, a thorough book well worth the read.
April 22, 2013
An excellent work on the battle of Bunker Hill. One if the things which stuck out to me most prominently was the familiarity many of the officers on both sides had with each other. We often forget that the Revolution was civil conflict where friends, and former allies, ended up opposing each other in battle.
I am half a step away from being an outright pacifist, but I appreciate the magnitude of what the first American army did at the battle. Bunker hill was no militia reaction, it was a battle in which the colonists proactively, and deliberately, took up arms against the King's troops... Bunker Hill signaled a change the world.
I am half a step away from being an outright pacifist, but I appreciate the magnitude of what the first American army did at the battle. Bunker hill was no militia reaction, it was a battle in which the colonists proactively, and deliberately, took up arms against the King's troops... Bunker Hill signaled a change the world.
June 24, 2014
Terrific military history of the famous Battle of Bunker Hill, (though on an around Breed's Hill in actuality) that clarifies popular legends and lore and sets the record straight as to why the battle took place and how it set the stage for the long war for American independence. An excellent companion to Nathaniel Philbrick's, "Bunker Hill", another great read that focuses more on the siege on Boston whereas this book focuses on the troop movements and military strategy of the fight and eighteenth century warfare.
December 29, 2013
The second book I've read by this author, and even better than his earlier "The Drillmaster of Valley Forge". Lockhart makes the time, place, and people involved in the Battle of Bunker Hill come alive, and how the formation of the very first American army, even before it was popularly known as the Continentel Army, was a vary iffy proposition, at best. A really good read, and informative. My RevWar knowledge is greater now that it was 3 days ago when I opened this book on Christmas. I'll definitely keep my eye out for more books by this author.
September 2, 2011
A different perspective about the army before George Washington and the engagement at Bunker's Hill/Breed's Hill. Not many people familiar with Artemas Ward and the job he did before Washington took command. It was well done and a quick read. Would've like to seen a more formal bibliography rather than chapter notes. Can they make them any smaller? "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes!" Putnam or Prescott? We'll never know.
February 11, 2013
Interesting short overview into exactly what the cover says, the events leading up to the creation of the first American Army in 1775, the nomination of George Washington as its first commander and the battle of Bunker Hill (Breed's Hill, really). The battle has a mythic quality in the American psyche - so it was good to dig into the specifics a bit. That being said, there definately seemed to be enough material for a much more in-depth digging. This left me wanting more detail, not less.
October 3, 2013
I thought it was well researched, presented a lot of information. I couldn't help but compare it to Decisive Day by Richard Ketchum. That really isn't fair to Paul Lockhart but I just could not help it. Decisive Day is my hands down favorite account of Bunker Hill.
I thought the author tried to add too much on after the battle. It wasn't bad information, it just seemed to be added on after the fact. My opinion is that it could have started a new book.
I thought the author tried to add too much on after the battle. It wasn't bad information, it just seemed to be added on after the fact. My opinion is that it could have started a new book.
September 5, 2011
My husband and I just got back from a trip to Boston and so this book seemed like a good one to read after the time there. I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about the how the war with Great Britain was started, and the major players involved. I have many ancestors who fought in this war and so was interested in better understanding the time and circumstances.
February 6, 2016
Focused on the battle of Bunker Hill, this narrative is simple in its telling, but not as wholistic of the entire 1773 to 1776 timeline in the Boston arena. This book is helpful in understanding the build up to Bunker Hill and an easy read for anyone wanting the story of the early revolutionary war heroes.
July 17, 2011
One of the best history books that makes the days come to life about
the American Revolution in Boston, how the British took Bunker Hill, and
how the American army began. Also we see George Washington rise to become
head of the army. THis is 1776.
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