American Heritage History of the American Revolution

by Bruce Lancaster

"A magnificent book. . . . Bruce Lancaster's text is terse, rapid, lucid, and dramatic . . . filled with the color and excitement of a grim and bloody war." – The New York Times The American Heritage History of the American Revolution is the complete chronicle of the Revolutionary War told in full detail. Lancaster starts his story with an examination of colonial society and the origins of the quarrel with England. He details the ensuing battles and military campaigns from Lexington and Concord to the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, as well as the tense political and social situation of the new nation. The American Heritage History of the American Revolution details the birth of America with insight and depth.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War, American Revolution, American Revolutionary War, Military History, American History

536 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 11, 2014

About the author

Bruce Lancaster was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on August 22, 1896. He served in the U.S. Army along the Mexican border in 1916 and later in France. After the war he returned to school and received a B.A. from Harvard in 1918. He worked in administration and sales for nine years, after which he served in the U.S. Foreign Service as Vice-Consul to Kobe, Japan (1928-1932). Following his return to the United States he became assistant secretary to the board of governors of the Society of New York Hospitals, and began to write the novels which would make him famous. Most of his works are historical novels, including Guns of Burgoyne, Trumpet to Arms, and Blind Journey. He has also written historical non-fiction, such as From Lexington to Liberty (1955).

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve been searching for a good single volume history of the American revolution for a while. Unfortunately, this isn’t it.

The lack of detail frustrating, as is the complete lack of maps, notes & an index in this edition (“printed by Amazon“). All of this also makes me question its academic credentials. There’s no attempt to flesh out any of the protagonists. The writing is dated, and at times a bit flowery. And it’s simply overly patriotic.

But, although I couldn’t recommend it, I still enjoyed it. A pretty good read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book on the American Revolution...I remember the little I was taught during history, and it was so generic, you basically came out not knowing anything. I do remember that very little was said about how much effort the French gave us. Not only did we get Lafayette, but so many prestigious generals and admirals, and so many ships and cash came to us from France. I never realized the amount of help we were given by them. We may have saved their butts during WWI and WWII, but we wouldn't exist as a nation without the French. I definitely think our history books should reflect this.

Lancaster's writing of important battles really helped to make things more clear in my mind as to what happened. I didn't realize how the French basically cut off any chance for the British to retreat from Yorktown. The trouble with this book is it whet my appetite for more information...which is what good history books tend to do. I already started another book on Washington because of this book. My biggest complaint is at least on the Kindle version of the book, there were no maps to look at which I would have appreciated. So I will just go look for some other books that have maps!

But a very good first read on the Revolution. We need to remember what we fought or in this day and age!

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knowing only what was taught in school, and having forgotten most of that, this book shed light on so many facets of the American Revolution (not just the war) of which I was either completely ignorant or had just taken for granted, such as how much of the fighting took place away from Washington's direct involvement, namely Nathaniel Greene's Southern campaign. Not to take anything away from Washington, but in the cursory coverage of most American history courses, he and his troops are the primary focus. There was also a considerable amount of action (both political and belligerent) that preceded formal hostilities. What should have amounted to little more than the British descending upon the colonies to quickly extinguish these early rumblings of discontent ends up a long and bloody war. Even then it was the Empire's war to lose with a nearly-unlimited war chest and the most fearsome navy in the world; but through sometimes shocking adherence to 'military tradition' in the face of clear and obvious opportunities to wipe out their enemy, poor communication, and tactical choices that are as confusing today as they were then, lose it they did (huzzah!).

[Michael K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I personally found this to be an EXCELLENT book! Great read, smoothly written. I have a fondness for this time period ever since 9-11. I was never much of a history buff until that time. And due to such a fondness for the time period, my understanding and fondness for the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution have become greater. It was more specifically about the war and the military, not so much of the politics and politicking of the time, excepting for how it was detrimental or helpful to the military. Great book and well worth the time to read, if you like the Revolutionary period.

[Paula Scherschel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long but thorough study of the founding of the United States

This is a very thorough and detailed textbook on the history and founding of the United States, primarily focusing on the political forces involved and the Revolutionary War. It is well researched and written. Most appropriate reading for adult history buffs with the patience needed to wade through the sometimes dry material.

[George Polansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good History of the American Revolutions. The links to short bios and important documents makes this an important book.

[Richard Gruner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Focus on battlefield

An entertaining review of the Revolution Army's successes and failures, with just enough politics and diplomacy added to make it sensible.