What do you think?
Rate this book
Revolution: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World
There has never been a nation like the United States of America.
Its impact on the world is unprecedented in all of human history. After two and a half centuries of existence, it is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without it.
But how did it come into existence? Who has really done justice to this astonishing story? Innumerable books have been written about the American Revolution, but the definitive treatment of the full story simply does not exist—certainly not in our generation. And it’s a story, actually a host of stories, that every single American really must know and celebrate.
Who better to tell it than Eric Metaxas, historian and author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including the million-selling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer? And what better time for such a book to appear than the 250th anniversary of America’s birth?
The Bicentennial in 1976 fell at a rather awkward cultural moment, following the debacles of Vietnam and Watergate and smack-dab in the middle of the especially unexciting presidency of Gerald Ford. The contrast with where America is now could hardly be greater. There is an undeniable explosion of patriotism and a concomitant hunger for the grand and sweeping epic story of our fabled founding. Millions of Americans have adopted the slogan “Make America Great Again.” But in order to do that, we must go back to the beginning and must retell the great story that made us great in the first place.
Metaxas’s The Revolution will do precisely that. At more than 500 pages—including photos, maps, and illustrations—it will be definitive and sweeping, but it will also be fabulously entertaining, containing the dazzling array of extraordinary stories every American should know, ranging from the many events that led to Lexington and Concord, all the way through the twists and turns of the war itself, until Yorktown and beyond.
Its impact on the world is unprecedented in all of human history. After two and a half centuries of existence, it is difficult to imagine what the world would be like without it.
But how did it come into existence? Who has really done justice to this astonishing story? Innumerable books have been written about the American Revolution, but the definitive treatment of the full story simply does not exist—certainly not in our generation. And it’s a story, actually a host of stories, that every single American really must know and celebrate.
Who better to tell it than Eric Metaxas, historian and author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including the million-selling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer? And what better time for such a book to appear than the 250th anniversary of America’s birth?
The Bicentennial in 1976 fell at a rather awkward cultural moment, following the debacles of Vietnam and Watergate and smack-dab in the middle of the especially unexciting presidency of Gerald Ford. The contrast with where America is now could hardly be greater. There is an undeniable explosion of patriotism and a concomitant hunger for the grand and sweeping epic story of our fabled founding. Millions of Americans have adopted the slogan “Make America Great Again.” But in order to do that, we must go back to the beginning and must retell the great story that made us great in the first place.
Metaxas’s The Revolution will do precisely that. At more than 500 pages—including photos, maps, and illustrations—it will be definitive and sweeping, but it will also be fabulously entertaining, containing the dazzling array of extraordinary stories every American should know, ranging from the many events that led to Lexington and Concord, all the way through the twists and turns of the war itself, until Yorktown and beyond.
640 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Eric Metaxas
136 books2,308 followersIn a decidedly eclectic career, Eric Metaxas has written for VeggieTales, Chuck Colson, Rabbit Ears Productions and the New York Times, four things not ordinarily in the same sentence. He is a best-selling author whose biographies, children’s books, and works of popular apologetics have been translated into more than 25 languages.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: The United States has been around as a nation for nearly 250 years now. How did we become a nation? It's been a while since many of us have studied the Revolutionary War. What drove men like John and Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and more to turn on the mother country of Great Britian? Let's find out.
Dislikes: The British Redcoats were brutal. What they did on the American Continent was savage by any means by which they can be measured.
Those who were willing to betray their fledging country all seem to be cursed with a fragile, yet overblown, ego.
Likes: George Washington is usually called a deist by many today. I'm not so sure that they are right. How many deists would join a collective designed to push against deism?
He also had a presence that could control the masses. Grant he was a tall and rather strong man. Just ask the two foolish men who started a brawl in the city, I believe that it was either near Boston or New York City.
John Adams and his cousin Samuel worked hard to bring about the United States as we know it today.
It's great to see how many of these men didn't care about what branch of Christianity, or Judaism, that their fellow men were a part of, just as long as they had a strong moral compass that can only be brought about by a belief in God.
We get a lot of images, paintings, and portraits in this book. There are also plenty of footnotes, and references to other books that may help.
Conclusion: This is fascinating book. If you are interested in the Founding Era, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: The United States has been around as a nation for nearly 250 years now. How did we become a nation? It's been a while since many of us have studied the Revolutionary War. What drove men like John and Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, and more to turn on the mother country of Great Britian? Let's find out.
Dislikes: The British Redcoats were brutal. What they did on the American Continent was savage by any means by which they can be measured.
Those who were willing to betray their fledging country all seem to be cursed with a fragile, yet overblown, ego.
Likes: George Washington is usually called a deist by many today. I'm not so sure that they are right. How many deists would join a collective designed to push against deism?
He also had a presence that could control the masses. Grant he was a tall and rather strong man. Just ask the two foolish men who started a brawl in the city, I believe that it was either near Boston or New York City.
John Adams and his cousin Samuel worked hard to bring about the United States as we know it today.
It's great to see how many of these men didn't care about what branch of Christianity, or Judaism, that their fellow men were a part of, just as long as they had a strong moral compass that can only be brought about by a belief in God.
We get a lot of images, paintings, and portraits in this book. There are also plenty of footnotes, and references to other books that may help.
Conclusion: This is fascinating book. If you are interested in the Founding Era, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my Goodreads page. This book is scheduled for release on June 2, 2026.
As America commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding, there could hardly be a more fitting time to pick up a book like this. For readers looking to deepen their understanding of the American Revolution and the remarkable individuals who shaped it, I wholeheartedly recommend this outstanding work.
Eric Metaxas takes readers on a sweeping journey from the turbulent 1760s through the hard-fought victory at Yorktown and beyond. Along the way, he introduces us to the familiar giants of the era—James Otis, Paul Revere, Samuel and John Adams, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and many others—not as distant historical figures, but as real people grappling with extraordinary challenges and impossible decisions.
The book moves effortlessly from the streets of Boston to the halls of Philadelphia, from the brutal winter at Valley Forge to the climactic triumph at Yorktown. Metaxas has a gift for bringing history to life. His writing is engaging, accessible, and richly detailed without ever becoming overwhelming. Reading this book felt less like studying a textbook and more like listening to a gifted historian deliver a fascinating lecture, one filled with memorable personalities, dramatic moments, and a deep appreciation for the courage and sacrifice (and faith) that gave birth to a nation.
What impressed me most was the author's ability to weave together the political, military, and personal dimensions of the Revolution into a compelling narrative. Even readers who are already familiar with the broad outlines of the era will likely discover new insights and perspectives. The result is a work that is both educational and thoroughly enjoyable.
In a year when many Americans will be reflecting on the nation's origins and ideals, this book is especially timely. It serves as both a vivid history of the Revolutionary era and a reminder of the determination, vision, and resilience that characterized the generation that secured American independence.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It was one of the most enjoyable and informative historical reads I have encountered in recent years. I fully intend to purchase a copy for my personal library, and I will be enthusiastically recommending it to friends, fellow readers, and anyone with an interest in American history. This is a five-star read in every sense of the word.
As America commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding, there could hardly be a more fitting time to pick up a book like this. For readers looking to deepen their understanding of the American Revolution and the remarkable individuals who shaped it, I wholeheartedly recommend this outstanding work.
Eric Metaxas takes readers on a sweeping journey from the turbulent 1760s through the hard-fought victory at Yorktown and beyond. Along the way, he introduces us to the familiar giants of the era—James Otis, Paul Revere, Samuel and John Adams, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and many others—not as distant historical figures, but as real people grappling with extraordinary challenges and impossible decisions.
The book moves effortlessly from the streets of Boston to the halls of Philadelphia, from the brutal winter at Valley Forge to the climactic triumph at Yorktown. Metaxas has a gift for bringing history to life. His writing is engaging, accessible, and richly detailed without ever becoming overwhelming. Reading this book felt less like studying a textbook and more like listening to a gifted historian deliver a fascinating lecture, one filled with memorable personalities, dramatic moments, and a deep appreciation for the courage and sacrifice (and faith) that gave birth to a nation.
What impressed me most was the author's ability to weave together the political, military, and personal dimensions of the Revolution into a compelling narrative. Even readers who are already familiar with the broad outlines of the era will likely discover new insights and perspectives. The result is a work that is both educational and thoroughly enjoyable.
In a year when many Americans will be reflecting on the nation's origins and ideals, this book is especially timely. It serves as both a vivid history of the Revolutionary era and a reminder of the determination, vision, and resilience that characterized the generation that secured American independence.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It was one of the most enjoyable and informative historical reads I have encountered in recent years. I fully intend to purchase a copy for my personal library, and I will be enthusiastically recommending it to friends, fellow readers, and anyone with an interest in American history. This is a five-star read in every sense of the word.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Revolution by Eric Metaxas was an enthralling historical read! Being a native Bostonian I am more than familiar with much of the history of the Revolution, especially the part that happened here in Bost but I found the author was able to draw out or perhaps painting a fuller background picture than I’d had before reading this book. I’ve read several other books by Metaxas and as with those I loved how readable it is; he writes narrative nonfiction in a way that feels smooth, engaging, and easy to sink into. I was impressed by the breadth of material he covers. The book moves across people, ideas, and events in a way that makes the American founding feel expansive and alive. It never felt narrow or dry to me, instead, he kept building a bigger picture, which made the whole subject feel more vivid. At times it almost read like fiction. The pacing, scene-setting, and sense of momentum gave it that page-turning quality I usually associate with the strongest novels. I found that especially impressive in a history book, because it made the story not just informative but genuinely enjoyable to read. This is a wonderful book that will be available as we celebrate 250 years of The United States this summer. I highly recommend this read as enjoyable and eye opening.
#Revolution #NetGalley # #SkyhorsePublishing
#Revolution #NetGalley # #SkyhorsePublishing
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was a child in 1976, but I remember reading so many books and stories about our country and fell in love with our history. This book is EXACTLY what I needed for our Semiquincentennial celebration. I will be reading this for the Summer to celebrate. Savoring each and every entry.
I have also order six copies for friends and family who need a reminder of what was at stake, what was fought for and won and why it is still important today. I cannot recommend this book enough. Especially this year!
I have also order six copies for friends and family who need a reminder of what was at stake, what was fought for and won and why it is still important today. I cannot recommend this book enough. Especially this year!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Revolution is an essential read for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Eric Metaxas presents America’s founding story in a way that is engaging, accessible, and surprisingly easy to read despite its length. The people and events behind the nation’s birth come alive on the page, making history feel both relevant and deeply human. Whether you’re a history buff or simply want a better understanding of the foundations of America, this is a book worth picking up.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews