Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The American Revolution: A Visual History

Rate this book
Uncover the remarkable story of the American Revolution! Who were the Redcoats, and what was the Boston Tea Party? Explore key events like the British surrender at Yorktown, and the writing of the Declaration of Independence.

Written in association with the esteemed Smithsonian Institution, this beautiful visual reference book will transport you back in time and onto the front lines of the American Revolution. 


Take chronological steps through the American Revolution, starting with the first stirrings of colonial resistance. Learn about important events and key moments of the war that gave birth to the American republic. Meet the most memorable people from the period, from George Washington to Benedict Arnold, and explore first-person accounts by soldiers and civilians.

This history book for children grade 7 and up gives you a complete overview of the most fascinating events during the war. The action is brought to life through illustrated accounts of every major military action and comprehensive timelines for every stage of the conflict. Gallery spreads feature the weapons, arms, and uniforms that were used, to give you a full picture of what it was like.

Large color pictures, black-and-white drawings, and detailed maps add intriguing visuals to the history of America, so reading can be engaging and enjoyable. This visual reference book also details the politics of the war and the different parts of society impacted by the events. Learn about the treatment of prisoners and the revolution's implications for women, Native Americans, and African-Americans. Dive in and explore the parts of the American Revolution you haven’t yet discovered.

Mapping the Road to American Independence 

The American Revolution is the most significant event in American history. Without it, there would not be the United States of America. More than 240 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this educational book demonstrates why this historical period is still so important today.

Journey through the most significant events and

   • From Resistance to Rebellion – Before 1775
   • The Start of the War – 1775
   • Birth of a Nation – 1776
   • The Struggle for Mastery – 1777 
   • A Widening War – 1778
   • Conflict Spreads – 1779
   • The Continuing Struggle – 1780
   • America Victorious – 1781-83
   •  A Stronger Nation

400 pages, Hardcover

First published April 5, 2016

19 people are currently reading
300 people want to read

About the author

James C. Bradford

36 books3 followers
James C. Bradford, Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University, has served as president of the North American Society for Oceanic History, held the Class of 1957 Distinguished Chair in Naval Heritage at the U.S. Naval Academy, and received the Commodore Dudley W. Knox Naval History Lifetime Achievement Award from the Naval Historical Foundation.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
91 (72%)
4 stars
26 (20%)
3 stars
8 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Carrie.
702 reviews
September 21, 2016
Great pictures of a fantastic time in our history! BRAVO
Profile Image for Steven "Steve".
Author 4 books6 followers
June 12, 2024
A gorgeous and engaging DK Smithsonian Visual History. The material is well paced with some areas being more in-depth than others, with spotlights on multiple famous personages as well as some side-boxes on more obscure ones. Overall a top-notch book both for history and for visuals.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,199 reviews21 followers
May 21, 2017
This was an excellent resource on the American Revolution, full of individual spotlights on both sides of the conflict. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Carly MJ.
339 reviews6 followers
December 25, 2018
Boyfriend got this book for Christmas and is totally obsessed! Has awesome pictures!
Profile Image for Christopher Lutz.
591 reviews
November 29, 2020
My interest in the Revolutionary period has greatly expanded in the last 3-4 years to become one of my favorites to study. The DK works on military history are always excellent, and the American Revolution Visual History spares no expense to provide a complete overview of the places, events, and individuals that created the United States.
Profile Image for Casey.
925 reviews53 followers
June 10, 2019
An excellent overview of the entire revolutionary war and beyond, with pictures and maps. Now that I've gotten the big picture, I can explore certain events and times with more depth. Like David McCullough's "1776."
38 reviews
December 27, 2021
DK does it again. A well-researched, well-presented book that gives a wonderful overview of the American Revolution and goes pretty in-depth (for the novice reader) into the War for Independence.
Profile Image for MK.
626 reviews3 followers
February 2, 2024
If we try to face the truth of history, we are called historical revisionists, but we should clarify the background of the many revolutions that have taken place in the world over the past 100 years.
Profile Image for Marianne Evans.
458 reviews
October 22, 2024
Can I say it again? I hate war. However, this book was a nice quick concise review of just what happened.
Profile Image for Tony.
115 reviews
August 16, 2016
LOVED this book. Once again DK has produced an informative and appealing book on history. I wish I had read this book in secondary school. I hope they make more historical books on other countries.
Profile Image for Ender Solace.
4 reviews
August 6, 2025
Amazing for people who love the American revolution, I got this for my birthday since my parents know I love the American revolution. Would recommend this book even if you just like history.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.