Concord and the Dawn of Revolution: The Hidden Truths

by D. Michael Ryan

Any red-blooded American knows that the first action of the Revolutionary War took place at Concord, Massachusetts, with the shot heard round the world. But a good deal of what is widely known about those early days of the Revolution is wrong. In this new book, historian D. Michael Ryan illuminates acts of uprising of Patriots and Loyalists during the first action of the Revolutionary War in and around Concord. Through a series of compelling essays, Ryan debunks historical myths and salutes those who fought for the recognition of our nation and became the first heroes of the fledgling United States. What was romanticized and changed in the generations since the Revolution is presented here directly through the voices of the people who faced the shocking facts of war and rebellion.

From Dr. Samuel Prescott, who joined Paul Revere on his famous ride and left fiancee Lydia Mulliken behind, to the mystery of the Bedford Flag unfurled on April 19, these stories reveal the truths of our founding fathers and mothers. As their lives were interrupted by the birth of a country, the citizens of Concord saw their friends and neighbors engaged in acts of bravery and of depravity. Ryan's account of the "shot heard 'round the world," provides a glimpse at the realities of the American Revolution."

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2007

Reviews

[Kristi]

This is collection of short, independent historical essays, examining the Revolutionary War stories of Concord, MA. Ryan writes with a respect for his subject and a passion for bringing the past to life. Many of the illustrations in the book are photographs of living history reenactments, some of which represent interpretive theories, and with captions that blur the lines between the history and romantic myth-making that Ryan attempts to sort out in his texts. Well-researched, the essays, nonetheless, lack citation footnotes, making it difficult to discern the sources of the fact and quotations; though each essay does include a very brief bibliography. There are several factual contradictions presented in the text. Despite these flaws, this is an enjoyable, light, and educational read.