Rebels and Redcoats: The American Revolution Through the Eyes of Those Who Fought and Lived It

by George F. Scheer, Hugh F. Rankin

Here is the American Revolution, the epic struggle that brought forth a new nation, told in a great measure by those who fought and lived it: major figures like Washington, Revere, Franklin…and many others heretofore unknown. This is a document of the first great war of principle as it felt and sounded to those who were there, making history.

"I know of no book where [the student] or general reader can attain…a more stimulating sense of what it truly was to have been there, of what it meant for humanity, patriot or redcoat, to have fought there, to have suffered there, to have settled the issues on the field."
-- Perry Miller

"…[C]ontinues to be one of the most interesting and lively volumes in the literature of the War of Independence."
-- Don Higginbotham

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

576 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

Reviews

[Kim Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history teacher, I loved this book. Last year I read one with a similar title (Redcoats and Rebels -- I do have a hard time keeping them straight...) In my review, I put that I wasn't sure what I expected from it. This book provided me exactly what I was expecting from that one. Lots of primary sources interspersed with narrative. I found A LOT of things I can use in class.

I'm not sure if someone who doesn't teach history -- or at least someone who isn't very familiar with the Revolutionary War -- would find it quite as good. There were a few things in the book that were dealing with things I haven't studied much about, and I didn't find those as interesting, and sometimes I got a little lost. However, in spite of those times, I really did find this an enjoyable read.

[Gabriel Thomas Malanchuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I felt it was a great overview of the whole revolution and those that took part in it.

[Amy Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding detailed account. However, the authors' objectivity came to a screeching halt in the chapter on Benedict Arnold's treason, but was otherwise very unbiased. An incredible amount of research was involved- particularly around smaller battles and skirmishes. Very skillful use of letters from those there or with a connection to the event. A must read for the avid American Revolutionary War and/or military history buff.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a marvelously written historical narrative on the American Revolution. As told through the eyes of those who fought in the war, or who lived during the time period. I enjoyed it immensely. One of the things that caught my interest being that I have an interest in 18th century medicine was the narration throughout the book by the doctors and surgeons who lived during the time.

This is one of the best single volume historical narratives on the war. The writing style of the authors keeps the reader interested and the desire for wanting more. The only thing I wish the book had more of were maps. Don't get me wrong there are lots of maps in the book but some of the chapters on the various battles don't include any map. It would of been nice to see one map for each chapter to get the lay of the land. Other than the map issue this book should definitely be included in your American Revolution library.

[Justinian]

2006-08 - Rebels and Recoats: The Living Story of The American Revolution. George Scheer and Hugh Rankin. 1957. 570 pages

If you own one book on the American Revolution this baby is the best single volume I have found. It tells the story through original source documents. No, do not tune out! Not boring documents but excerpts from people involved up and down the spectrum and across the various sides. These excerpts account for about 40-50% of the text. It sort of is a very healthy mix between the traditional great men and great events history style and the social history style. Very cutting edge for its time. An excellent introduction to all aspects of the ground war. The naval stuff and most of the diplomatic stuff is not in here. Hey, it includes the Sullivan Campaign and the Battle of Wyoming as well as Paoli so it passes muster. Readable is the best description.

[Mike Prochot · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of historical information regarding the major players, campaigns and politics of the American Revolution. Lively reading with outstanding detail which gives the reader an overall perspective of the struggle and the times.

Excellent sourcebook for students and a great jumping off point for additional research or further reading on specific people and events.

[Tommyb]

History,US history

[L.B. Joramo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book that gives personal accounts from the soldiers themselves! Heart this book!

[majwithaj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating, but I abandoned it.

[Stephen Helton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The letters written by the soldiers are priceless. This was an Amazing book.