Smugglers and Patriots: Boston Merchants and the Advent of the American Revolution

by John W. Tyler

Very Good hardcover with a good jacket. Brick colored cloth with bright gilt title on spine. 349 printed pages.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published December 15, 1986

Reviews

[A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wavering between 4 & 4.5. Full of a lot of incredibly useful information, especially with regards to the build up to the Stamp Act Riots & what things looked at in Boston in 1774. I’m definitely going to be taking a look at his sources to be digging in even more to some of what he’s discussed. That said, I found myself a bit bogged down by the depth in which he covered 1760 to 1770. Perhaps if I had been more familiar with the events discussed it would have gone faster— but garnering that familiarity is part of why I read this and likely why he wrote it. Still, it was a relief to get to 1770 and the rapid fire chain of events that occurred from it on to the outbreak of the war.

I really appreciated Tyler diving in on the factors that persuaded people from falling on one side or the other in the lead up to the Revolution. It helped me to properly understand what smuggling looked like in Boston in this time, and how said smugglers maneuvered to garner support from the people for policies beneficial for their business. I also got to wrap my head around the xenophobia (for lack of a better word) that helped add to the tension.

Overall, a good and useful read. Would recommend having a notebook on hand, though— This is the type of read that I think would have been much easier had I taken notes on the side along the way. Give yourself plenty of time to work your way through it!

[Arran Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for uni. Very interesting but very detail heavy on policy and economics which occasionally made it a bit of a slog

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love all of the Lyon's Den books and this was no exception. Excellent writing, storyline and characters. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
Thank you Katherine Bone, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is full of intrigue and secrets. Lottie is brave, stubborn and determined. Septimus is the boy who left her behind 5 years before. She wants to protect her father, he wants to find out who is threatening her. I loved all of the characters and the storyline.