Why Longfellow Lied: The Truth About Paul Revere's Midnight Ride

by Jeff Lantos

"Unravel the mystery of how and why Henry Wadsworth Longfellow twisted historical facts when he penned his famous poem, 'Paul Revere's Ride'"--

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Poetry, Middle Grade, American History, American Revolutionary War, Juvenile

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 3, 2021

Reviews

[Lynn Mandaville · Rating 5 out of 5]

While not a long book to read, this short treatise on the actual facts behind the night of Paul Revere's ride and the subsequent couple of days is well researched, and gives ample credit to the many men who fought for the colonies against the British in those first skirmishes of the Revolutionary War.
I was enlightened about the depth of preparation and communication that already existed among the cities and towns or the northern colonies that allowed success in alerting communities about challenges that they faced together. They weren't called Minute Men because the term sounded catchy. Colonial men and women were amply prepared to face all forms of threats, from medical enemies to human ones.
I found this to be a good reminder in my advancing years of balancing that which is art against that which is fact in what is expressed to reflect the events of any given era.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally, a short but thorough deconstruction of the famous but wildly inaccurate poem! There are so many misconceptions rooted in that one work, and I have found people are willing to defend its “facts” no matter what I or others say. Thank you to the author!

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Traci · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every child needs a history teacher like Jeff Lantos! He brings history to life with this well-researched and witty book that compares the facts surrounding Paul Revere’s ride to Longfellow’s famous poem. Great for fans of Steve Sheinkin.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence from the introduction: In the twenty-five years between 1856 and 1881, if you wanted to send a letter to poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, all you had to do was put his name on the envelope, and the letter carrier would deliver it to his home at 105 Brattle Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

First sentence from the prologue: In the days, weeks, and months following Paul Revere's daring midnight ride, no one, it seemed, wanted to cheer about it. Heck, no one even wanted to acknowledge it.

Premise/plot: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere. Turns out, he lied! But why did he lie? Why did he twist history to suit his own poetical fancy? Jeff Lantos explains all as he works through the famous poem stanza by stanza telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. (Well, mostly, you get the idea!) It seems that Longfellow left out some bits that are crucial to understanding and appreciating the story--Lantos has added those back into the story.


My thoughts: After a brief introduction, the book opens with the full poem. If you haven't revisited the poem since your school days, it's well worth taking your time: reading and savoring the rhythm of it all. Lantos' book does a couple of things. First, it tells the true story of Paul Revere and his 'midnight ride.' It separates fact from fiction. Second, it places the poem into context. The poem was published in 1860. The country was on the brink of another war. Lantos seeks to examine Longfellow's CRAFT. Why did he make the choices he made? Stanza by stanza, Lantos highlights the author's workmanship and examines the question WHY.

It is packed with detail. I learned so much! It's a compelling story whether your interest is in HISTORY, POETRY, or writing. I enjoyed the main narrative. But I also loved the side bars!

I loved, loved, loved everything about this one! I loved the layout. It was beautiful work. It looks absolutely nothing like the nonfiction texts available when I was growing up. The text itself was well written--backed up with research and notes--but the narrative itself was compelling. Far from dry. I love that this book encourages readers to question, to dig deep into a text.

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a text book, but it offers extensive and deeply sourced content with a format and writing approach that makes a suspenseful and compelling read, for middle grades or older, right through to adults. By using the premise of the century-old classic narrative poem, Paul Revere's Midnight Ride, , author Lantos exercises some amazing teaching chops to hook readers into short passages. The whole could be used as a full read aloud or be introduced by reading a chapter or two aloud with interested kids reading continuing on their own. He reveals with appealing language and explanations the history and misconceptions of each passage, ala MYTHBUSTERS, while revealing social, literary, political, and patriotic nuances in the "celebrating" some early events of our American Revolution.
I found the structure and design of the book to be very supportive and welcoming to middle grade readers, with large enough font, white space, archive photos, selectively placed contemporary figures of speech, and sidebar content that enhances, if read, but can be ignored for those choosing to read right through the main text. Back matter and selected maps and other visuals are also effectively used.
Those design and language choices, with direct address to the reader, make this a user-friendly and valuable choice, one that might entice some to explore further through this time period and others.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really interesting look at each stanza in Longfellow's famous poem. It compares what is written with what actually happened that night in April. It is an easy read and would make an excellent book group book. My only problem with it is it takes a woke turn at the end when it talks about why he lied. The jist is that Longfellow wanted to write a poem that would unite a divided America by retelling the story of the birth of our nation. This makes sense when you consider that the poem was first published in 1860. Over simplified explanations of why the Civil War was fought are in the back and there is one part that bashes police claiming that they arrest innocent black people every day. I also find it insulting that the explanation of the Civil War was that it was fought over slavery. It was not. It was a war to keep the United States together. A war about succession, slavery was one piece of it. So I'd highly recommend reading it to the last couple chapters, Mom or Dad reading the last few chapters together.

[Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humorous, informative, and littered with a generous sampling of various types of images, this book is an exciting peek into a series of historical events that got a bit, well, let's just say...misconstrued (but for a noble purpose!). 

I love Longfellow's poem; it is beautiful and stirring. Jeff Lantos takes the reader through it, bit by bit, evaluating whether or not any particular piece is historically accurate. He tells us the true story whenever Longfellow deviated and affirmed the parts that closely resembled the actual events of history. It is a fascinating look at two eras, those of the American Revolution (setting of poem) as well as the time period surrounding the Civil War (when poem was written).

Great source notes and bibliography!

Note: strong language used in historical texts.

[Jeni Huber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, Longfellow's famous poem is fraught with falsehoods, and thanks to Jeff Lantos, I now understand why. We're forgiving Longfellow, by the way. It's the only charitable thing to do...

[Laurabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite and informative and enjoyable read.

[Becky Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff Lantos writes a witty and informative book proving that history does not have to be dull and boring. Perfect to spark a readers interest in the Revolutionary War.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is nonfiction for ages 8-12 but it is as engrossing as any novel. Highly recommended for kids and grownups alike.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why Longfellow Lied: The Truth About Paul Revere's Midnight Ride by Jeff Lantos is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on August 3 2021. Do you know how historically inaccurate "Paul Revere's Ride" is? And do you know why? Author Jeff Lantos pulls apart Longfellow's poem, tells the real story about Paul Revere's historic ride, and sets the record right. Not only that, he lays out when and why Longfellow wrote his poem and explains how without it, many of us wouldn't know much about Revere at all.

Why Longfellow Lied is an interesting read. I liked that the actual events (as best we can glean from documents and statements) was laid out in comparison with the poem. It is examined piece by piece, and gaps that were not covered in the poem at all filled in. I liked the frank and narrative style of the writing flowed and did not gloss over some common misconceptions and assumption. I love learning new things, and even more so when common held beliefs are examined, challenged, and clarified. I liked that the depth and expanse oft he operation was described, showing just how many people put themselves and their families at risk to do what they saw as right, rather that just one or two. I also like that the variety of social standing and fortune of these people was shown, Some really risked it all with little hope for a bright future if things went poorly. I also liked that the sources and proper citations and index were included at the end of the book. I always appreciate when authors insist on doing it right. I liked that the author included maps and whatnot- unfortunately the formatting on my galley did not allow me to enjoy these to the extent readers of the final version will. I expect that they will really enhance the reading experience. My issue with the read might also be solved in the formatting for the final version, there are random asides of unrelated information (like a gruesome landmark, spreading of a specific type of apple, when someone got married, and so on) that were interesting but did not really flow with the history explored in the main text. I suspect that these will be in separate text boxes or otherwise separated in the final print (if not they should be).

Why Longfellow Lied is a well researched and written book.

[Terri Wangard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light-hearted, humorous examination of how Longfellow’s poem, Paul Revere’s Ride, is quite inaccurate. At the time of the revolution, Revere didn’t get recognition for his efforts in warning the Concord, Massachusetts, patriots that the British were on the march to destroy the colonials’ weapons supply. The leaders wanted an image of innocent, law-abiding victims of barbarous British aggression. A midnight rider breaking curfew couldn’t be considered law-abiding.

Revere had written an account of the Battle of Lexington which was found nearly 60 years later, and published in 1832 in New-England Magazine. Also in that issue was a translation by 25-year-old modern languages professors, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who added Revere’s letter to a list of topics to write about someday.

A comparison of the poem against actual events shows where Longfellow fictionalized what happened on the night of April 18-19, 1775. Why did he do that? He wrote his poem in 1860, just before the Civil War. An abolitionist, he celebrated the defiant patriots of 1775 to challenge the Americans of his day to live up to their country’s heroic traditions. Freedom and justice are worth fighting for. His poem is not to inform but to inspire. One man can make a difference, and Paul Revere made the perfect model, even if he didn’t deserve all the credit for what transpired.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this young adult book. All opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Longfellow Lied is a clever and entertaining book that uses Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem to take a closer look at American Revolutionary History. Many of us assume that The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere is an accurate retelling of a well-known historic event. However, Longfellow was an abolitionist and he changed the facts about Revere’s journey to inspire American citizens to take action in the years before the Civil War.

This is one of the best nonfiction books for children that I’ve seen in a long time. The book is well-researched and includes several valuable primary source documents that help tell the story. Author Jeff Lantos also uses sidebars throughout the book to explain or augment the text. Why Longfellow lied is written in a conversational tone that students and adults will enjoy. Finally, this book has a thorough appendix with extensive source notes and a wide-ranging bibliography.

Why Longfellow Lied is particularly suited for middle-grade cross-curricular lessons in language arts and history. In this case, I would recommend the purchase of the physical book; I read this book on an e-reader and felt that I couldn’t experience the full beauty of this work. I highly recommend Why Longfellow Lied: the Truth about Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride for purchase in public and school libraries.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1860, the Boston Evening Transcript published Longfellow's poem "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere". This was a little known tale of the Revolutionary War. The Founding Fathers weren't too keen on the idea that the world should know that the Patriots were prepared to fight back. For a long time, they stifled Revere's story, but eventually history won out. You see, Revere wrote a letter in 1798 which was published in a magazine in 1832 which also contained a French tale which had been translated by a young Longfellow. Longfellow, seeing the letter, decided that someday it might be a good topic to write about, which he did, in 1860. However, today historians have noted that many of his facts aren't quite right. Jeff Lantos takes the poem, stanza by stanza and recreates the story as it actually happened, quoting professors, historians, even Paul Revere himself.

A fascinating look into the Battle of Lexington and Concord, includes maps, photographs and the best sidebars - those were my favorite - tidbits of more information helping put the whole thing in context. Well researched, it includes 18 pages of (small print) source notes and a 6 page bibliography! A great resource to accompany a class learning Longfellow's poem, or as a thorough study of this one event. Lantos also ties the poem to Longfellow's life just prior to the Civil War.

Cross posted to http://kissthebook.blogspot.com

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all know the poem, and some of us even memorized it, but is it true? Did Longfellow stretch the truth a bit to help in his fight to abolish slavery?

In this extremely interesting book, Jeff Lantos analyzes the poem phrase by phrase. He explains, after extensive research (which is meticulously listed page by page in the back matter of the book) how Longfellow may have excluded some details, or even changed the truth a bit to make certain his poem’s true purpose was fulfilled. Almost every page of this MG book also includes historical facts, written in easy to read prose and printed on scrolls, which further support the author’s conclusions.

As for the reason why Longfellow lied, Jeff Lantos theorizes it all began when he wrote Poems for Slavery in 1942 and “lamented the woes of bondage.” Almost twenty years later when he wrote his Paul Revere poem shortly before the Civil War began, he reminded his readers about “courage and the country’s heroic tradition.” His hope was to inspire men to join “our country’s battles as our fathers did in 1775” to save the nation and to end slavery.

This book is one for grades 6 - 12, but history loving adults will also find it fascinating. It’s one that will prompt many conversations and much interest when you leave it out on your coffee table!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 6th grade we had to memorize that poem. I still know the first two stanzas, years late.

And our teacher, at the time, did tell us that it wasn't accurate, but the only part he brought up was that Paul Revere never finished his ride, having been stopped by the red coats.

But this book goes through every stanza, and explains what Longfellow changed and why. Mostly for poetic license, but mainly because he was trying to stir up patriotism, as this was written just before the start of the American Civil War.

Well researched, and well written, this should be purchased by libraries and schools as an excellent research on the first battle of the American Revolutionary War.


Thanks to Edelweiss for making this book available for an honest review.

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author exams in detail the events depicted in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere , comparing it to the actual historical reality; and then goes on to explain when> and why Longfellow wrote this poem. Absolutely fascinating! Should be included in school curricula. Highly recommended.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had not read this poem through as an adult. Certainly the first line will stay with me forever - but, no, I had never committed it to memory. I confess to a certain amount of confusion as to how the Battle of Lexington and Concord occurred in two separate places at the same time. And now I know they didn't. I appreciate using this poem as a way to explain the true history of what happened that night. I appreciate more knowing Longfellow's motivation for writing the poem when he did. Given the peril that our democracy is in now, I confess I felt the same stirrings of patriotism that he intended to rouse.

[Amber Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had some knowledge that the poem "left a few things out" but not that it was at times, actually a bit inaccurate--it's kind of the "movie version" of historical events. Longfellow didn't so much as actively lie....he just did the whole "make the story better" thing to stir up patriotic sentiment at the start of the Civil War.
I think a mention of Sybil Ludington in one of the side historical columns should have been put in. Her account of spreading news/alarms against the British can't be as well verified (if true, she may have been overlooked by contemporaries because of her gender) and it reminds us women suffered and did their all as well.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a young adult book that is well-written, following Longfellow's poem, stanza by stanza. Lantos takes us through the background of Revere's ride, providing rich details of what actually happened in comparison to the poem. The lesson is a good one, especially when he reveals why Longfellow lied. This poem was part of many school curriculums and recited at many public events during its heyday. Sadly, now few of us know more than the first few verses. We've lost the richness of the piece by not teaching it. The lie, I can assure you, is for the most noble of reasons . . .

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Listen my children, and you shall hear of the midnight ride of Paul Revere…” Lantos tells the story of Paul Revere and his famous midnight ride by analyzing Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s famous poem written almost a hundred years later. While pointing out the literary licenses taken by Longfellow, Lantos explains why Longfellow told the story the way he did. Published just before the Civil War, Longfellow’s poem served as a call to action.

[Marcia Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The author, Jeff Lantos begins with Longfellow’s poem: Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride, and then takes the reader on a quest to compare the poetic version of what happened on the night of April 18, 1775, with his well researched account of what actually happened. Well researched and well written, this book was an easy read, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Colonial Boston, or the Civil War.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In elementary school (like many others I have learned) I had the goal to memorize the entire Longfellow poem. I got through the first two verses. So I was drawn to this book to learn the back story.
It is fascinating! Lantos pulls apart the poem, filling in the missing pieces and pointing out some of the falsehoods. It's a terrific history lesson, told in an engaging way.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review is based on about half finished: the base is this is about the poem of Longfellow. The main part is the actual history and what really happened that night. Informative, numerous illustrations and photographs help show the story. Well done and fun. My only issue is some areas are a bit slow, but if take time the reader will be fine. Ages 10 up.

[Riley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of truths, plus some hyperbole

I thought this would be another book trashing the founders, as my generation is so fond of producing. But instead I found some nice historical context and a line by line analysis of a great piece of poetry embedded in American history. Yes, the facts are a bit off, but it's not nearly as far off as the title would have you think.

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed but not overly scholarly or wordy description of Paul Revere's midnight ride. Lots of historical art and maps to break up the narrative. Thorough yet written in an easy narrative style, it reinforces why I love nonfiction picture books. Beware the author's personal and unnecessary political views near the end.

[Remy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for grades 4 and up (maybe do this as a read aloud for the younger kids grades 4-6). Even adults will enjoy this one (I did!). The info and storytelling manner are fantastic. This book is also perfect for multidisciplinary learning (language arts and history mixed). Highly recommended for the homeschool book shelf.

[Brenda Kahn]

Absolutely fascinating analysis of the historical accuracy of H.W. Longfellow's famous poem. Copiously illustrated with maps, and photos of engravings and art. Exhaustive source notes and a six-page bibliography. Can't wait to reread this when it publishes in August.

[Kristelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ARC from Edelweiss. This book was so interesting! Packed with historical information yet approachable too. Loved how it analyzed the poem stanza by stanza breaking down the misconceptions.