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The Compact History of the Revolutionary War
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 26, 2017
Not the best
The style of writing made many parts very hard to follow. There seemed to be a lack of flow, and was instead more like an endless recitation of facts.
The style of writing made many parts very hard to follow. There seemed to be a lack of flow, and was instead more like an endless recitation of facts.
April 28, 2026
I usually stick to modern American/political histories, but I decided to go back to 1776 for the big 250th anniversary. This was a good overview of the war, if a bit dry and loaded with 18th century military jargon at times. Some parts (the run-up to war, Bunker Hill, Trenton) were familiar from years of U.S. social studies curricula, but some parts (the Southern campaign, the naval battles) were events that I didn't remember from schooling. Taken together, it was nice to finally have a narrative of the war in my head instead of a loose set of events that I could vaguely characterize as early war or late war. Graphics-wise, I'm a visual learner, so the frequent battle maps were really helpful in understanding how different engagements were carried out. Overall, this book may be a little old, but it does a solid job telling the story of the Revolution from start to finish.
October 7, 2025
Enjoyable synopsis of the important battles of the American Revolution with just enough detail and plenty of anecdotes that highlight the struggles of people trying to create a new country. As is typical, Washington's genius is downplayed (appropriately) and the potentiual for victory is too. I have visited many of the locations where these battles were fought and it is surprising and maybe a little disapointing that most citizens of the U.S. have little idea of what happened there. A recommended read for people who are interested in this part of our history.
June 20, 2018
Brilliant.
While reading this, one learns quite a bit about the war that freed us from being colonies of the British empire. One will see how Washington took men from different states and forged then into an army that his will kept together, even when congress was failing them. The treachery of Benedict Arnold, the victory at Saratoga, our French allies, and most surprising, how different the war was in the southern colonies, far more vicious. A great book.
While reading this, one learns quite a bit about the war that freed us from being colonies of the British empire. One will see how Washington took men from different states and forged then into an army that his will kept together, even when congress was failing them. The treachery of Benedict Arnold, the victory at Saratoga, our French allies, and most surprising, how different the war was in the southern colonies, far more vicious. A great book.
August 7, 2022
Full Sweep of the War
Although focused on the military history, there is plenty of social and political insight, too. Well-written and easy to read, you move quickly from engagement to engagement. There is also historical perspective as the authors place the American War of Independence in context of the other conflicts taking place around the world at the time.
Although focused on the military history, there is plenty of social and political insight, too. Well-written and easy to read, you move quickly from engagement to engagement. There is also historical perspective as the authors place the American War of Independence in context of the other conflicts taking place around the world at the time.
January 27, 2018
Good amount of detail
Good book for a better understanding of the war. Some bits were still a bit confusing. Addition of maps would be helpful. But as I read I looked up troop movement maps and locations easily clarifying details.
Good book for a better understanding of the war. Some bits were still a bit confusing. Addition of maps would be helpful. But as I read I looked up troop movement maps and locations easily clarifying details.
January 17, 2023
Interesting concise history
A military history not an overall history. Great for those who want to focus on the campaigns and leadership. Explains strategy a d motivation. A great read.
A military history not an overall history. Great for those who want to focus on the campaigns and leadership. Explains strategy a d motivation. A great read.
February 28, 2018
Dry
The author did his best with all the material but was just too dry. No fact was too small and it was a struggle to finish.
The author did his best with all the material but was just too dry. No fact was too small and it was a struggle to finish.
August 23, 2020
Not a bad quick overview. There's so much better out there, though.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews