1776: A New Look at Revolutionary Williamsburg

by Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Find yourself transported to Williamsburg in the days of the Revolution! See the city at war through the eyes of everyday citizens for an exciting new perspective on the historic year of 1776. The latest in the popular "New Look" line of history titles, K.M. Kostyal’s 1776: A New Look at Revolutionary Williamsburg combines new scholarship with rare, powerful photographs to take readers behind the scenes at Colonial Williamsburg.

Stunning re-enactment photographs of America’s "Revolutionary City" brings history vividly to The narrative goes beyond the story of the founding fathers to give a close-up look at how the war for independence played out for ordinary citizens such as women, blacksmiths, and enslaved people.

Colonial Williamsburg scholars shed fresh light on this vital era in our history with the most recent research and analysis. The book’s lively design combines with the compelling photography of modern-day Williamsburg’s street theater and historic interpretation to transport readers back to the heyday of colonial times. Scenes from around the city include a milliner forced to pack up shop, children at a play in a courtyard next to soldiers on patrol, and slaves wrenched from family and friends as they leave town with their Loyalist masters. This exciting, innovative book takes a new look at a familiar topic through the lives of the men and women who would claim America for their own and declare themselves its first citizens.

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Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical, American Revolution

48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Sandra]

I came across this book and its series while researching books to supplement my son’s history education (we live in TX). Published in 2009, it does present a less white-washed history than CW did in the mid to late 1990s when I was a frequent visitor. However, I’m not sure that in the year 2023 it goes far enough. Having not been to CW in 15 years, I can’t speak to how they’re interpreting history these days, although I would like to take my son some day and try to help him see a more balanced view of America than I was taught. I’ll be checking out the other books in the series to see if they might be more useful.

[carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended Ages: grades 4 and up

This book talks about life in Williamsburg, Virginia before and during the Revolutionary War. It takes a particular interest in African-Americans in Williamsburg, and their role in the city. It includes color photographs of reenactments from Colonial Williamsburg as well as information about the founding of Colonial Williamsburg as a living history museum.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great way to use the resources at Colonial Williamsburg to write a history book. Everyone is already in costume! There are gorgeous photos that make me feel like at was transported to the time and place where it all happened.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good book on the early history of our country. Great photographs. I loved that the author managed to present mostly age old information from a totally new perspective.

[Bridget · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did enjoy the pictures though.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fluffy little kids read - but allll the "missing CW feels"