The spirit of 'Seventy-Six: The Story of the American Revolution as Told by Participants

by Richard B. Morris (Editor), Henry Steele Commager (Editor)

Who shall write the history of the American Revolution? Who can write it? asked John Adams in 1815. Renowned scholars Henry Steele Commager and Richard B. Morris have provided a prudent, perceptive answer—the participants themselves—and in the process have fashioned from the vast source material a thrilling chronological narrative. The Spirit of ’Seventy-Six allows readers to experience events long-entombed in textbooks as they unfold for the first time for both Loyalists and Patriots: the Boston Tea Party, Bunker Hill, the Declaration of Independence, and more. In letters, journals, diaries, official documents, and personal recollections, the timeless figures of the Revolution emerge in all their human splendor and folly to stand beside the nameless soldiers.Profusely illustrated and enhanced by cogent commentary, this book examines every aspect of the war, including the Loyalist and British views; treason and prison escapes; songs and ballads; the home front and diplomacy abroad. In short, the editors have wrought a balanced, sweeping, and compelling documentary history.

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

1408 pages, Hardcover

First published January 21, 1958

About the author

Richard Brandon Morris was Gouverneur Morris Professor of History at Columbia University & past president of the American Historical Association. He wrote more than 40 books spanning legal, labor, diplomatic, political & social history, including The Peacemakers: The Great Powers & American Independence, The Forging of the Union 1781-89, Witnesses at the Creation, Government & Labor in Early America & Studies in the History of American Law. He lectured throughout the world, serving as Fulbright Research Professor at the Sorbonne & Distinguished Professor at the John F. Kennedy Institute of the Free University of Berlin.

Reviews

[Barbara Drufovka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous primary sources! I used the slightly different accounts of the 1775 taking of Fort Ticonderoga in my American Studies class this year. Fascinating for 8th graders to compare the accounts after learning a bit about the lives of the men involved, especially Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen. The kids had all visited the fort in elementary school and were able to look at it in a new light.

[Clinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I 've wanted to read this ever since I noticed that the bibliography of every book I read about the Revolutionary War included this book. I was not disappointed. It covers the entire time of the struggle for independence. The author begins each section with a brief description of the events. Following the summary, excerpts from those directly involved in the subject are presented, usually in the form of letters and diary entries. I found it fascinating to read the thoughts of the participants expressed at the time. I read this in conjunction with a book that covered the entire war, but the introductory descriptions were so good that they stand very well on their own. Highly recommended.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice historical account by the participants. A lot of letters and corresponding accounts of the Revolution with primary witnesses. Details on lesser know but highly important battles as with Colonel Glover on 10/04/1776 {in lower Westchester County (Pelham Manor- one of the top 50 wealthiest towns in USA) found a cannon ball on my property in 1981 / Northwest Bronx (all still parkland, 2 excellent golf courses and a Beach).}
Glover with 750 of his Marblehead Mariners held off 4000 Hessians so Washington could get the Continentals to White Plains and not get out flanked and have the whole army captured and bye bye Revolution.

[Karl · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent collection of primary source details about the Revolutionary War. It's a very large book, packed with details, and much of it written in either the king's english, or 18th century jargon. Worth the time and effort to uncover all sides of this historical feud and period in time. It took me about 3 months to get through it, taking my time so I could absorb the material. I've read many Revolutionary War books, and this one is at the top of the list.

[Nate Rich]

Imagine your in the middle of a snow covered forest nothing but fresh air but then you see a hint of red in the bushes. And then you see a barel of a musket most people wouldent know what I mean but if you were in the reveloutionary war you would. My book is called The Spirit Of Seventy Six and it is about the Revoloutionary war. It is filled with facts and dates and many chracters but the cool thing about this book is that the characters in this book are actually real.This book is great and it is a large book so there is so much to read and learn about.

I dont mind the style of the book but it is kind of confusing. There is many diferent passages and it changes to different things way to much. And also there are pictures in random places and dates that are somewhat near eatchother. And also there are parts that you kind of need to read twice before you can fully understand it. And also on each page it kinda equals 4 pages in a regular book and sometimes just 2 normal pages.

There are many characters in this story. And there is alot of characters that it doesent talk about cause its non fiction. Plus there is two sides to this story the red coats and the colinest. So there is a big veriety of characters. They all are looking for diferent goals but they dont really get described to much.

This book is good but many people may not like it. It is a large book and it can get a little boring cause it is filled with info. So I wouldent recomend it to everyone. But i would recomend it to anyone who wants to learn about a big part in American history. And also learn about all the people who were important in that time period.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm reading selections from this book to accompany our study of the American Revolution. The book is filled with primary sources from the Revolutionary period - letters, diaries, documents, songs, and poems. It is a terrific resource. I checked this copy out of the library, but I am adding it to my Christmas list.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging!! The American Revolution from start to finish from every angle. Not a book for the casual reader or casual fan of history. In depth analysis and coverage of major battles and the politics behind every move.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long read, but has many great parts. Takes a bit of time to get used to the 18th century english.