Looking for really good Revolutionary War resources?

[Politicalkiddo]

I'm looking for really in-depth resources about the Revolutionary War for my own personal knowledge. Documentaries, books, etc. Thanks in advance. :)

[gusty]

“The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763-1789 “
By Robert Middlekauff

[laplata]

I just finished reading “1776” by David McCullough and recommend it. It would make a very nice addition to your library.

[WVNan]

Where was the first battle of the Revolution? Lexington/Concord? Not exactly. Look for the Battle of Point Pleasant or Lord Dunmore’s War. This is not generally mentioned in history books, so you might get extra credit for finding something unusual.

[Politicalkiddo]

Well, this is just for my own person knowledge. I never feel like I know enough about the Revolution, and it’s one of my favorite periods to study.

[Politicalkiddo]

*personal

[jcon40]

The French and Indian War proceeded the Revolutionary War and suggest the classic

Francis Parkman’s
Montcalm And Wolfe: The French And Indian War

I believe it was the first publication of Harvard Press

This book shows a young Washington and many others when they fought with the British and then just a few years against them. Really helps understand the underpinnings of the Rev War and why the French were later allies.

[gusty]

Not exactly. Lord Dunmore’s War was an Indian conflict in western Virginia along the Ohio River. Many of the participants on the Virginia side lined up against each other after Lexington and Concord. For example, Lord Dunmore, a rebel earlier during the ‘45, led the British forces in Norfolk against the Patriots at the Battle of Great Bridge in 1775. While Daniel Morgan, a distinguished Patriot commander at Quebec, Saratoga, etc, fought for Dunmore in the Virginia militia in Lord Dunmore’s War.

[gusty]

Add Fred Anderson’s “Crucible of War” to the list for an understanding of the French and Indian War.

[morphing libertarian]

http://www.dar.org

[gusty]

Do not know the title off hand, but get General Gavin's book on Lexington and Concord. He stipulates that the fight was not one between rag tag farmers and well trained solders. He makes a convincing argument that the Minutemen, a more select group from the militia, were better trained and combat experienced than the British troops in the urban garrison of Boston.

[gusty]

Edit, General Galvin, not Gavin.

[Mollypitcher1]

You just named one of my all time favorites. Daniel Morgan is an outstanding Revolutionary hero and the Battle of Cowpens was, IMO, the REAL blockbuster for Cornwallis when he lost Tarleton’s Army. I would suggest reading anything and everything on Daniel Morgan. He and his Virginia sharpshooters were everywhere from Quebec, through Saratoga, to the battles in the south.

[Daffynition]

*John Adams* by David McCullough. Good stuff.

[oldplayer]

James Flexner’s “Washington, the Indispensable Man” is a must read. Flexner’s work is the finest and most readable work on Washington. Why it’s relevant here is that in telling Washington’s complete story, you get an overview of the whole Revolution, with details about everything in which Washington had his hand. (Which was most of it.)

College level stuff. You will not regret reading it.

Other posters liked McCullough’s 1776, as did I. However, I more enjoyed the Flexner book and found its broader scope useful.

Oldplayer

[madconservative]

In terms of modern authors, I am very partial to Washington by Ron Chernow, as well as the autobiography of Alexander Hamilton by the same author. John Adams and 1776 by McCullough are also excellent. Nothing beats the writings of the founding fathers themselves though, starting with the Federalist Papers. Reading about Madison and Jefferson is very important (though at the risk of alienating many fellow conservatives, the more I read by Jefferson the less I love him; though he sure can write some stirring quotes he is very humanist and his thoughts on the French Revolution I don’t care much for). For historical fiction, I love Drums by James Boyd... It really gives a feeling of the thin line between discerning revolutionary sentiment and the threat of mob-rule populism, a test the Americans passed and the French failed. Philosophy such as John Locke is important, and if you want to go way back to the root of the separation of powers, try Lex Rex by Rutherford, and of course Adam Smith for the basics of capitalism. Just a start...Happy reading!

[laplata]

*John Adams* by David McCullough. Good stuff.

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Yes. I need to read that again. Thanks.

McCullough is among the very best, IMO.

[gusty]

At Quebec, Morgan fought like a man possessed. If the Medal of Honor existed in 1775, he would have won it along the St. Laurence.

[Cap Huff]

Bookmark

[Politicalkiddo]

Thanks everyone. :) I will look into all of these.