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Summary: History that rattles along as quickly as Revere's ride.
Review: There must be something different about the air or water in New Jersey-or at least in certain areas of the state. That is the only conclusion I can come to to when one NJ reviewer(with history honours) describes this book as " absolutely boring," whilst another labels author, David Hackett Fischer, as "cynical." Well, as an Australian with an honours in American history let me say I found Fischer's book absolutely riveting-moving as quickly as Paul Revere, on Brown Beauty, through the New England countryside. As for criticising the current generation, Fischers,comparison with the revolutionary generation is very mild stuff-a passing comment on page 175- that favours the reflective processes of the past generation over society of today. Paul Revere's ride is not just about the night of the epic event to warn the colonists that the Regulars were coming but also about the tensions leading up to the 'shots heard around the world,' and the nightmare journey of the British redcoats on their return from the Battle of Concord, after the earlier skirmish at Lexington-an event that aroused the colonists like bees to a honey pot.Interestingly, Fischer describes many of the British officers, far from being confident after Lexington,as being deeply concerned about proceeding to Concord. History proved them wise judges. Fischer also includes an extensive historiography of Revere and his changing role over the years- from being a mythical hero to being debunked,denied and reviled. Readers can draw their own conclusion on this active silversmith, Whig and Federalist whose long life, (1734-1818), covered some of the truly great moments in American history. Fischer's great narrative brings back all the atmosphere of that seminal period and the reader is virtually transported back to that heady time when Revere rode not only into the dark New England night but also into the pages of history.
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Summary: A wonderful combination of scholarly research and thriller.
Review: This book is one I've read over and over and recommended to others. It brings alive the importance of Revere to the revolution and the acclaim he had achieved in his own time (the surprise of the Redcoats who arrested him outside Lexington after capturing the notorious Paul Revere shows this.) The story of his hiding a trunk full of incriminating papers as the Redcoats marched into Lexington reads like a thriller At the same time it shows the rigid social structure that meant that Revere could never rise to be an ideological leader of the revolution, since he was merely a merchant. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Riveting account of the first sparks of the Revolution
Review: This book was a real surprise and fantastic read, especially for those who are Amercian History buffs. The action moves along at a good clip, with excellent maps provided along the way. I was struck by three themes: the impact that one individual (Paul Revere) can have on historical events; the tragic consequences of poor leadership (General Gage); and what was truly incredible about the early American patriots -- their ability to mobilize so quickly and effectively, despite having no formal military training. You may think you know these details already from your early school history books -- Fischer's account of these events will show you what you've been missing.Finally, I recommend reading this in the fall if you're really missing New England!
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Summary: A Great Look at an American Patriot
Review: This book will really take you back and allow you to see the events that lead up to the American Revolution through the eyes of Paul Revere. Fischer tells the story of the struggle between General Gage and Paul Revere. This book gives an accurate and detailed account of the events that Revere and the other colonists took part in. A must read for any American history guru.
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Summary: Very interesting and readable, why is author a cynic
Review: This is an extremely readable historical narrative. Fascinating as it is, the author's interruptions to make cynical, generalized statements in regard to the current generations of Americans were inappropriate and unnecessary. I read the book to find out what happened then. I took offense to his comments about the descendants of these New Englanders and the current generation of Americans. Does the author include himself in these remarks? He is an historian first rate but he is not an editorialist on current America.
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Summary: The Final Word on Paul Revere
Review: When few history books are both well researched and well written, this comes out on top in both categories. Fischer has written a story as spellbinding and as exciting as any work of fiction except that it is all true and all backed up with well documented research. Fischer also takes time out to set the record straight about Paul Revere and his role in the Revolution. he faces the nay-sayers head on and gives us the real scoop about a great man in our history. Fischer gives us a concise last word on Paul Revere
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