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Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful
Review: A great book ! I spent the better part of this year reading this book. But the beauty is that does not pose a problem because the writings included in this work are all relatively short. Make no mistake this is a very long work but well worth the effort. Especially since it is a collection of an incredible number of very short works. The collected works are as the title states contemporary accounts. It is a real treat to read what the contenders had to say about each other. Also the reader may think that the style will be difficult. Not at all. All in all I would most heartily recommend this work for either the student who would like a resource or anyone interested in The Revolution.
Rating:
Summary: Primary Source Material
Review: Compendiums of primary source material are of infinite value to those who wish to seriously study any period of history. The authors of this immense work have done us all a great service in presenting a colorful, accurate, and representative picture of the American Revolution by those who were there. As a primary source, this book is invaluable. It isn't a book I would pick to read for pleasure on a cold, rainy night in front of the fireplace. In my opinion, it is more of a reference work that will give immense aid to researchers, historians, reenactors and hobbyists/enthusiasts of the period. Conversely, this serious work is not a dull encyclopedia, but a collection of recollections from those who fought to establish the country we call the United States. This book is both highly recommended and is a must to be on the bookshelf of any serious student of the period.
Rating:
Summary: Great For The Historian!
Review: The Spirit of Seventy-six by Henry S. Commager is possibly the best collection of writings from the American Revolution. The book has thousands of exerts from journals, diaries, and letters
by participants. The book also has great maps to refer to while studying a certain battle or campaign. This book has a "contents"
that is handy in finding your interest, the book is over one thousand pages. The Spirit of Seventy-six is a great reference book for the Revolutionary War enthusiast.
Rating: 
Summary: A Good Resource on the American Revolution
Review: This edition of the Spirit of Seventy-Six is a good reference book on that very crucial event in American history known as the American Revolution. The vast majority of information in this book is derived from primary sources, i.e. first-hand accounts from those who witnessed or who took part in the events of that era. From the oppressive acts of the British Parliament to the poignant farewell issued by Washington to his dedicated troops and to his countrymen, this is a comprehensive look at many aspects surrounding the American Revolution. Although it is very inclusive, I did get the impression that certain aspects of the war were a bit short-changed, e.g. the Southern Campaign which does receive some attention, but not as much as you would think considering its impact on that war's resolution. Nevertheless, this book covers most of the important political and some of the economic aspects surrounding the war. It is a good book to own and I'm glad that I have finally finished it and can now add it to my slowly growing personal library.
Rating:
Summary: Vibrant and powerful!
Review: This is a fantastic work. The best thing about history is to find original source material and read what the actual people were thinking and saying. This book is better than most since it is mainly made up of letters and documents that illustrate how amazing our freedom is.We take so much for granted today and I believe that every American should read this book and realize just how close we came to losing everything. Heroes are really men and women that sacrifice everything for what they believe in. This book is about our first heroes. Our founding fathers and mothers were so exceptional. I get emotional every time I open this book and read about Lafayette, Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Greene, Hale, Henry, and Franklin.Please read this book and experience the story of our freedom from the people that won it.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: This is a great book! You can read it cover to cover, or read parts here and there, putting it down and taking it up as one has time or the inclination. The editors place all of the writings in perspective and context. The selections are not just those of the big name founding fathers--many common folk, officers and soldiers, civilians and women have their say in these pages. British, Americans and Loyalists are represented as well.
Rating: 
Summary: Incomplete History
Review: Very good history of the war in the the north but lacks depth on southern colonies . Could not recommend for serious student of history.
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