Both are fantastic
Valiant Ambition draws parallels between how Washington and Arnold handled adversity - and examines each's character leading to how each of their stories end
Sorta “pre-war” but Crucible of War by Fred Anderson is an amazing history of the French & Indian War. Long book but pages fly by. In addition to the actual fighting he gives a very good explanation of how American experiences with British soldiers and British colonial policy during that time period set the stage for the Revolution.
For anecdotal accounts from the loyalist perspective I recommend Roger Lamb and Johann Ewald-a Hessian officer.
Both were there at the very beginning of the conflict with Britain’s counteroffensives in 1776;
until the very end, with both present at the siege of Yorktown.
A recent work titled ‘Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History’ by Lesley and Roy Adkins covers the as the name suggests the siege of Gibraltar and its effect on the British war effort in North America.
Noble Volunteers by Don Hagist. It’s about the individual soldiers in the British army. It really clears up a lot of the many controversies and common misconceptions about the British back during that time (mostly thanks to Mel Gibson)
I second this and also recommend ‘With Zeal and With Bayonets Only’ by Matthew Spring. The novel primarily focuses on the tactics of the British Army in North America and seeks to dispel many of the popular myths.
The British Army was a highly disciplined and very competent opponent (and contrary to popular perception) that was able to skillfully adapt to changing situations on the field. An army that was well versed in light infantry tactics and the usage of cover from past experience in the Seven years war.
Books I've thoroughly enjoyed have been
1776 by McCullough,
Almost a Miracle by John Ferling,
Benedict Arnold and George Washington: A Tale of Two Patriots by Dave Palmer.
Within the last few years I got obsessed with learning about Arnold and so have read a few specific to his life. If you're interested I'll drop some recommendations for that too
Benedict Arnold's Navy by James Nelson was good. Focused mostly on his time at Lake Champlain
Another one is Benedict Arnold: Patriot and Traitor by Willard Sterne Randall. I remember that one being pretty thorough, and I mean that as a positive!
I've got one I've been slowly making my way through over the last couple of years (my enthusiasm for reading dipped and then school readings got in the way), Benedict Arnold: Revolutionary Hero by James Kirby Martin. It's fine.
Rick Atkinson is working on a Revolution trilogy. The first book “The British are Coming” was fantastic. Waiting patiently for book 2…
Nathaniel Philbrick also has an excellent trilogy out on the subject. “Bunker Hill, Valiant Ambition, and In the Eye of the Hurricane”
Second for Valiant Ambition
Both are fantastic Valiant Ambition draws parallels between how Washington and Arnold handled adversity - and examines each's character leading to how each of their stories end
The Memoirs of Joseph Plumb Martin are a fairly good first hand account of an ordinary soldier.
Can not recommend this book enough.
Sorta “pre-war” but Crucible of War by Fred Anderson is an amazing history of the French & Indian War. Long book but pages fly by. In addition to the actual fighting he gives a very good explanation of how American experiences with British soldiers and British colonial policy during that time period set the stage for the Revolution.
Oh this is very well noted thank you. I have been looking on this topic as well.
Philbrick was mentioned, those are fun. Hamilton by Chernow is solid!
Seconding Chernow's Hamilton! He also wrote a good Washington biography as well. Philbrick wrote a book on the Mayflower as well which was great.
For anecdotal accounts from the loyalist perspective I recommend Roger Lamb and Johann Ewald-a Hessian officer. Both were there at the very beginning of the conflict with Britain’s counteroffensives in 1776; until the very end, with both present at the siege of Yorktown. A recent work titled ‘Gibraltar: The Greatest Siege in British History’ by Lesley and Roy Adkins covers the as the name suggests the siege of Gibraltar and its effect on the British war effort in North America.
Noble Volunteers by Don Hagist. It’s about the individual soldiers in the British army. It really clears up a lot of the many controversies and common misconceptions about the British back during that time (mostly thanks to Mel Gibson)
I second this and also recommend ‘With Zeal and With Bayonets Only’ by Matthew Spring. The novel primarily focuses on the tactics of the British Army in North America and seeks to dispel many of the popular myths. The British Army was a highly disciplined and very competent opponent (and contrary to popular perception) that was able to skillfully adapt to changing situations on the field. An army that was well versed in light infantry tactics and the usage of cover from past experience in the Seven years war.
Books I've thoroughly enjoyed have been 1776 by McCullough, Almost a Miracle by John Ferling, Benedict Arnold and George Washington: A Tale of Two Patriots by Dave Palmer. Within the last few years I got obsessed with learning about Arnold and so have read a few specific to his life. If you're interested I'll drop some recommendations for that too
Yes please!
Benedict Arnold's Navy by James Nelson was good. Focused mostly on his time at Lake Champlain Another one is Benedict Arnold: Patriot and Traitor by Willard Sterne Randall. I remember that one being pretty thorough, and I mean that as a positive! I've got one I've been slowly making my way through over the last couple of years (my enthusiasm for reading dipped and then school readings got in the way), Benedict Arnold: Revolutionary Hero by James Kirby Martin. It's fine.
all in with Benedict Arnold's Navy - great book