Well-researched look at the political philosophies surrounding the American revolution. I am not sure if I completely agree with his conclusions, but he is the one with the Pulitzer. ( )

Gordon Wood's qualifications as an historian of American colonial and revolutionary history rank with Edmund Morgan [The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89 (The Chicago History of American Civilization)] and Bernard Bailyn (The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution). His 'Radicalism of the American Revolution' sets forth his thesis that the American Revolution, contrary to its reputation in some quarters as a mere war of independence and generally conservative in nature, fundamentally changed American society. By the end of the revolutionary era, America had transitioned from a deferential society subject to rule by an aristocracy to a republican one governed by elected elites to a rowdy democracy dominated by commerce.

Wood's book is challenging both in the sense of being difficult and in the sense of questioning accepted wisdom (at least as it was when he first published the book in 1993). A sound grounding in the history of the era is almost a prerequisite; this is not a narrative history marching from event to event. Wood's main focus is on social change, not to say upheaval, and he slowly, even indirectly, builds his case. Specific events are referenced illustratively to demonstrate a point he has developed over many pages. (In this way, the book called to mind one of my law school professors, Mark Tushnet (Taking the Constitution Away from the Courts), who often took several lectures to develop one critical insight. Lose track briefly and you would be lost in the woods for days.)

Wood (no relation, but tastefully named) makes a compelling case. In a nub, Wood credits the revolution because the dramatic changes occurred while America remained rural and preindustrial. Very high recommendation for any reader interested in history, whether generally or of the American revolution. Radicalism of the American Revolution is a book that warrants and demands your full attention, if not a second reading. ( )

A well-researched and engaging historical work in which the great social revolutions (as opposed to the political one) of the American War for Independence are analyzed. The people of the time made some great lurches forward toward true democracy that in some sense has been lost and remains unrealized to this day. Great book!
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An excellent review of the politics behind America's Revolutionary War and how things spun out of control to the point where later in their lives, Adamsm=, Washington, Franklin, Jefferson et al. came to regret the chain of events they had set in motion. A great read to understand the political nature of Congress today. ( )

After reading this book it is no wonder that it won the Pulitzer Prize. The author did extensive research and his writing style made it interesting and easy to read. The book begins with a background of the colonies prior to the revolution so the reader can better understand how the revolution was so radical and what it changed about American society and politics.

It is a great book, well-researched with easy to reference footnotes and the author did effectively prove his thesis that the revolution was indeed radical. The only downside to this book is that is does get a little slow/boring towards the middle and end of the book which made it a little difficult to finish but it is still a great book.

If you are interested in this topic I highly recommend this book because it is thorough and mostly interesting. ( )