American Spring: Lexington, Concord, and the Road to Revolution

5207. American Spring Lexington, Concord, and the Road to Revolution, by Walter R. Borneman (read 10 Oct 2014) I was not surprised to find this an exceptionally good book since I remembered that I much enjoyed and appreciated the author's Polk The Man Who Transformed the Presidency and America, which I read 29 May 2008. American Spring tells with verve the story of the three months April to June 1775, and while one thinks one knows all about Paul Revere and Lexington and Concord and Bunker Hill Borneman has gone to original sources and tells the story astoundingly well. As I was reading the account of Revere's ride I found that I needed to re-read Longfellow's well-known words and I appreciated that famed poem more because I read this show more book. The account of the battles is also fresh and of much interest. Even if you think the subject is overly familiar I think you will find this account enthralling. I know I did. show less

Very readable account of the early period of the American Revolution, from Paul Revere's little-known ride of December 1774, through the conflicts at Lexington and Concord in April 1775, to the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775.

I just finished this thorough and very readable account of the early months of the American Revolution. The historical action was coupled with interesting insights into the feelings, beliefs and actions of those involved on both sides of the exploding conflict. Living in the Boston area, I was glad to learn some things I never realized. This was a well written account that personalized and brought to life those involved no matter if they were general, soldier's relative or just a bystander.

*I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.*

An in-depth look at the first six months of 1775, when armed conflict first broke out between American colonists and British troops. Borneman lays the stage for this coming conflict and makes an effort to include overlooked persons and groups, including slaves who served in the militias and the women who supported the revolutionary effort. The author clearly enjoys describing the few battles of this conflict, as the reader is given detailed descriptions of Lexington, Concord, and the battle of Bunker Hill. However, it is in bring blacks and women into the narrative that this work truly creates a larger picture of the American Revolution.

This is a very well written and researched book. For me, though, the chapters on the Lexington and Concord battles got a bit old. But that's more a reflection of my ignorance of military terms, geography, and passion for the political themes of the American Revolution than it is any reflection of Borneman's writing or research.

Covers a lot of familiar ground, moves rather slowly.