If Ponies Rode Men

Based on a true-life Loyalist named Robert Land, who was the first settler of what is now Hamilton, Ontario, If Ponies Rode Men is a novella set during the American Revolution. As few facts of the man's life exist, as is the case with most people of this period, to reconstruct his life would mean resorting to much conjecture, so the author has opted to construct a fictionalized account, which serves to illustrate in general the struggles and hardships that Loyalists had to face. The book also illustrates what is often forgotten south of the border, that the noble principles of freedom and liberty were won through persecution and brutality.

I really enjoyed this book. James has done a great job here and it is worth your effort to read the book. I finished it in an afternoon, I couldn't put it down. It has a broader audience than just the Hamilton area as it is a Loyalist story for the most part. James has done an extensive job with the research of both fact and language. He has created a glossary which will be helpful to the elementary students who should be included in the audience. I used this book in the history course in 2000. It held the student's attention and helped them to realize the trials that our forefathers endured.

Elliott, through his extensive research, has added considerable information to the Robert Land story. Anyone interested in the Robert Land story or his involvement with Ralph Morden will find this book well worth the price. It is an easy, enjoyable read.

Very well written little book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. We seldom if ever read or hear about the Loyalist point of view in the American Revolution(or was it also a Civil War) H. Sidney Eighmey Ithaca, N. Y.