Partisans and Redcoats: The Southern Conflict That Turned the Tide of the American Revolution

I always look forward to reading Dr. Edgar's books, and this book only further establishes him as a preeminent Southern historian. In many history books, South Carolina's role in the American Revolution is reduced to one or two key battles. Thankfully, Dr. Edgar bucks this trend and explores not only the big battles like Kings Mountain but the smaller skirmishes as well, which were essential to the Partisans' success. I especially enjoyed learning about the strong women behind the scenes who played an integral role in the Revolution. This is a thoroughly engrossing and fascinating book, and I highly recommend it. This book serves as an important reminder that the cost of freedom is very dear.

"Partisans and Redcoats: The Southern Conflict That Turned the Tide of the American Revolution," by Walter Edgar, is a fascinating history of a crucial chapter in United States history. Edgar tells the story of the Revolutionary War in South Carolina.Edgar paints an interesting portrait of the people and culture of that region before and during the war. The book recounts the key battles and personalities that shaped the southern campaign. I was particularly fascinated by Edgar's analysis of the British failure "to win the hearts and minds of the people of South Carolina." Edgar offers tantalizing glimpses at the roles played by women and African-Americans in the ongoing struggle. And the book is full of down-to-earth details, such as how uncooked meat caused illness among the revolutionary troops.Edgar tells a good story. He writes in a clear, engaging style. The book is also packed full of useful supplemental elements: a chronology spanning 1756 to 1783; a glossary of terms, places, and battles; biographical sketches of significant figures; extensive endnotes with bibliographic references; maps; historic illustrations; and an index. This relatively short, but substantial book is an excellent choice for those with an interest in 18th century American history.

This book is well written, researched, fast moving and wonderful. Each chapter will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and you will find this book very hard to put down. The important role that South Carolina played in the American Revolution is clearly detailed and these true stories will make you laugh and cry. Partisans and Redcoats is one that all ages will enjoy. Dr. Edgar is not only a wonderful historian but also a gifted writer. This reviewer feels this book should be on the approved reading list for all American History teachers and student-reading lists. Adults and young adults of all ages will enjoy the insightful message found on each line and chapter of this text. Partisans and Redcoats is written in story form and reads more like a novel rather than dry text. The roles of many known and unknown people who played important roles during the Revolution are fun to read about and their stories will have you spell bound. Partisans and Redcoats gives a clear perceptive of the true Civil War that took place during this American conflict. You will learn that families were against family members; neighbors against neighbors and all walks of life made the winning of this war a reality.This reader highly recommends this book and is positive you will enjoy it also.