Rebels and Redcoats: The American Revolution Through the Eyes of Those That Fought and Lived It

If a book on the American Revolution has the names Scheer and Rankin on it, buy it.This superb work by two noted historians tells the entire tale of the Revolution, interpersed with myriad first hand accounts from those who marched and fought the breadth of a continent and defeated the greatest military power in the world at the time, albeit 'with a little help from out friends.'I have found this volume extremely helpful in doing my own historical research, and have recommended it many times to my students. It is clear and concise, informative, and is an excellent read. It is one of the best books in print on the American Revolution, and is easily also one of the most accurate representations of the period that has ever been written. Accurate, compelling, with a definite epic story to tell, it is invaluable for all students of the period and will stand the test of time, as it already has.

Couldn't put this one down once I started reading it. Detailed without becoming tedious, and with extracts from letters by the people who actually fought the war. If you have always wondered how it was won and why, and where it was fought, this is the book you want to read. Covers the important battles in the North, and even better, the battles in the South. This is good stuff, read it and enjoy.

An complete history of the American Revolution told in fluid style. What I really liked about this book was the first hand accounts individuals from both sides involved in this conflict; from ordinary soldiers and citizens to generals and statesmen. I also found some tidbits of history that I had not encountered in other histories of the American Revolution. However, if one( for those armchair generals out there!!) is looking for more detailed accounts of some individual battles I would recommend "Battles of the Revolutionary War" but W.J. Wood as supplement to this book.

Having read the Oxford History of the US volume on the American Revolution many years ago and being bored to tears, I was reluctant to tackle another book on the subject. My children purchased this for me while at the Concord Bridge Museum this summer and I felt an obligation to try another book on the subject. What a great work! The narrative is clean and flows smoothly. Numerous and often lengthy quotations from contemporary figures--some well known, some just your everyday foot soldier--are deftly interwoven throughout the volume to create a hughly entertaining, yet historical document. I found it very readable and would highly recommend this book.

A fine read, exciting, lively. This book shows the men who fought the Revolution for what they were: patriots who risked all they had for an ideal greater than selfish pleasure and safety. The book, however, does not paint over the faults and weakness of the many militiamen who fled the field in the face of the enemy or at the end of their enlistment. All together it shows the shakers and movers of the Revolution to be honorable men rather than "racist, white, opportunistic slave owners," as they are so often portrayed (and betrayed). Most of all the book is just great fun.