Red Dawn at Lexington: "If They Mean to Have a War, Let It Begin Here!"

I first read this book back in the late '80s in prep for a vacation to the Lexington/Conord, Ma area. I couldn't put it down. It is so well written and factual but reads like a novel. If someone is interested in the history leading up to the American Revolution this is the book to start with. It lays out all the details of the American and British sides while keeping the reader totally involved. After reading my library copy I went out and bougth a copy, that's how much I loved this story.

The author presents rich insights to events and characters on both sides involved in our nations struggle for independence. The amont of research the author has done is tremendous and it seems that much of the information is newly discovered. The book is full of history yet reads very well.I had not realized before reading this book how many of our nations early heros had developed their military background and leadership ability through their experiences in the French and Indian Wars and how the military leaders on both sides had developed respect for the other because of those shared battles.I think every American History teacher should own and read this marvelous book to supplement what is available in traditional texts.

I found this book to be a truly fascinating history of the beginning of the American Revolution. Don't be fooled by the title. It covers much more than just Lexington and Concord. It gives good background information on the origins of the war, and follows the conflict through the British evacuation of Boston nearly a year later. It is a very fast paced, well written book. I highly recommend it.