THE FIRST AMERICAN REVOLUTION: The American Colonies on the Eve of Independence

Although Clinton Rossiter writes in a slightly outmoded style, this is worth having for the price.

Challenging read, but informative. Presents a good overview of the economic relationship between the colonies and England, and how that relationship led to the Revolution. Interesting explaination of the influence of religious beliefs and the growth of religious freedom as a cause of the war. Good introduction to the concept of multiculturalism as it began in colonial America, and very good explanation of the growth of colonial political separation from England prior to the Revolution. One complaint as a teacher - no citations for the many quotations used throughout the book. Credit is given to the individual responsible for the quote, but the actual source of the information is not included.

Although a bit wordy, Rossiter's provides a comprehensive analysis of the underlying causes of the American Revolution. This is a challenging read; but worth it. The concepts remain in your head long after you have finished the book.