The American Revolution

A History [Modern Library Chronicles]

The American Revolution signalled a great change in the course of world history and progress. From this colonial revolt sprouted ideals of liberty and democracy, and all the aspirations and ambitions of a new people. In this work, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Gordon S. Wood discusses the character and consequences of the revolution, grounding the events and ideas that shaped the American consciousness.

A Political Revolution

Short and concise, my favorite kind of book. Wood takes a socio-political take in this history. He explores the major events and movements surrounding the foundation of America as a natural out growth of a new political system. He remains arms distance from the contemporary criticisms of the American Revolution writing a well thought out work of history that captures the changing times. A good read, a good history.

The foremost scholar on the subject

Along with Bernard Bailyn, Gordon Wood (who was immortalized to the non-academic world in GOOD WILL HUNTING, when Will accused the Harvard intellectual bully in the bar of plagiarizing his arguments from Wood) is the foremost authority of his generation on the ideological sources of the American Revolution. I first read this when it came out in hardback and have enjoyed relistening to it now that it is in audio format. I thoroughly recommend this superb survey of the subject. For further reading/listening, go to the printed copy of the book and look over his marvelous annotated guide for further reading.

excellent!

I loved the writing. The narrator was also excellent. Great performance. Recommend it to anyone interested in history.

The American Revolution

Excellent historical review of how the 13 colonies became the United States of America. Emphasis on the development and formation and agreement on the constitution of this country. The speaker was clear and the reading was expertly articulated.
Each paragraph was dense with information. I have both the audio and paperback versions of this book.

Textbook dry

If you're looking for a stirring account of the revolution that changed the world, instead you're in for a version as exciting as reading the Wall St. Journal about Federal Reserve financial policy. I've only listened to the first hour and if I wasn't upright I'd be comatose. People are only mentioned in the abstract and as statistics. The reader is fine, and scholars of the American Revolution may appreciate this, but please DO NOT let students listen to this -- it will kill all interest in this amazing and exciting time. zzzzzzzz....