Customer Reviews

George III never understood Americans, even in defeat. - By: , 07 Sep 2003
Alan Axelrod's finest book. He, In only 352 pages, explains early colonialism, commerce, trade, the growth of the colonies, 18th century American's mindset, & the entire war for their independence. His storybook style is so engaging, detail is never sacrificed for fear of reader runaway. I loved Part 1. In only 60 pages I learned more about early colonialism, along with England's, France's & Spain's stakein it, thanin 13 years of public schooling. Does that make me an idiot or public school a joke? Either way, I was completely hooked. Axelrod takes each phase of the revolutionary process America & England fought for (and against) & gives it it's own personality. He explains how, as each event unfolded, mindsets changed or solidified. Bothin America &in England. His expositions on famous battles, stratagies & results are the best part of the book. You can feel the pulse of each army & become a part of it. What's special though, is that he then lifts you into an omnipresent position where you see the blunders or genius of each side. I often asked myself, "Why did they do that?", or "How could they think that way?" That added a lot of fun to the reading of the book. Hindsight, what a tool! He also brings historical figures to life. Expect much more than, 'Washington crossed the river'. Benedict Arnold, Ethan Allen, General Cornwallis, King George III, Paul Revere, & John Paul Jones are only some of the many principal figures eloquently exposited without bogging the narrative down. I came away from the book with a deeper appreciation of how incredibly difficult it is for any nation, past or present, to form, complete & follow through with a revolution. The birth of a nation is nearly impossible. The American Forefathers were brave, visionary, intelligent, pragmatic & had a bulldog's resolve. Being an American is a mindset, not an ethnic background. Seeing what came of it all, I'm proud to be of their lineage.