Whirlwind: The American Revolution and the War That Won It - Softcover

Ferling, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1620401746 ISBN 13: 9781620401743

Publisher: Bloomsbury Press, 2016

Synopsis

Written in the authoritative and narrative-driven style that made his books The Ascent of George Washington and Jefferson and Hamilton critical and commercial successes, John Ferling's Whirlwind will become the definitive history of the American Revolution for our time.

A master historian and superb teller of history, Ferling illuminates the years 1763 to 1783--from the end of the French and Indian War that left England triumphant in North America to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in September 1783 and the final departure of British troops from New York City in November of that year. Ferling is as astute at analyzing the causes and politics of the American Revolution as he is skilled at narrating the battles of the Revolutionary War. With original insight, he chronicles the myriad and complex events and contentious viewpoints that drove Americans in their insurgency against Great Britain and sustained them in the seemingly quixotic belief that they could win their independence. He takes us to the halls of power in Parliament and the streets of London to view the Revolution from all British perspectives. He presents the individual battles, from Lexington and Concord to Yorktown, in a fresh and dramatic new light.

With a wide scope and penetrating insight, embracing characters both celebrated and unknown, John Ferling brings the most important event in America's history to a new generation of American readers.

About this title

About the Author

John Ferling is professor emeritus of history at the University of West Georgia. He is the author of many books on American Revolutionary history, including The Ascent of George Washington; Almost a Miracle, an acclaimed military history of the War of Independence; and the award-winning A Leap in the Dark. His most recent book on American history is Jefferson and Hamilton: The Rivalry That Forged a Nation. He and his wife, Carol, live near Atlanta.

Review

“A nuanced study of the American Revolution . . . accomplished scholar [John] Ferling employs his extensive knowledge . . . A first-rate historian's masterful touch conveys the profound changes to colonists' 'hearts and minds.'” ―starred review, finalist for 2015 Book Prize, "Best Books of 2015", Kirkus Reviews

“[A]n objective history . . . Ferling has created another accessible yet scholarly work on the American Revolution.” ―Library Journal

“Ferling handles the conflict's ups and downs with a professorial ease, complemented by mastery of a broad spectrum of primary and secondary sources . . . He also excels at detailing the hammering out of governmental institutions from a kaleidoscope of provincial assemblies, town meetings, and church pulpits.” ―Publishers Weekly

"Ferling’s vivid descriptions will compel you to read this treasure repeatedly." ―San Francisco Book Review
"[Ferling] seamlessly integrates the root causes of the American Revolution, the war that won it, and its larger meaning." ―HistoryBookClub.com

Edition details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Press
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1620401746
• ISBN 13: 9781620401743
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 432