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Independence: The Struggle To Set America Free (2011)

by John Ferling(Favorite Author)

4.03 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1608190080 (ISBN13: 9781608190089)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Bloomsbury Press

review 1: This good book provided a realization that my previous understanding of the timeline of the American Revolution was seriously flawed. I really enjoyed the fleshing out of the individuals that put their signatures on the Declaration of Independence. Also very interesting storyline on how July 4th became the Birthday of our new nation. Politicians of both parties would do well to go back to this time in our history and get a reminder of how/why we were drawn to becoming our own independent country.
review 2: Having my master's degree in history, I have studied the struggle for independence fairly extensively and John Ferling has always stood out as an excellent historian, and writer, of this time period. I was excited to read this book by him and I wasn't disa... moreppointed. In John Ferlling's own words, "This is a book about the evolution of the idea of American Independence and about the events and decisions that ultimately led Congress, with the backing of most colonists, to set America free of the British Empire" (pg. ix). Ferling held true to this even down to his chapter structure. Each chapter is broken down by a major player (both American and British) in the revolution. Some people may not like this style as it does jump around a bit, but I believe it allows the reader a better view into the decisions and the evolution of the movement. John Ferling focuses specifically on the time period between the Boston Tea Party and Congress' vote for independence.This book is steeped in research and therefore this read can get somewhat long at times. Even if it can get a little slow sometimes, it is worth the time to get through as the reader comes away with a much better understanding of the path to the declaration of independence. Ferling provides an appendix for the reader with the text of the declaration of indepdendence by Congress. Ferling also provides a select bibliography as well as a notes section and index for quick reference.I would recommend this book for readers who are already quite familiar with this topic and would like a new perspective. I think it would be confusing for first time readers of the topic or people who are not truly interested in this time period. It's definitely a book I am glad I own and it is a great addition to any historian's library. less

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