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Book Recommendations? - 8/27/2008 10:59:34 PM

KG Erwin

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I got a copy of "The War of American Independence", by Don Higginbotham, from the library today.

However, in checking the web, it seems that Robert Middlekauff's "The Glorious Cause" is generally regarded as the best one-volume history of the Revolution.

Here's the thing: when I invest in a wargame, I usually buy a few books to assist in my study of the time period. My personal library is sadly lacking in material relating to the 1763-1815 period.

Do you folks have any suggestions?

< Message edited by KG Erwin -- 8/27/2008 11:03:06 PM >

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/27/2008 11:06:40 PM

Arsan

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Hi
For the Franco Indian wars/Seven year war i have been recommended
"Crucible of War" by Fred Anderson
I bought if form Amazon some tiem ago but i still have not readed it. But its big and look very promising...
Cheers!

(in reply to KG Erwin)

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/27/2008 11:26:45 PM

KG Erwin

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Thanks, Arsan. I'll put that one on my "reading list".

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/28/2008 12:07:30 AM

Duck Doc

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Anderson's Crucible is a favorite of mine & many. One of the best books I have ever read.

For the Revolution if you like your reading light you could read Shaara's The Glorious Cause but if you are a history buff then read Ferling's Almost A Miracle.

These should get you started.

(in reply to KG Erwin)

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/28/2008 1:36:32 AM

WallysWorld

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I second Middlekauff's "The Glorious Cause". It's a long, but excellent read!

For the French and Indian War I liked Walter R Borneman's "The French and Indian War: Deciding the Fate of North America".

(in reply to Duck Doc)

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/28/2008 11:34:54 AM

Marc von Martial

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I know it is not the most accurate account

but I loved the PBS two part series "The War that made America" it really dragged me into getting more interested into the whole affair.

http://www.thewarthatmadeamerica.org/

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/28/2008 3:14:51 PM

Arsan

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quote:

but if you are a history buff then read Ferling's Almost A Miracle.

Hi!
Thanks for the recommendation.
I have been checking it on Amazon and seem very interesting.
I had heard great things of Middelkauff one too but i'm not sure its the kind of history i'm looking for.
By reading Amazons opinions it seems Ferling is more military oriented while Middelkauff is more balanced: politic/economic/military
I 'm interested on a book on the AWI primarily centred on the military side (with some politic/economic background).
Knowing that, what would be better for me of these (or others)?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Regards!

(in reply to Duck Doc)

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/28/2008 6:16:38 PM

Duck Doc

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Oops.

< Message edited by Dale H -- 8/28/2008 6:21:37 PM >

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/28/2008 6:21:48 PM

Duck Doc

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What is "AWI", please?

Ferling is a respected, moderrn authority. Almost A Miracle is an excellent overview-type of military history of the Revolution. A Leap In The Dark is more of a political history of the Revolution & early Republic with a bit of military history thrown in. They are great introductions to the Revolutionary era.

quote:

Hi!
Thanks for the recommendation.
I have been checking it on Amazon and seem very interesting.
I had heard great things of Middelkauff one too but i'm not sure its the kind of history i'm looking for.
By reading Amazons opinions it seems Ferling is more military oriented while Middelkauff is more balanced: politic/economic/military
I 'm interested on a book on the AWI primarily centred on the military side (with some politic/economic background).
Knowing that, what would be better for me of these (or others)?
Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Regards!

< Message edited by Dale H -- 8/28/2008 6:26:13 PM >

(in reply to Arsan)

Post #: 9

RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/28/2008 6:25:36 PM

anarchyintheuk

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American War of Independence.

(in reply to Duck Doc)

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/28/2008 6:26:45 PM

anarchyintheuk

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quote:

ORIGINAL: Marc von Martial

I know it is not the most accurate account but I loved the PBS two part series "The War that made America" it really dragged me into getting more interested into the whole affair.

http://www.thewarthatmadeamerica.org/

Maybe because I didn't have high expectations going into it, but I really enjoyed it as well.

(in reply to Marc von Martial)

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/29/2008 1:57:35 AM

ejs6263

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"Those Damned Rebels" by Michael Pearson is a great account of the American Revolution from the British perspective. David McCullough's book "1776" also is very good.

(in reply to KG Erwin)

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/30/2008 2:22:25 AM

KG Erwin

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I ordered Middlekauff's book from Amazon, and should have it within the next ten days. For those who haven't read any of it, the first few pages can be seen here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/019531588X/ref=sib_dp_pop_ex?ie=UTF8&p=S00R#reader-link

(in reply to ejs6263)

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 8/30/2008 5:50:35 PM

Venator

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'd wholeheartedly recommend Harvey's A Few Bloody Noses for a very readable account.

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RE: Book Recommendations? - 9/3/2008 10:09:29 PM

KG Erwin

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I must give a plug for Amazon's speedy service. I ordered "The Glorious Cause" on August 29, and it arrived in my mailbox today (Sept 4). This is a revision/expansion that was released in 2005. I hope to start reading it over the upcoming weekend.

(in reply to Venator)

Post #: 15