What are the best books for reading more about the American Revolution?

Question

I would like to read more about the escalation up to the revolution as well as possibly through the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.

Answer 1

The Radicalism of the American Revolution, Gordon S. Wood
The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution, Bernard Bailyn

Answer 2

There are hundreds, if not thousands of books written about the American Revolution. To try to pick one that will cover the pre-Revolutionary period to the drafting of the Constitution is difficult. Remember, that most history books are written with a bias; try to identify that bias early so that you are not mislead about the truth. One book I would recommend about the process of writing the Constitution is "Miracle in Philadelphia" by Catherine Drinker Bowen. It details the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. It is very readable and is so well researched it feels like she was there taking notes. If you're ever in Philadelphia, make sure you go to the bookstore at the Visitors Center in Independence Park. It's loaded with books about the Revolutionary period for all age groups.

Answer 3

Depends on your specific area of interest. There are too many books to list..... I would recommend "Beat the Drum", "The Hangman", "1776", etc.......I would also recommend private journals such as Banastre Tarleton's, John Simcoes, William Moultrie, Roger Lamb, etc. There are some excellent books on specific battles and on the Northern and Southern Campaigns. Look also at British publications: see "Redcoats and Rebels" and then "Rebels and Redcoats" for both sides. Keep reading, you'll never be bored with this subject.

Answer 4

In addition to a standard History text about the period, you should familiarize yourself with the thinking of the Founders by reading "The Federalist Papers", "Common Sense", and "The Age of Reason", the last two by the great Tom Paine.

Answer 5

not "1776"
I felt the book was not that good. I think David McCullough writes much better biographies (John Adams was good and coverd that time period).....plus it only covers 1 year of the 20ish years you are looking for.

"Peoples History of the United States" by Howard Zinn was pretty good

Answer 6

1776 by David McCullough
John Adams by David McCullough

Ask you favorite librarian at your local public library for more ideas.

Answer 7

"1776"