The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775–1777 – Rick Atkinson

1. Full Citation

Atkinson, R. (2019) The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775–1777. New York: Henry Holt and Co.

2. Introduction

The British Are Coming is the first volume of Rick Atkinson’s comprehensive trilogy on the American Revolutionary War. It covers the early years of the conflict, focusing on battles, leadership, and the struggle for American independence.

3. Author Background and Credentials

Rick Atkinson is an American journalist and historian, Pulitzer Prize winner, renowned for his military histories.

4. Summary of Contents

Key themes include:

  1. Opening Battles
    • Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill.
  2. Military Leadership
    • George Washington and British commanders.
  3. Colonial Mobilization
    • Strategies, logistics, and civilian involvement.
  4. Challenges and Hardships
    • Harsh conditions and morale issues.
  5. Turning Points
    • Events leading to early American successes.

5. Critical Evaluation

a. Coherence and Argumentation

Vivid, well-structured narrative with detailed analysis.

b. Originality and Intellectual Contribution

Adds depth to understanding the Revolutionary War’s formative years.

c. Evidence, Sources, and Method

Extensive archival research, letters, and firsthand accounts.

d. Style and Accessibility

Engaging prose accessible to both scholars and general readers.

e. Limitations and Critiques

Focuses primarily on military events; limited political context.

6. Comparative Context

Compared with:

  • David McCullough’s 1776 – Revolutionary military history
  • Joseph J. Ellis’ Founding Brothers – Revolutionary leadership
  • John Ferling’s Almost a Miracle – Detailed military account

7. Thematic or Disciplinary Relevance

Relevant to:

  • American Revolutionary War studies
  • Military history and strategy
  • Leadership and decision-making
  • Early American history

8. Reflection or Practical Application

Enhances understanding of the complexities of early American military and political struggle.

9. Conclusion

The British Are Coming is a compelling and authoritative narrative that illuminates the beginnings of the American Revolution.

Recommended for: Historians, military scholars, students, and general readers.

10. Other Works by the Same Author

  • The Day of Battle (2013)
  • The Guns at Last Light (2013)

11. Similar Books by Other Authors

  • David McCullough – 1776
  • Joseph J. Ellis – Founding Brothers
  • John Ferling – Almost a Miracle

12. References (only if external works are cited)

  • Atkinson, R. (2019) The British Are Coming
  • McCullough, D. (2005) 1776
  • Ellis, J.J. (2000) Founding Brothers
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