Book Reviewed: Patriots- The Men Who Started the American Revolution
Author: A.J. Langguth, Touchstone Publishing ~ Copyright 1988
ISBN: 0-671-52375-9 pp. 637
Reviewed By: Pastor Tim Crockett
Another great book finished. History is one of my favorite subjects and with concentrations in Baptist and American history I have my reading time filled with plenty of profitable material and it also makes for great illustrations and topical ideas messages/lessons etc. In my opinion, a well-read preacher makes for a fresh preacher particularly as he both prepares and preaches the word of God.
Another added benefit is when you can read something that contains a bit of both. While this book didn’t go too much into the influence and participation of the various denominations, chaplains who served, the influence of the clergy, etc, it did come through in other areas. For example, see the role Jonas Clark played in getting the men of congregation ready to meet the British who were on their way to seize, ammo, gunpowder along with Hancock and Adams who were staying at his house. See this link regarding Lexington and Pastor Jonas Clark (https://www.theamericanview.com/patriots-in-the-pulpit-series-jonas-clark/)
While not meant to be a critique, I will say the writer’s prose pulled you in. The style was engaging and had a nice flow throughout. I typically allow myself one hour a day of personal enrichment reading, I can say this, the time went by rather quickly and on more than one occasion I continued well after the timer on my phone went off.
There were many stand out chapters and characters all of which are worth independent study, George Washington, Samuel Adams, Jefferson, Hancock, etc all worth reads in and of themselves. His treatment of George Washington was, in my opinion, fair and honest. The adversity Washington faced in leading the Continental Army few leaders could have accomplished everything from the crossing of the Delaware River, a feat that took nine hours (the width about 300 yards) in some of the harshest conditions imaginable, to his stalwart leadership at Valley Forge he endures through it all and remained committed to the war. With men dying at a rate of almost ten a day, no food, clothing, or shoes a bitterly cold winter you see the grit these militiamen had for their cause. Truly they were, “enduring hardness as a good soldier”
Overall a great read, informative, but not technical. The language in parts (very small amount) was course but he was keeping the language of the day. One can only imagine what the history books of the future will contain regarding the language of today, yeesh!
Well, that’s about it! I wanted to keep this review and my thoughts brief for this review so I can move onto something else.
My next read will be Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. He was very instrumental during the Revolutionary War and his booklet Common Sense went a long way in inspiring the troops to continue their fight for liberty and after this, I will also be reading Angel in the Whirlwind. One source highly recommended this book and so I thought I would give it a go.
Take care and have a good night!
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