In Their Own Words: Founding Fathers

By Various

Praised as "a lively and engaging invitation to early American history" (Ian K. Steele, author of Warpaths) and "a valuable addition to the literature of the American Iliad" (James M. McPherson, bestselling author of Battle Cry of Freedom), the In Their Own Words series takes readers into the hearts and minds of those who lived history.

In this latest--and final--addition to the series, historian T.J. Stiles brings to life in vivid detail the dramatic events of the Revolutionary War, skillfully interweaving his fast-paced narrative with the words of those who fought for our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. From the first rumblings of rebellion to the full-throated call-to-arms, from the provocative debates to the battlefields, this impressive volume includes first-hand stories and commentaries from our Founding Fathers--John Adams, Samuel Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and Thomas Paine--as well as American and British soldiers.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399525130
• ISBN13: 9780399525131
• Release Date: June 1999
• Publisher: Tarcher
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

First hand accounts dispel revolution myths

This book puts the fairy tale version of the revolution to rest and reveals a complex, bloody, and long struggle that led to the "new nation". The author does a tremendous job of of ordering and explaining the first hand account therein. The book's focuses is the military history of the revolution as written by generals for both sides of the conflict. This perspective gives the reader great insight into how war was conducted in that era. Often when the American revolution is discussed the military aspect is left out. I found that the military aspect of the conflict revealed the nature of British control of the colonies as well as the colonist zeal for revolution. Upon reading the book I came to the conclusion that America was free from British control before the revolution and that the revolution was actually the Americans defending their homeland from British invaders.

Great Start Point for Learning about the American Revolution

TJ Stiles has done a marvelous job of assembling an array of primary source documents from the period leading up to and through the American Revolution. Reading works not only by major historical figures of the time like Washington, Adams, Clinton and Cornwallis, but also diary entries from soldiers on both sides and political commentary, the reader has a chance to understand a little more of what both sides experienced during the war.Stiles weaves an excellent summary of events with the primary source selections, allowing the reader to at once gain perspective on the history of the war and zoom in on what many of the participants were experiencing. Although the book can only grant an overview of this conflict, it's a terrific starting point for anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating period in American history.Stiles's writing is very easy to read. The book flows very nicely, with smooth transitions between sections. Even the primary source documents are reasonably easy to read, particularly with the editorial asides conveniently added by Stiles. History that reads like a story, the objective of any good historian.

A review of "In Their Own Words: Founding Fathers"

With this book, T. J. Stiles delivers a rather unconventional history lesson. Unlike typical history texts, he does not reel off a long list of significant dates and crucial events. Instead, he reaches out of the pages and pulls the reader right into the 1700's, back to the very beginning of the American Revolution. Stiles skillfully interweaves his own astute thoughts with the narratives of the people who were there. Accounts from our founding fathers give the reader a glimpse into the minds of the people who instigated and promoted a revolution. American and British soldiers candidly describe the 18th century battlefield and reveal to the reader the incredible sacrifices that they made for their respective causes. The first hand accounts from ordinary privates, commanding generals, and outspoken revolutionaries genuinely give one a feel for the era, and expose the reader to the earnest feelings that incited a revolution. This book is a must read for the slightly curious, and the serious history buff alike.