A notable merit of his account of the birth of the American revolution is its fairmindedness . . . readable and sensible.

Vivid, realistic and sometimes shocking . . . [character] is certainly the animating spirit of this fine narrative history and, in a sprawling, vibrant cast, the character that emerges most forcefully is that of the city of Boston itself: tumultuous, vigorous and fascinating.

Admirably even-handed . . . this perceptive account.

Brilliantly told. Philbrick is a master narrator who has deployed every ounce of his considerable skill . . . to find the lifeblood of early America

This is popular history at its best: a taut narrative with a novelist’s touch, grounded in careful research.

A masterpiece of narrative and perspective . . . unforgettable.

Tightly focused and richly detailed . . . From the outset, Philbrick makes it clear that, unlike many other popular historians of the Revolution, he plans to be even-handed rather than merely glorify the colonial rebels . . . at his most vivid in conveying scenes of battle . . . what adds depth to the narrative is his fine sense of the ambitions that drive people in war and politics.

A fine account of a bloody early battle.

If you’re interested in the military aspects of the war, this is a great overview of a complex story, and one that never loses sight of its human participants.