An excellent history of the run-up and battles of the American Revolution with more than the usual diversions describing how other nations reacted . . . Scholars have not ignored European participation, but Ferling writes better than most of them and pays more attention than academics to the campaigns and commanders. From battles to international relations, an outstanding introduction to the American Revolution.

A must-have volume to complete any collection covering the fight for democracy as we approach the sestercentennial.

John Ferling has long been a master historian of the Revolutionary era in America. Here he broadens the view to encompass the larger war of which the American Revolution was a part . . . a sweeping tale engagingly told.

An eloquent and sweeping introduction to the world war that was the American Revolution. I cannot imagine a better opening shot to the 250th anniversaries of its key events.

Ferling illuminates the multifaceted conflict from all angles, showing how America won and could have just as easily lost. An essential and welcome addition to the literature on the war.

With lively prose and keen insights, John Ferling rescues the true War of the American Revolution from the distortions of myth.

Capturing the breadth and complexity of an eight-year, global crisis, John Ferling’s Shots Heard Round the World is an excellent and timely contribution to the publications on the Revolution.

Could be a movie . . . Ferling’s book adroitly places the reader in the breeches and waistcoats of those who lived through, and fought in, the Revolutionary War around the globe.

Engagingly written, Shots Heard Round the World reminds us of the critical role of foreign support in the winning of the independence of the United States.”