The First Salute

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What to expect

Two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize, distinguished historian, and bestselling author Barbara W. Tuchman finally turns her sights homeward. Here she analyzes the American Revolution in a brilliantly original way, placing the war in the historical context of the centuries-long conflicts between England and both France and Holland, demonstrating how the aid of both of these nations made the triumph of American independence possible. She sheds new light on the key role played by the contending navies, paints a magnificent portrait of General George Washington, and recounts in riveting detail the decisive campaign of the war at Yorktown. A compellingly written work of history, The First Salute presents a fresh, new view of the events that led from the first foreign salute to American nationhood in 1776 to the last campaign of the Revolution five years later. It brings vividly to life the people and events responsible for the birth of our nation.

Critics Review

  • “Publication of her tenth book is an opportunity to offer a 21-gun salute. So for wisdom dispensed and pleasure received, commence fire.”

    Time

  • “Entertaining…Tuchman has crammed [her book] with anecdotes and deft characterizations that have distinguished her work for more than thirty years.”

    Los Angeles Times Book Review

  • “Barbara Tuchman writes narrative history in the great tradition…A persuasive book, which brings us entertaining pictures, scenes and characters.”

    Chicago Tribune

  • “Brilliant…The First Salute gives a detailed analysis of conditions leading to the American victory.”

    St. Louis Post-Dispatch

  • “[A] brilliant slice of American Revolutionary history…Expertly weaving political and military history, Tuchman lets you feel how Washington’s victory at Yorktown sent shock waves around the globe.”

    Publishers Weekly

  • “There’s a lot of detail here for the listener to absorb, and while narrator [Wanda McCaddon’s] pace may be a bit quick at times, it keeps the story flowing. Furthermore, [McCaddon’s] diction is superb, and her tone is bell-like in its clarity. Her performance is always expressive, without being overdone, and she renders the odd moment of dry humor well, making this is an accessible history for the general reader.”

    AudioFile

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