tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post1063147659682916047..comments2024-02-29T02:54:19.767-05:00Comments on Babbling Books: Brothers at Arms by Larrie D. FerreiroBrian Josephhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-1865955368994321132018-07-22T02:14:40.279-04:002018-07-22T02:14:40.279-04:00Very welcome Maria. I look forward to reading abou...Very welcome Maria. I look forward to reading about what you think about the books. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-16242283147577768512018-07-22T02:13:22.299-04:002018-07-22T02:13:22.299-04:00Hi Violet- The American Revolution is such a big t...Hi Violet- The American Revolution is such a big topic and there are many controversies still stirring over it. Thus I am OK going over similar ground with different authors. To some degree, they all have different perspectives. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-89571170577702798882018-07-21T22:41:40.402-04:002018-07-21T22:41:40.402-04:00Thanks so much for the recs, Brian! I'm starti...Thanks so much for the recs, Brian! I'm starting a new TBR on Goodreads specifically for the American Revolution, and I'm adding these books to it!<br /><br />Hope you have a nice Sunday!! <3 :)Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-83047768644544809832018-07-21T22:39:00.733-04:002018-07-21T22:39:00.733-04:00I like books that place historical events into a w...I like books that place historical events into a wider political context. I've only read a bit about the American Revolution, mostly from the British perspective. I'm glad you found a book that offered some new insights - sometimes it can feel repetitive reading the same thing over and over in different books on the same topic. Violethttp://still-life-with-books.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-84007144536014933392018-07-21T22:14:13.875-04:002018-07-21T22:14:13.875-04:00Thanks Maria. Though I have read a lot about The A...Thanks Maria. Though I have read a lot about The American Revolution, my interest is that of an amateur only. As i mentioned to Marian, I think a great overall introduction is Robert Middlekauff‘s The Glorious Cause. Gordon Wood’s Radicalism If The American Revolution is incredibly informative, however, it is all political and social philosophy so some might find it dry. I also think that biographies of many of the founders are a good source to read. In terms of biographies, Washington is a good place to start. I thought that Joseph Ellis’s His excellency was a great book. <br /> <br />Have a great weekend!Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-37023907866749264702018-07-21T15:39:27.459-04:002018-07-21T15:39:27.459-04:00ANOTHER BRILLIANT POST, BRIAN!! :)
I think that, ...ANOTHER BRILLIANT POST, BRIAN!! :)<br /><br />I think that, by now, you can call yourself an expert on the American Revolution, since you've read so many books about it. I really have to start reading about this topic myself, as this conflict is the very basis of our great country! <br /><br />I am therefore asking you to recommend a basic text for someone who has not read anything at all about the American Revolution since high school. Lol.<br /><br />Another reason I'd like to start reading about the Revolution is that I tutor adult ESOL students at my school, and some of them are preparing for their citizenship test. Of course, they need to know the answers to a LOT of civics questions -- 100 of them, in fact. And in English, too. <br /><br />Some of the questions they need to answer are: "What did the Declaration of Independence do?" One of the answers to this question is: "Announced our independence from Great Britain." Other questions are: "What is one reason colonists came to America?" There are several possible answers: "Freedom" and "Political Liberty" are just two of them. Here's another question: "Why did the colonists fight the British?" Again, there are several possible answers. Here are two: "Because of high taxes." "Because they didn't have self government."<br /><br />So, as I have been coaching these students to help them study all of these questions, I have become more interested in the American Revolution. <br /><br />Of course, the 100 civics questions don't all focus on this topic. There are other types of questions, too. But this important conflict is certainly mentioned more than once.<br /><br />From my high school classes, I remember that France was a HUGE help to the American colonists. However, I had no idea that Spain was involved, as well (or at least, I don't remember this), nor that the conflict actually extended into so many areas. <br /><br />I want to read this book, but it does sound daunting, given that I need to refresh my high school memories. Lol. So please do send me a beginner's recommendation! :)<br /><br />Thanks for your insightful thoughts, Brian! Hope you're having a great Saturday!! <3 :) <br />Maria Beharhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13635809880830316283noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-57517061846701771712018-07-20T16:54:18.196-04:002018-07-20T16:54:18.196-04:00Hi Hila - Lafayette is an paticular interest of mi...Hi Hila - Lafayette is an paticular interest of mine. It is during The French Revolution that he really got interesting. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-87856069327709549292018-07-20T15:26:17.503-04:002018-07-20T15:26:17.503-04:00This looks like a great book. I've recently be...This looks like a great book. I've recently been reading about Lafayette, and he was fascinating (including his involvement in the French Revolution).HKatzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17653570160517335758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-84446133551299336172018-07-20T03:58:22.922-04:002018-07-20T03:58:22.922-04:00Hi Susan - There really were fascinating connectio...Hi Susan - There really were fascinating connections between The American and French Revolutions. I am also concerned about where we might be heading now. It seems that the entire democratic alliance of nations is at risk. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-83339368089876227572018-07-19T20:59:34.969-04:002018-07-19T20:59:34.969-04:00It's quite fascinating to find out how much Fr...It's quite fascinating to find out how much France & Spain helped America during their fight for independence. When I was in France I saw quite a few statues to those who were our Founding Fathers. France is surely America's oldest ally as they always say. No wonder the U.S. had to come to the aid of the French big time during WWII -- as well as the Allies in WWI. I just really hope we don't lose sight of our history together & lose these Allies under such a president as we have now. hmm ruff !!thecuecardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08870323589682197091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-89407644015167602302018-07-18T23:19:15.680-04:002018-07-18T23:19:15.680-04:00Hi WG - The American Revolution is such a big topi...Hi WG - The American Revolution is such a big topic that I think there will be an endless supply of new books. Some of them will be original. I am not sure how much the average American knows about Canada and The American Revolution. Wither way, The Americans invaded Canada early on. Needless to say, it was then a key region for the remainder of the war. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-75458041591430898242018-07-18T07:16:31.094-04:002018-07-18T07:16:31.094-04:00It never ceases to amaze me how many new angles hi...It never ceases to amaze me how many new angles historians can find to explore past events that have already been well written about - and yet, more often than not, the new angles are valid (whether or not you think they belong to the specific event in question!!)<br /><br />I was intrigued to discover some American Revolution history in the Toronto region when we visited there - but that's not surprising given how close it was/is to the border. And it's probably history that's well known in the US, but not necessarily to us Aussies only broadly versed in US history.Whispering Gumshttps://whisperinggums.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-10463056686735647032018-07-17T17:35:32.945-04:002018-07-17T17:35:32.945-04:00Hi Caroline- At lease on this side of The Atlantic...Hi Caroline- At lease on this side of The Atlantic, there are tens of thousands of books on The American Revolutionary era available. Many of them are worthwhile. As such, it is easy to maintain a lifetime interest. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-26265513460063658952018-07-17T09:43:33.030-04:002018-07-17T09:43:33.030-04:00As you say, this is rather a specialized book, non...As you say, this is rather a specialized book, nonetheless, you make it sound worthwhile. <br />I'm always surprised to see how many books on one particular topic have been written. There are so many angles to explore. I'm sure it's exciting to find a new one on a topic you're already so familiar with. Carolinehttp://beautyisasleepingcat.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-35460299339398045612018-07-16T04:17:00.269-04:002018-07-16T04:17:00.269-04:00Thanks Suko - The American Revolution is a fascina...Thanks Suko - The American Revolution is a fascinating subject for me. I still also have a lot to learn. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-11354139161112360722018-07-16T04:15:17.348-04:002018-07-16T04:15:17.348-04:00Hi James - Indeed, this is, this is an angle to Th...Hi James - Indeed, this is, this is an angle to The American Revolution that is so little known, but so important to understanding it. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-89202335994630761752018-07-15T20:56:58.477-04:002018-07-15T20:56:58.477-04:00Very interesting, thoughtful commentary, Brian Jos...Very interesting, thoughtful commentary, Brian Joseph. I learned a few things about the American Revolution in your post. I'm sure I'd learn a great deal if I read <i>Brothers at Arms</i>. Sukohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11893742747135555499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-40263875415403468072018-07-15T19:50:23.132-04:002018-07-15T19:50:23.132-04:00This sounds like a great history of a less well-kn...This sounds like a great history of a less well-known aspect of the American Revolution. I appreciate your fine commentary and would consider this for my future reading.Jameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00561320676355168336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-40871568123548623932018-07-15T06:06:16.728-04:002018-07-15T06:06:16.728-04:00Hi Kathy - The period leading up to The Revolution...Hi Kathy - The period leading up to The Revolution is indeed fascinating. Thanks for The recamendtion on Shara’s book. I Googled it. The book looks great. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-18499215999733954942018-07-15T06:02:18.101-04:002018-07-15T06:02:18.101-04:00Hi Marian - The Revolution is really a big subject...Hi Marian - The Revolution is really a big subject. I think a great overall introduction is Robert Middlekauff‘s The Glorious Cause. Gordon Wood’s Radicalism If The American Revolution is incredibly informative, however, it is all political and social philosophy so some might find it dry. I also think that biographies of many of the founders are a good source to read. If you liked HBO’s John Adams it is based on The David McCullough biography that I thought was excellent. This is also a great resource on books about the Revolution:<br /><br />https://allthingsliberty.com/2017/03/100-best-american-revolution-books-time/Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-65499139827811591212018-07-15T05:46:32.378-04:002018-07-15T05:46:32.378-04:00Hi Sharon- I think that you would like this. Sever...Hi Sharon- I think that you would like this. Several of the Lafeyette biographies also get into a lot of detail about French involvement in The Revolution. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-83279946923413991362018-07-14T23:34:18.019-04:002018-07-14T23:34:18.019-04:00Hi Brian, I find that I am more interested in the ...Hi Brian, I find that I am more interested in the lead up to tne American Revolution, the Boston Tea Party, the Stamp Act etc then the Revolutionary War itself. Have you read Jeff Shara's Rise To Rebellion? Excellent historical fiction.Kathy's Cornerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03967595794483824444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-64483007687506827032018-07-14T22:01:11.820-04:002018-07-14T22:01:11.820-04:00Hi Brian,
This sounds like an excellent read. I ...Hi Brian,<br /><br />This sounds like an excellent read. I did not realize how much the success of the Americans depended on the help of France, much less Spain. I think this is a book I will definitely put on my TBR pile.Sharon Wilfonghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17466621290140789056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-21569051923106243992018-07-14T20:57:27.028-04:002018-07-14T20:57:27.028-04:00I rewatched the first few episodes of HBO's Jo...I rewatched the first few episodes of HBO's John Adams recently, and one thing I'd forgotten was that additional European nations beyond France were approached for support. This sounds like a really interesting look at that side of things.<br /><br />Is there a specific book(s) you'd recommend for an overall introduction to the Revolution? I'm of your opinion, that multiple sources are necessary for a good understanding. That said, for this subject, I'm not even sure where to start.Marian Hhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14115916138435761469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4043273283783489008.post-84737147768071369522018-07-14T18:12:17.283-04:002018-07-14T18:12:17.283-04:00Hi Mudpuddle- The American Revolution was indeed a...Hi Mudpuddle- The American Revolution was indeed a complex event. I find that when it comes to the Event, like many other things, the road to truth comes with reading many sources and many points of view. Brian Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15139559400312336791noreply@blogger.com