Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
A fascinating warts and all history of the role of Boston and the rest of Massachusetts in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, and the beginning of the war .Sometimes a bit too breathless about the personal lives of the leading figures, it paints a picture that would not be looked upon with favor by today's Tea Party. The Patriots were not saints and the British and their American supporters were not devils. All were human. My thanks to Philbrick for bringing to life some of the drama of early days of our revolution in such readable (listenable - is that a word?) fashion. He manages to give some bit of humanity to George Washington for being a bit less god-like in that Washington did have weaknesses. The story of Knox bringing cannon across country in mid winter makes for a fascinating story all by itself. The author makes one aside about Wasington having around him damaged men with attractive wives. Plus, he brings up Washington being very purposeful in portraying himself in a noble light. I wonder if Washington wasn't on to something - the audacious accomplishments of others may best be reflected in their choices of spouse. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, it seems that a British populace was mostly oblivious to there being anything "wrong" in the colonies - royal officialdom not wanting to upset its subjects. Ah, some things never change. Some tidbits about features of colonial Boston being evident yet today might make this an excellent book for someone spending a few days in Boston on business with a bit of time to kill. I have walked "The Commons" and some of the Freedom Trail - sadly, prior to this books publication by several years.
What do You think about Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution (2013)?
Listened to this one. Really good book for a long road trip - Fascinating detail!
—dart6911
loved the part that describes what lead to the shot heard round the world.
—Shalay
So many exceptional details of great local stories in this book.
—mituche
A brief history on Boston. Good read!
—tierramarcia
