DISCORD
The British Are Coming
Rick Atkinson, George Newbern
Goodreads Choice Awards
The New York Times Best Sellers
30 Min Reading Time
Audio Version Available
About this book
From Pulitzer Prize-winning author Rick Atkinson comes the explosive first volume of his American Revolution trilogy, The British Are Coming. This deeply researched and vividly told narrative plunges into the first twenty-one months of America's desperate fight for independence, from the fateful shots at Lexington and Concord to the pivotal battles of Trenton and Princeton.
Follow the journey of ordinary Americans—farmers, booksellers, and thinkers—as they transform into soldiers and diplomats, facing the might of the British Empire. Meet unforgettable figures like the brilliant artilleryman Henry Knox, the resilient general Nathanael Greene, the shrewd diplomat Benjamin Franklin, and the resolute commander George Washington, all brought to life with Atkinson's signature blend of historical accuracy and compelling storytelling.
Experience the brutal realities of war, the ingenious strategies, and the profound human drama of a nation forging its identity. The British Are Coming offers a fresh, dynamic perspective on the Revolution, capturing the sacrifice, the blunders, and the unwavering courage that defined the birth of a nation.
Summary of Key Ideas
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The Revolution's Chaotic Beginnings
The book meticulously chronicles the initial years of the American Revolution, starting from the battles of Lexington and Concord and culminating in the pivotal victory at Princeton. It emphasizes the chaotic and often improvised nature of the early fighting, highlighting the stark contrast between the seasoned British forces and the inexperienced Continental Army. Atkinson vividly portrays the strategic blunders, tactical missteps, and sheer brutality of the war, offering a grounded and realistic view of the conflict's origins, moving away from romanticized narratives.
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Portraits of Key Figures
Atkinson delves into the lives and characters of key figures on both sides of the conflict, providing nuanced portraits of individuals such as George Washington, King George III, and various British commanders. He explores their motivations, flaws, and the immense pressures they faced during this tumultuous period. The book reveals Washington's early struggles as a military leader, the political complexities faced by the British, and the human cost of war for soldiers and civilians alike, thereby enriching the historical narrative.
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The Role of Contingency and Luck
The narrative underscores the crucial role of contingency and luck in shaping the course of the war. Atkinson argues that the American victory was far from inevitable and that a series of fortunate events, British miscalculations, and timely decisions by American leaders contributed to the ultimate outcome. This perspective challenges deterministic views of history, emphasizing the importance of understanding the unpredictable nature of warfare and the influence of individual actions on major historical events.
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Social and Political Divisions
Atkinson meticulously examines the social and political context of the American Revolution, illustrating how the conflict divided communities and families. He portrays the deep-seated loyalties to the Crown that persisted even as revolutionary fervor grew, highlighting the internal conflicts and divisions within American society. The book also explores the evolving political landscape and the challenges faced by the Continental Congress in forging a united front against British rule.
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The Brutal Realities of Warfare
The book provides vivid depictions of battles and military campaigns, emphasizing the brutal realities of 18th-century warfare. Atkinson describes the tactics, weaponry, and logistical challenges faced by both armies, painting a visceral picture of the physical and psychological toll of combat. He highlights the importance of factors such as terrain, weather, and supply lines in determining the outcome of battles, offering a detailed and immersive account of the military aspects of the Revolution.
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Evolving Strategies and Objectives
Atkinson explores the evolving strategies and objectives of both the British and American forces. He analyzes the British attempts to suppress the rebellion through military force and political maneuvering, as well as the American efforts to secure independence through armed resistance and diplomatic initiatives. The book emphasizes the strategic challenges faced by both sides, including the vast distances, logistical constraints, and the need to maintain popular support for the war effort.
Chapter Recap
About The Author
Rick Atkinson
Lawrence Rush "Rick" Atkinson IV is an American author who has won Pulitzer Prizes in history and journalism. After working as a newspaper reporter, editor, and foreign correspondent for The Washington Post, Atkinson turned to writing military history. His six books include narrative accounts of four different American wars. His Liberation Trilogy, a history of the American role in the liberation of Europe in World War II, concluded with the publication of The Guns at Last Light in May 2013. In 2010, he received the $100,000 Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing. - Wikipedia
Main Quotes
"The tasks were too many, the seas too vast, the sails too few."
"Popular lore later credited him with a stirring battle cry—'The British are coming!'—but a witness quoted him as warning, more prosaically, 'The regulars are coming.'"
"The army decamped, the London Gazette explained, 'with the greatest order and regularity, and without the least interruption from the rebels.'"
"On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn."
"When two lanterns were set ablaze, Paul Revere rode through the towns, waking the minutemen, shouting "The British are coming! The British are coming!" Oh, the ignorance."
"There is something within our biological structure that makes us want to do."
"The British are Coming is the beginning of a revolution."
"To say that Atkinson can tell a story is like saying Sinatra can sing."
"Full of riveting details and untold stories, The British Are Coming is a tale of heroes and knaves, of sacrifice and blunder, of redemption and profound loss."
"The paradox of British power and loss as much as the beginnings of the United States frame The British are Coming."
Who Should Read This Book
Individuals interested in American Revolutionary War history
Readers who appreciate detailed historical narratives
Fans of Pulitzer Prize-winning authors
Those seeking engaging and well-researched military history
People interested in the early stages of the American Revolution, including the battles of Lexington and Princeton
Book Summaries Like
The British Are Coming
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