Top 2012 American Revolution Books

The American Revolution was one of the most momentous events of the 18th century. It marked the beginning of a series of revolutions throughout Europe, many of which were inspired by the American Revolution and a new-found belief in the freedom from absolute monarchy. This year, there are many new books about the American Revolution. I’ve picked out the top American Revolution book releases of 2012, which run the gamut from revolutionary biographies to a colorful exploration of the symbolism of American Revolution fashion.

John Dickinson is a founding father who is often categorized solely by his reluctance to sign the Declaration of Independence, and is even written as a caricature in most American Revolutionary films and TV shows. But this new work by William, the first new biography of John Dickinson in 50 years, counters these caricatures and stereotypes with a fresh new look at this misunderstood patriot.

Title: “The Cost Of Liberty: The Life of John Dickinson”

Author: Murchison William

ISBN: 978-1933859941

Publisher: Intercollegiate Studies Institute

Publication Date: July 15, 2012

Summary: Contrary to the popular depictions of John Dickinson as a reluctant patriot, this new work explores his role as a man with great principals, a philosopher, a writer, and a speaker who was rivaled in talent only by Thomas Jefferson. This fresh new look strives to give this founding father an overdue biography worthy of his life.

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most influential documents in American history. It greatly influenced the Western world with its creation and continues to influence our lives and politics today. Many works have been published on the creation of this document, but what about the rest of its history? This new work by Alexander Tsesis explores the “life” of the Declaration of Independence, from its creation through its modern day application.

Title: “For Liberty and Equality: The Life and Times of the Declaration of Independence”

Author: Alexander Tsesis

ISBN: 978-0195379693

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Publication Date: June 1, 2012

Summary: The influence of the Declaration of Independence did not end with the American Revolutionary War. Since its creation, the Declaration of Independence has had a dramatic influence on America laws, politics and lives. This extensive study of the Declaration of Independence examines its early history and the history of the document and its influence from the 18th century through the 21st century.

Benedict Arnold is perhaps the most famous negative figure of the French Revolution. But what about the woman who was most connected with this famous figure, who until now, has never received an extensive biographical treatment? Peggy Shippen was a society girl who was deeply involved in Benedict Arnold’s plot to ruining the revolutionary war — but her involvement in these political games has been greatly diminished due to her gender and the 18th century view of women as unimportant. If she had been a man, she would have certainly been arrested, tried, and executed for treason. This new work is not to be pissed!

Title: “Treacherous Beauty: Peggy Shippen, the Woman behind Benedict Arnold’s Plot to Betray America”

Author: Stephen H. Case and Mark Jacobs

ISBN: 78-0762773886

Publisher: Lyons Press

Publication Date: July 3, 2012

Summary: While we regularly honor Revolutionary War heroines such as Molly Pitcher and Abigail Adams, rarely do authors touch the subject of female “villains” of the Revolutionary War, though male Loyalists and traitors are given more historical worth. This first extensive biography of Peggy Shippen, a society girl who was deeply involved with Benedict Arnold and played a deep role in furthering his actions to betray George Washington and the revolution, is an eye-opening look at an often ignored female part of the American Revolution.

The study of fashion is so much more than the study of what clothes looked like. Studying clothing can reveal a lot about daily lives and even politics. This new study on the language of clothing in Colonial and Federal America studies the transformation of American clothing from colonial times to the early Federation.

Title: “What Clothes Reveal: The Language of Clothing in Colonial and Federal America”

Author: Linda Baumgarten

ISBN: 978-0300181074

Publisher: Yale University Press

Publication Date: February 28, 2012

Summary: A visual feast from the collection of Colonial Williamsburg which explores the changing fashion of Colonial and Federal America. This new work by Linda Baumgarten reveals so much more than just what people wore – filled with extensive fashion facts (For example, did you know that George Washington was taller than George W. Bush?) and an interesting study of how fashion was used toe express political and social language before, during and after the American Revolution.

Sources

The information in this article has been acquired from Amazon.com. Publication dates are subject to change.


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