The Radicalism of the American Revolution
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Product Description
In a grand and immemsely readable synthesis of historical, political, cultural, and economic analysis, a prize-winning historian depicts much more than a break with England. He gives readers a revolution that transformed an almost feudal society into a democratic one, whose emerging realities sometimes baffled and disappointed its founding fathers.
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First Sentence
To appreciate the extent of change that took place in the Revolution, we have to re-create something of the old colonial society that was subsequently transformed. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
To appreciate the extent of change that took place in the Revolution, we have to re-create something of the old colonial society that was subsequently transformed. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is essential reading for any student of the revolution. Essentially, it explains the origins of the idea of American exceptionalism--how we came to be a nation radically different from any that had come before. It is scholarship at its best, and is particularly well written. Moreover, it succeeds where other accounts don't by telling the complete story of the revolution. Whereas Bernard Bailyn's Ideologicial Origins of the American Revolution, though excellent, may dwell too much on the intellectual currents at the time, or other studies may seem to be little more than accounts of battles, backcountry revolts, this book incorporates specific facts of social life and shows how they shaped ideas. Two criticisms: First, as a scholarly work, it is hardly evocative. Second, the tendency for Wood to want to draw a clear "before and after" picture of an unmistakable break with the past tend to makes me think that he chooses to ignore "democratic" or Whig forces in America prior to 1760, while over-emphasizing them later to paint a picture of radical change.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
When I finished reading this superb thesis, I considered it to be the best synthesis of the issues relating to America's transformation from paternal colonialism to egalitarian democracy I had read to date. Wood argues successfully that the American Revolution is an often neglected event in world (eurocentric) history that deserves a place among the French, Russian, and Industrial Revolutions. Then, after digging through my other colonial history books I discovered something: Wood cheats. Well, not really, but he exaggerates. In order to emphasize his thesis, he needs to offer a "before and after" picture of America that is quite wide. He does this by presenting a somewhat incomplete or "biased" view of the North American colonies before the Revolution. He frequently makes reference to the insignificance of the colonial cities, economy, aristocracy, institutions, etc... when compared to the mother country. While such a comparison may lead to obvious conclusions, it presents an artificially diminished view of the colonial society and institutions when considered independently. True, Philadelphia is not, as was not, comparable to London, but that in no way diminishes its contribution to world history. If the colonies were so insignificant, why assemble an army across an ocean to maintain possession? Hofstadter presents a much more objective portrait of colonial conditions.
Format:Paperback
Gordon Wood has written a text that is a must read for anyone with an interest in how our democracy got its start. The use of the word radicalism is not something used to sell the book. Wood argues that our American Revolution was not conservative; moreover, the ideas and concepts which led to the uprising of American colonists was unprecedented in the history of the world. This is not just a scholarly text from a Harvard educated author; this is a page turner! The reader comes to know our founding fathers in ways in which most of us have never seen them. This is an absolute must read for the amateur or professional historian. Do yourself a favor; read it!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Authorotative
There are no details left unexamined, or unexplained!
Published on 30 April 1998
Excellent History and Very Entertaining
One of the best books I have read in recent years. Not only
is it excellent history, it reads easily and is very convincing. Read more
is it excellent history, it reads easily and is very convincing. Read more
Published on 15 Dec 1995
An essential work for understanding the American Revolution
Wood argues that the American Revolution was essentially a revolution in prosperity. The revolution spurred the penetration of networks of commerce deep among the population. Read more
Published on 15 Dec 1995
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