Lexington and Concord Audiobook By George C. Daughan cover art

Lexington and Concord

The Battle Heard Round the World

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George C. Daughan's magnificently detailed account of the battle of Lexington and Concord will challenge the prevailing narrative of the American War of Independence. It was, Daughan argues, based as much on economics as on politics. 

When Benjamin Franklin wrote home about living conditions in Britain and Ireland, his countrymen were appalled. Could the Crown's motive be to reduce the prosperous American colonies to such serfdom? This idea inspired the vast turnout of Patriot militiamen at Lexington and Concord that so shocked King George III and his ministers. The scorn of the British for the experienced colonial fighters was another key factor. The British troops - many had never been in battle - were outnumbered and outclassed; their leaders were impervious to reason; and the fate of British rule in America was sealed. 

Authoritative and immersive, Lexington and Concord offers new understanding of a battle that became a template for colonial uprising in later centuries.

©2018 George C. Daughan (P)2018 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books United States Military Americas Revolution & Founding
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Well detailed, but not pedantic, the book is crystal clear in the telling and timeline of events.

Great explainer on the start of the Revolution

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The author ended fax and details that I’ve never heard before and found it engaging to listen to

Well written and documented story about the shot heard round the world

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the author offers new perspective on the sociological aspect of the struggle. But he shows insufficient insight into British politics of the time.

The long lead-up to the American Revolution

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While I did enjoy this book, I think that I should offer a disclaimer that this book's focus is more on the events leading up to the battle of Lexington and Concord than it is about the actual battle itself. I would guess that not more than 15% of the book is spent relating the vents of the battle, so for those wanting more of a military history approach, I would advise looking elsewhere.
Daughan is more critical of Gage than any other evaluation that I have seen. He also highly criticizes King George and his lackeys who serve in Parliament. I am not saying that I disagree, but Daughan squarely places the blame for the war at George's inability to perceive the reality of colonial/British relations. I had always thought George a stubborn fool for refusing to even read petitions from the colonies, but Daughan shows just how petulant he could be.
But there is enough blame to be spread around, and Daughan does give the rebels/patriots a relatively free ride. But he does do an excellent job of showing how attitudes hardened to a degree that war seemed inevitable.

more background than actual action

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A great book detailing how New Englanders came together in their time of need and launched the greatest revolution the world has seen!

New Englanders Pride

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