Review of THE BRITISH ARE COMING
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
Rick Atkinson's "The British Are Coming" is a gripping tome that invites readers to immerse themselves in the tumultuous early years of the American Revolutionary War. Imagine "Game of Thrones," but with redcoats and minutemen instead of dragons and direwolves. Atkinson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, knows his craft and brings to life the chaos and complexity of 1775 to 1777 with the meticulous eye of a documentarian and the narrative flair of a seasoned novelist.
Atkinson's work is not just another rehash of old history textbooks. Rather, it is a vibrant tapestry woven from countless threads of military strategy, political intrigue, and the personal stories of the war's participants. His ability to humanize figures like George Washington or King George III is reminiscent of Ron Chernow's portrayal of Alexander Hamilton—though Atkinson is far more focused on the clang of muskets than the clatter of political machinations.
As I delved into these pages, I couldn't help but think of David McCullough's "1776." Where McCullough gives us a broad, sweeping overview of the revolutionary spirit, Atkinson zooms in with a jeweler's lens on military engagements and the personal experiences of men on both sides. It’s like comparing a wide-angle shot in a Ken Burns documentary to the gritty close-ups in "Saving Private Ryan." Both are valuable, but Atkinson’s book carves out its own niche with precision and flair.
The book’s reception has been overwhelmingly positive, a testament to Atkinson's skill in marrying exhaustive research with compelling storytelling. Critics are right to praise his vivid depictions; you can almost smell the gunpowder and feel the thrum of tension in skirmishes that could have swung history in different directions. However, potential readers should be warned: Atkinson's attention to detail is not for the faint-hearted. This is not light reading for a lazy Sunday but rather an intellectual feast requiring patience and a keen appetite for history's intricacies.
In comparison to Joseph J. Ellis's "Founding Brothers," which illuminates the political dance of America's nascent leaders, Atkinson’s focus on military history is like watching a chess game unfold on an expansive battlefield. The book’s density might intimidate casual readers, but for those who relish getting lost in the past's labyrinthine corridors, it offers unparalleled insights.
"The British Are Coming" isn’t just a book; it's an experience—a time machine that transports you to the muddy fields and smoky battlegrounds where nations were forged. Atkinson has set the bar high for the remaining volumes of his Revolution Trilogy. For those intrigued by the American fight for independence, this book is an indispensable guide to understanding how the fledgling nation was shaped amidst chaos and courage.
Purchase Link: THE BRITISH ARE COMING on Amazon
