“Likely to be one of the enduring accounts of the opening of the American Revolution.… Loaded with intriguing details, sort of historical nonpareil candies sprinkled throughout the account.… A pleasing marriage of scholarly research and approachable language.”
—David Shribman, Boston Globe
“Walter Borneman has written an engaging and illuminating account of some of the most critical weeks in American history. Here is how it all began.”
—Jon Meacham, author of Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power
“Borneman delivers a gripping, almost moment-by-moment account of the nasty exchanges and bloody retreat of British troops followed by hundreds and then thousands of militia who camped around Boston and laid siege.… A first-rate contribution.”
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“An exceptionally detailed account of the first six months of 1775.… A balanced and thorough narrative.”
—Douglas King, Library Journal
“Borneman’s approach gives the reader not just a comprehensive understanding of the rebels’ motives, obstacles, and overall tensions, but also makes the setting of the colonies during the spring of 1775 vivid and real to a twenty-first-century audience.… An enjoyable and accessible read.”
—Publishers Weekly
“An excellent history of the origins of the American Revolution.”
—Army magazine
“Walter R. Borneman’s superb American Spring: Lexington, Concord, and the Road to Revolution tells the story of that period in significant detail with descriptions of military engagements and legislative actions, but never loses sight of the personalities at all levels. To a great extent, Borneman relies on the original affidavits, correspondence, and memories of the participants and views events from their perspective—before they knew what the outcome would be—giving us a remarkably fresh look at this transformative period.… Borneman’s authoritative, carefully structured, and very well-written account often seems to place readers in the moment with events that changed the course of history.”
—Roger Bishop, BookPage