book the american revolution

the american revolution book by geoffrey c. ward, ken burns

delve into the rich and complex history of the united states with "the american revolution," a compelling work by geoffrey c. ward and ken burns. this book offers a fresh and intimate perspective on the nation\s founding, moving beyond traditional narratives to explore the lives of ordinary individuals caught in the crucible of war. it is a story of a war for independence, a brutal civil war, and a world-altering conflict that reshaped a continent and sparked democratic movements globally. this comprehensive volume promises a deeply engaging and visually stunning exploration of a pivotal moment in history, making the quest for "the american revolution book" a search for a truly enlightening historical journey.

about the author geoffrey c. ward, ken burns

geoffrey c. ward is a distinguished historian and screenwriter, renowned for his insightful and meticulously researched historical narratives. he has authored numerous award-winning books and has been a long-time collaborator with ken burns, penning the scripts for many of his acclaimed documentary series, including "the civil war," "baseball," and "the vietnam war." ken burns is one of the most celebrated documentary filmmakers of our time, known for his masterful storytelling and his ability to bring history to life for a wide audience. his films have garnered numerous awards and have become landmarks in american public television, with "the civil war" being one of the highest-rated series in its history.

the american revolution summary

"the american revolution" by geoffrey c. ward and ken burns offers a panoramic and deeply personal account of the eight-year struggle for american independence. the book moves beyond the well-trodden tales of the founding fathers to present a more inclusive and ground-level view of the conflict. it portrays the revolution not just as a war for independence, but as a complex and often brutal civil war that divided communities and families. readers will experience the war through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters, including ordinary soldiers, women, african americans, native americans, and loyalists, whose voices and stories are often marginalized in traditional histories. the narrative is enriched with a stunning collection of prints, paintings, maps, and guest essays from esteemed historians, providing a multi-faceted understanding of this transformative period. ultimately, the book reveals a nation still grappling with the profound questions about life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that ignited its remarkable and tumultuous founding. this human-centered approach provides a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of america\s origins.

frequently asked questions about the american revolution

1. what is the main focus of \the american revolution\ by geoffrey c. ward and ken burns?

   the book focuses on presenting a human-centered history of america\s founding struggle. it tells the story from the bottom up, through the eyes of ordinary soldiers and underrepresented populations like women, african americans, native americans, and loyalists, rather than solely from the perspective of the founding fathers.

2. is this book a companion to a documentary?

   yes, this book is a companion to the six-part, twelve-hour pbs documentary series of the same name by ken burns. the book expands on the themes and stories presented in the film.

3. what makes this book different from other books about the american revolution?

   this book stands out due to its intimate and inclusive approach. it delves into the personal stories and diverse perspectives of those who lived through the war, including those often left out of traditional narratives. it also features guest essays from prominent historians, adding further depth and context.

4. who are the authors, geoffrey c. ward and ken burns?

   geoffrey c. ward is an acclaimed historian and screenwriter who has authored numerous books and written for many of ken burns\s documentary films. ken burns is a celebrated documentary filmmaker known for his distinctive style and in-depth historical series on american subjects.

5. does the book address the contradictions of the american revolution?

   yes, the book directly confronts the paradoxes of the era, such as the fight for liberty coexisting with the institution of slavery. it aims to present a truthful and nuanced account of the nation\s founding, acknowledging both its triumphs and its tragedies.