Starting a movie script about The American Revolutionary War! Any books I should read?

by y0ung_dillinger

I've learned a lot already but I want to read some books about the war. Can anyone recommend some?

Rittermeister

The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution, 1763–1789 by Robert Middlekauff is probably the best general overview of the conflict, beginning before the war and continuing until after its close, though be prepared for a fairly long read: it's 760 pages.

Almost a Miracle: The American Victory in the War of Independence by John Ferling is another candidate, though it gives less attention to revolutionary ideology and the build-up to war and more to military matters.

With Zeal and With Bayonets Only: The British Army on Campaign in North America, 1775–1783 by Matthew Spring is a very useful reexamination of British army doctrine, tactics, and such.

If you'll tell us more about what your script is concerned with (surely you're not trying to cover the entire war?!) we can provide more targeted sources.

UrAccountabilibuddy

It's outside the scope of the Revolutionary War, but it may provide some interesting context. I recently heard several Early American historians speak very highly of Our Beloved Kin: A New History of King Philip’s War by Lisa Brooks as book that offers a deeper and richer understanding of Indigenous people in early America.