Rick Atkinson on Writing the American Revolution

The American Revolution is a creation story that accounts for who we are, where we came from, what we believe, and what our forebears were willing to die for. Rick Atkinson’s new trilogy show the war as soldiers and militiamen saw it—terrifying, bestial, and occasionally grand—and as generals fought it, sometimes well, often badly.

Rick Atkinson is the bestselling author of the Liberation Trilogy—An Army at Dawn, The Day of Battle, and The Guns at Last Light—as well as The Long Gray Line and other books. His many awards include Pulitzer Prizes for history and journalism. A former staff writer and senior editor at The Washington Post, he lives in Washington, D.C.

Volume one of Rick Atkinson's Revolution Trilogy is The British Are Coming which recounts the first 21 months of America’s violent war for independence. From the battles at Lexington and Concord in spring 1775 to those at Trenton and Princeton in winter 1776-1777, American militiamen and then the ragged Continental Army take on the world’s most formidable fighting force, led by none other than General George Washington.

Full of riveting details and untold stories, The British Are Coming is a tale of heroes and knaves, of sacrifice and blunder, of redemption and profound suffering. Rick Atkinson has given stirring new life to the first act of our country’s creation drama.

[IowaMoss]

One of the greatest history authors of our time. He can write with an astounding descriptive prose, and his research is impeccable. I am a huge history buff, and love the subject matter of this book; but I bought it because Rick Atkinson wrote it. Looking forward to the other two!

[QueenCityHistory]

My ancestors fought in the Revolution, however they fought for the British. I used to think how could they??? I had a brilliant history teacher who taught us to look at both sides. Now I understand why they fought for Britain and why their decedent's fought for the Confederacy in the civil war. Before you judge, understand the time and their train of thought...not just what you've been taught to believe.

[zacharyclark]

I love how the founding fathers were imperfect men who strived to the best of their ability to form a more perfect union.

[bagder]

I hope he covers the perspectives of loyalists, neutralists, and mercenary factions like the Hessian and Scots

[connorpusey]

I can’t wait to get it. I have Shelby Foote’s Civil War trilogy and Washington Irving’s 5 volume biography of George Washington. Now I need to add this trilogy to my book collection.

[janegarry]

Amazing review in today's New York Times by Joseph Ellis

[FlorianusadisaputraErwin]

MY SAYANG KAROLINE LEAVITT MAHATMA ERWIN DULMIN

[FlorianusadisaputraErwin]

MY SAYANG KAROLINE LEAVITT MAHATMA ERWIN DULMIN