The Many Rides Of Paul Revere
*Starred Review* Giblin's attractive, large-format book sets the record straight on Paul Revere's life and his role in the American Revolution. Beginning with his father's journey to America, this well-organized biography presents a lucid account of Revere's childhood, his limited education, his training in his father's workshop, his brief military career, and his adult life as a silversmith, family man, and Revolutionary War leader. In that role, he made not one, but many rides to deliver important messages. In creating his portrait of Revere, Giblin presents salient facts and intriguing details to create a well-rounded and credible image of the man. Among the many illustrations are period portraits, narrative paintings, engravings, drawings, and maps as well as photos of significant sites and artifacts. Appendixes include a time line and annotated lists of books, Internet sites, and historic sites to visit. Unlike some biographies of Revere, this one does not relate (only to refute) certain legendary "facts," though it does note the ways in which the historical record contradicts the famous poem "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere," which is reprinted here. Giblin notes that Longfellow, in attempting to create an American hero rather than to write an accurate history, "more than achieved his goal." That's a gracious concession from a writer who has taken the latter path here, and with notable success. Phelan, Carolyn