The American Revolution: A History (Modern Library Chronicles)
Gordon S. Wood'sThe American Revolution, part of the Modern  Library Chronicles series, is an erudite, concise summary of the events and  circumstances surrounding the seminal conflict, both physical and philosophical,  in American history. The Modern Library Chronicles are accessible-but-serious  works of scholarship, meant to serve as introductions (or refresher courses) on  large subjects for interested readers.The American Revolutionis an  excellent case in point. Wood deftly describes seeds of the Revolution, most  notably disgruntlement on the colonists' part brought about by increasingly  maladroit and fiscally punishing British policies. He then follows the course of  actual warfare and its aftermath, most interestingly the fraught, bitter battle  to draw a governing blueprint for the new country.Wood breaks little new interpretive ground himself, here, but as a synthesizer  (and amiable, skillful narrator/guide) he stands on high ground.--H.  O'Billovitch