Read the Revolution

A curated collection of thought-provoking books about the American Revolution.

Featured Books

Black Jacks

Read an excerpt from W. Jeffrey Bolster's book, Black Jacks: African American Seamen in the Age of Sail.

Liberty's Daughters

Read an excerpt from Mary Beth Norton's groundbreaking book, Liberty's Daughters: The Revolutionary Experience of American Women, 1750-1800.

Summer Reading List: 2023 Young Readers Edition

See our summer reading list of Revolutionary books that will encourage young readers to explore the past and the people who shaped it.

A Gentleman of Color

Read an excerpt from Julie Winch's groundbreaking book, A Gentleman of Color: The Life of James Forten.

The Grimkes

Read an excerpt from Kerri K. Greenidge's book, The Grimkes: The Legacy of Slavery in an American Family.

Cover of W. Jeffrey Bolster's book Black Jacks.

Image 091520 1776x2652 Libertysdaughters

A collection of books featured in the Museum's 2023 summer reading list for young readers.

The Grimkes by Kerri Greenidge Book book cover.

About

Curated by Museum staff since 2013, Read the Revolution features excerpts from thought-provoking books about the American Revolution. Read the Revolution was created with thanks to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom. Subscribe to get the biweekly Read the Revolution featured excerpts emailed right to your inbox for free.

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Speaker Series

Inspired by the Read the Revolution featured excerpts, the Read the Revolution Speaker Series brings celebrated authors and historians to the Museum for lively, facilitated discussions of their work. Each Read the Revolution Speaker Series program, hosted by Museum President & CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, includes a special talk and audience Q&A.

About the Series

All Books

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History

Independence Lost

Posted: April 27, 2016

This excerpt from Kathleen DuVal sets the stage for the American Revolution on the Gulf Coast and tells stories that give international perspectives

History

Indigenous Continent

Posted: November 02, 2022

Read an excerpt from Pekka Hämäläinen's book, Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America.

History

Insignia of Independence

Posted: June 27, 2018

This excerpt from artist Don Troiani and author James L. Kochan looks at the armies of the American Revolution and further divides each by regiment to take a closer look.

History

Invisible Ink

Posted: May 23, 2018

This excerpt from John Nagy shows the spycraft of a Philadelphia family during British occupation and their assistance in helping Washington prepare battle

Biography & Memoir

James Monroe

Posted: April 28, 2021

Read an excerpt from Tim McGrath's book, James Monroe: A Life.

Biography & Memoir

John Adams

Posted: November 04, 2014

Read an excerpt from David McCullough about the Founding Fathers negotiating with the British as they begin talks to officially end the war.

Biography & Memoir

John Barry

Posted: May 20, 2014

Read an excerpt from Tim McGrath about Continental Navy Officer John Barry's actions that turned a seeming disaster into a stunning victory.

History

Journal of the American Revolution

Posted: December 17, 2013

Read an excerpt from the Journal of the American Revolution.

History

Kidnapping the Enemy

Posted: July 14, 2015

This excerpt from Christian McBurney shows Lieutenant Colonel Barton preparing for the successful July 10, 1777 raid on General Prescott's sleeping quarters.

History

Learning to Stand and Speak

Posted: May 13, 2020

Read an excerpt of historian Mary Kelley's book Learning to Stand and Speak: Women, Education, and Public Life in America's Republic.

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