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A review by write_of_passages
Bunker Hill: A City, a Siege, a Revolution by Nathaniel Philbrick
5.0
Reading very similar to David Hackett Fischer's Paul Revere's Ride or Washington's Crossing, Nathaniel Philbrick's Bunker Hill keeps the reader very much engaged from cover to cover. He incorporates the chronological story not only of Bunker Hill, but the Powder Alarm of 1774, the battles of Lexington and Concord, and the eventual evacuation of the British from Boston as well as a vivid retelling of the Battle of Bunker Hill itself. Perhaps understandably, due to the amount of history he seeks to discuss, Philbrick's retelling is not as detailed as Hackett Fischer's notable works. But he seamlessly incorporates quotes from contemporaries of the events and also touches on several different points of view, whether from General William Howe, Dr. Joseph Warren (who in fact, given his significance in the events, has quite a bit of screen-time), or one of the militiamen on the field that day.
One piece of the narrative I find particularly interesting is Philbrick's handling of George Washington. Incorporating a few pages of biography is all the General gets right after arrival in Boston post-Bunker Hill, his entrance into the story. Not a negative at all, Philbrick in fact paints an interesting portrait of the Founding Father, one that not so much reveals Philbrick as an anti-Washingtonian - which I do not believe he is - but rather uncovers Washington as a man of flesh and blood and foibles.
Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution is mostly the vivid retelling of the chronological events, interspersed with modest sections of analysis from the author. Overall, an extremely enjoyable read and highly recommended for any Revolutionary War enthusiast.
One piece of the narrative I find particularly interesting is Philbrick's handling of George Washington. Incorporating a few pages of biography is all the General gets right after arrival in Boston post-Bunker Hill, his entrance into the story. Not a negative at all, Philbrick in fact paints an interesting portrait of the Founding Father, one that not so much reveals Philbrick as an anti-Washingtonian - which I do not believe he is - but rather uncovers Washington as a man of flesh and blood and foibles.
Bunker Hill: A City, A Siege, A Revolution is mostly the vivid retelling of the chronological events, interspersed with modest sections of analysis from the author. Overall, an extremely enjoyable read and highly recommended for any Revolutionary War enthusiast.