With the publication of Liberty Tree; acclaimed historian Alfred F. Young presents a selection of his seminal writing as well as two provocative; never-before-published essays. Together; they take the reader on a journey through the American Revolution; exploring the role played by ordinary women and men (called; at the time; people out of doors) in shaping events during and after the Revolution; their impact on the Founding generation of the new American nation; and finally how this populist side of the Revolution has fared in public memory. Drawing on a wide range of sources; which include not only written documents but also material items like powder horns; and public rituals like parades and tarring and featherings; Young places ordinary Americans at the center of the Revolution. For example; in one essay he views the Constitution of 1787 as the result of an intentional accommodation by elites with non-elites; while another piece explores the process of ongoing negotiations would-be rulers conducted with the middling sort; women; enslaved African Americans; and Native Americans. Moreover; questions of history and modern memory are engaged by a compelling examination of icons of the Revolution; such as the pamphleteer Thomas Paine and Boston's Freedom Trail.For over forty years; history lovers; students; and scholars alike have been able to hear the voices and see the actions of ordinary people during the Revolutionary Era; thanks to Young's path-breaking work; which seamlessly blends sophisticated analysis with compelling and accessible prose. From his award-winning work on mechanics; or artisans; in the seaboard cities of the Northeast to the all but forgotten liberty tree; a major popular icon of the Revolution explored in depth for the first time; Young continues to astound readers as he forges new directions in the history of the American Revolution.
#150678 in Books NYU Press 2001-02-01 2001-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.21 x .67 x 6.14l; .85 #File Name: 0814755682252 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. WASP program; another viewpoint.By Andrew H. LippsWell written and fully documented. The author puts forth the premise that the WASP program ended not due to the reasons usually cited; the return of male pilots from overseas or the in-fighting between the principals Cochran; Hobby; and Love. But due to a the misogynistic attitude of their male counterparts and the nation in general. She makes her point and supports it with an analysis of the role of the media. The only failings I find are that her point could likely have been made just as easily in fewer pages. And less important but of interest to those of us that study the WASP history; Merryman dismisses the often cited bickering between Jackie Cochran and Oveta Culp Hobby as the work of the media. One only has to read Cochran's autobiography to realize that her dislike of "Mrs. Hobby" (she refused to address her by her rank of Colonel) was quite real. Overall an excellent contribution to literature on the WASP program if a somewhat unwieldy read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. For me there aren't enough photos and the ones used are not the best quality but it will let the reader see some ...By Marvin ShimelThis is another story about the W.A.S.P. written by Molly Merryman; a teacher at Kent State. She touches into the problems these young women had during their short two year career. For me there aren't enough photos and the ones used are not the best quality but it will let the reader see some of the accomplishments these women made. One WASP flew our first jet fighter; the Bell P--59. Two others were chosen by Col. Tibbets;the man that dropped the first atomic bomb; to fly the B-29 and they went from one B-29 base to another teaching male pilots how to handle this giant bomber. He was ordered to quit this because it was making the male pilots look bad. There are several books about the WASP and should be in libraries for people to read their story. By the way; they are never referred to as WASPs.their title is already plural: Women's Air Force Service Pilots! Thank you. Marv Shimel2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Interesting historyBy PatThis book repeats many facts and events in multiple places throughout the book. Interesting information; but hard to get through.
