The history of the American rebellion against England; written by one of America's preeminent eighteenth-century historians; differs from many views of the Revolution. It is not colored by excessive worship of the Founding Fathers but; instead; permeated by sympathy for all those involved in the conflict. Alden has taken advantage of recent scholarship that has altered opinions about George III and Lord North. But most of all this is a balanced history—political; military; social; constitutional—of the thirteen colonies from the French and Indian War in 1763 to Washington's inauguration in 1789. Whether dealing with legendary figures like Adams and Jefferson or lesser-known aspects of a much picked-over subject; Alden writes with insights and broad eloquence.
#1514500 in Books imusti 2016-06-28Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.25 x .87 x 5.50l; .0 #File Name: 0300217781240 pagesYale Univ Pr
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. covers the the field of the first circumnavigators like Harry KelseyBy Joseph L. FeeneyNobody; I mean nobody; covers the the field of the first circumnavigators like Harry Kelsey. He lists not only the captains who were the first to circle the globe; but each individual crew member too. I was especially interested in the progress of these ships. They were unaware; as yet; of the patterns of the trade winds in the Pacific. One ship left "Manila" bound for Mexico; and returned a month later; having given up in the face of constant headwinds. The privations that these men suffered surprised me too. Many expeditions returned home with less than 10% of the original crew.Dr. Kelsey's book brought me along on these voyages. It was a most interesting read.1 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Must read for history buffBy John VeatchFascinating story. Well researched and incredibly readable. Must read for any history buff.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Round the word in 100 yearsBy GderfThe book starts in 1519 with the difficulties of Magellan's voyage and completion of the circumnavigation by Elcano. A major takeaway is esteem of Magellan's contribution under extremely difficult circumstances; political as well as navigation and seamanship. The book disabused me of the notion that Francis Drake was the second captain to circumnavigate the globe. It features mapping the Pacific in the 16th century after Magellan by all Spanish navigators until Drake; although Sebastian Cabot gets a mention. The book adds knowledge about lesser known navigators; while the more important explorers like Cabrillo never went completely round. Vizcaino is never mentioned. There is interesting politics mixed with navigation; including how severe privation necessitated the Spaniards to violate the boundary specified by the treaty of Zaragosa.The litany of subordinate captains pilots and; in some cases; crew bespeaks extensive research but makes for somewhat tiresome reading. The piecemeal maps of the Pacific could do with augmentation by a larger view. Renditions of the voyages makes interesting reading albeit; except for Magellan; with minimal historical significance.The book accounts for how; as trade with the Islands became based in New Spain; circumnavigation became more of an accident than an accomplishment. It ends with the voyages of Drake and Cavendish as the Spanish and Portuguese ceded primacy of navigation and commerce to the English and Dutch; who became the major beneficiaries of Iberian sponsored exploration.
