The Real Revolution: The Global Story of American Independenceby Marc Aronson
Publishers Weekly
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Aronson's opening author's note explains that this title, together with two of his previous books (about John Winthrop and Oliver Cromwell, and about Sir Walter Ralegh) comprise "three acts in the unfolding saga of the period between the first English explorations of the New World and the birth of the United States." In what he calls a "transnational" approach to history, he frames the events of the American Revolution in the context of global economic and intellectual developments. Aronson then zeroes in on the Boston Tea Party ("why tea?") in a kind of microcosm of the forces at work, weaving together the history of the East India Company leading up to its financial crisis, the roles of Empire and colony and changing ideas of liberty. Aronson skillfully brings the personalities at the drama's center to life, most notably the well-born but cash-poor Robert Clive, who parlayed a minor job with the East India Company into a fortune and helped solidify an empire, but the narrative also offers new insight into George Washington. Aronson excels at making the material accessible, whether defining "mercantilism" or what it meant to become an American. Even the illustrations' captions are clever (e.g., one describing the unusual circumstances surrounding Samuel Adams and his portraitist). Unfortunately, the institutional design does little to serve the narrative. While the ending (connecting these events to Gandhi and the Civil Rights Movement) might feel a bit rushed, Aronson offers a timely and relevant interpretation of this chapter of history, its contradictions and its compromises. Ages 12-up. (Oct.) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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School Library Journal
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Starred Review. Gr 7 Up–In this fascinating, insightful volume, Aronson investigates the origins of the American Revolution and discovers some startling global connections. The colonies' quest for independence is tied to such seemingly unrelated incidents as Robert Clive's triumph over the French in India in 1750 and John Wilkes's accusations against the king in his newspaper, The North Briton, in the 1760s. In his introduction, the author explains how remarks by John Adams helped him define the scope of his book: â??â??What do we mean by the Revolution? The war? That was no part of the Revolution; it was only an effect and consequence of it. The Revolution was in the minds of the people, and this was effected from 1760 to 1775.'â?? Employing a new approach called â??transnationalâ?? history, Aronson demonstrates the evolution of the colonists from English subjects to an entirely new breed–Americans–and points out such ironies as the fact that slavery made it possible for wealthy Virginia squires to have the leisure to ponder the concept of freedom. The numerous illustrations include portraits, engravings, maps, reproductions of documents, and period political cartoons, which are explained for modern readers. Extensive endnotes, a lengthy bibliography, a list of Web sites, and a time line will encourage readers to explore history on their own. This outstanding work is highly compelling reading and belongs in every library.–Ginny Gustin, Sonoma County Library System, Santa Rosa, CA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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