The Revolutionary Paul Revere - A Review

The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel Miller was an informative and fascinating read. Miller quickly demonstrates how much there is to learn about this key figure in the American Revolution, and makes the process of expanding one's knowledge quite enjoyable.

One of the highlights of the book are the chapter headings, which spotlight Miller's ability to turn a phrase. An example: “In which our hero hones his business acumen along with his art, experimenting with novel metallurgic methods and embellishments, while still making time for compotation and conviviality at the Green Dragon – and joining an extraordinary society of immense secrecy.”

Miller has done his research and documented it well; there are more than 26 pages of footnotes. When historical documents have not provided the details, Miller uses language that clarifies the use of conjecture based on the circumstances of the times. I appreciate the clear line drawn between established facts and reasonable imagination.

As Miller takes us through Revere's life, he covers Revere's personal, religious, professional, social and military experiences. His account of Revere's involvement with other patriots in the years leading up to and through the Revolution gives enough detail to whet the reader's appetite for learning about this period in American history without detracting from telling the story of Paul Revere. My enjoyment of the book was obvious enough that my sons are eagerly looking forward to reading it.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.