About the Author

A. J. Langguth (1933-2014) was the author of eight books of nonfiction and three novels. After Lincoln marks his fourth book in a series that began in 1988 with Patriots: The Men Who Started the American Revolution. He served as a Saigon bureau chief for the New York Times, after covering the Civil Rights movement for the newspaper. Langguth taught for three decades at the University of Southern California and retired in 2003 as emeritus professor in the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.

Reviews

"A breathtaking portrait of boldness, courage...and sheer youthful vitality."-- "Time"

"A grand, irresistible book."-- "The Washington Post Book World"

"Brilliantly illuminating."-- "The Philadelphia Inquirer"

"History as it should be written -- with illuminating insight into character, a sweeping narration of events, and a splendid eye for detail."--Doris Kearns Goodwin, author of Team of Rivals

"The winning of the American Revolution in all its glory, gore, and mortal frailty"-- "Los Angeles Times"

"With bold colors and unremitting pace, Patriots recaptures the drama and vital importance of the American Revolution and the towering figures who waged it."--Michael Beschloss, author of Kennedy and Roosevelt

Langguth, a journalism professional and a former Vietnam correspondent, offers a narrative history of the American Revolution (1761-1783). Writing in a dramatic style, he focuses on major political figures, e.g., Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, the Adamses, and on such notable events as the Boston Tea Party, the meetings of the Sons of Liberty, battles in the Continental Congress, and the final victory at Yorktown. Though well written, the book deals with characters, military battles, and political machinations that have been described in detail by countless authors. It adds little to an understanding of the impetus behind the American Revolution. David Szatmary, Univ. of Washington, Seattle

"A breathtaking portrait of boldness, courage...and sheer youthful vitality."