Jeff Shaara dazzled readers with his bestselling novels Gods and Generals, The Last Full Measure, and Gone for Soldiers. Now the acclaimed author who illuminated the Civil War and the Mexican-American War brilliantly brings to life the American Revolution, creating a superb saga of the men who helped to forge the destiny of a nation. In 1770, the fuse of revolution is lit by a fateful command "Fire!" as England's peacekeeping mission ignites into the Boston Massacre. The senseless killing of civilians leads to a tumultuous trial in which lawyer John Adams must defend the very enemy who has assaulted and abused the laws he holds sacred. The taut courtroom drama soon broadens into a stunning epic of war as King George III leads a reckless and corrupt government in London toward the escalating abuse of his colonies. Outraged by the increasing loss of their liberties, an extraordinary gathering of America's most inspiring characters confronts the British presence with the ideals that will change history. John Adams, the idealistic attorney devoted to the law, who rises to greatness by the power of his words . . . Ben Franklin, one of the most celebrated men of his time, the elderly and audacious inventor and philosopher who endures firsthand the hostile prejudice of the British government . . . Thomas Gage, the British general given the impossible task of crushing a colonial rebellion without starting an all-out war . . . George Washington, the dashing Virginian whose battle experience in the French and Indian War brings him the recognition that elevates him to command of a colonial army . . . and many other immortal names from the Founding Family of the colonial struggle - Abigail Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Joseph Warren, Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee - captured as never before in their full flesh-and-blood humanity. More than a powerful portrait of the people and purpose of the revolution, Rise to Rebellion is a vivid account of history's most pivotal events. The Boston Tea Party, the battles of Concord and Bunker Hill: all are recreated with the kind of breathtaking detail only a master like Jeff Shaara can muster. His most impressive achievement, Rise to Rebellion reveals with new immediacy how philosophers became fighters, ideas their ammunition, and how a scattered group of colonies became the United States of America.
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"Very enjoyable story with wonderful history lessons. Good to keep in mind this is a novel as no one was there to record conversations between Sam and John Adams. Moving right into book two, "The Glorious Cause." Hope to follow this up with re-read of McCullough's biography of John Adams and then move to Ellis' "First Family." "American Sphinx" and "Founding Brothers" by Ellis are five stars!"
— Jud (4 out of 5 stars)
" Historical Fiction about the Revolutionary War as told through the eyes of Washington, Adams, Frankin, and others. "
— Billcorcoran, 2/16/2014" The writing is way sloppy and redundant, but the story is wonderfully researched and gave me a window into the day to day happenings of this ridiculously important period in time. So I'm a bit torn. But here I am reading the sequel... "
— Rachel, 2/15/2014" This was a very readable account of the Rev War. It explores the war from a number of viewpoints - not just the American side. I learned more about Gen Cornwallis than I knew before. "
— Maren, 2/12/2014" Added a lot to what I think I might have learned in junior high. Who am I fooling, I can't remember anything from that long ago!!! "
— John, 2/12/2014" I had previously read the Civil War series by this author and found those to be very interesting. The author does an excellent job of telling the story of the events that lead up to the Revolutionary War. "
— Bill, 1/29/2014" I loved history class in high school and even took some in college. Shaara does a great job of weaving the actual facts of history with personal (somewhat fictional) stories behind the characters. The men that created this nation are so iconic and seem almost untouchable, he really gives them personality and character. "
— Melissa, 1/29/2014" Some different perspectives on events leading up to July 4 1776. I enjoyed it thoroughly. "
— Craig, 1/13/2014" great read. very accurate and well researched. "
— Rob, 1/7/2014" If you want to learn about the American Revolution but can't make yourself read non-fiction (like me) than this is perfect! Amazing book about our amazing history. "
— Andrea, 12/24/2013" I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Revolutionary War. "
— Shauna, 12/19/2013" Mr. Shaara gives the same treatment to the Revolutionary War that he gave to the Civil War, trying to get inside the heads of those who were involved. "
— Troy, 12/17/2013" Well done history! Perfect read back to back with John Adams. We read both for our Fourth of July book meet. "
— Marilyn, 12/11/2013" It is refreshing to look back to see the 'real' people who contributed so much to our history. They become human and yet remain heroic. "
— Siszurpicki, 5/5/2013" No question that if you like history you will enjoy Shaara's style of making people so alive in the midst of history. "
— Stephanie, 4/20/2013" So well researched and so well written, it was like reading today's newspaper. What an insight to our founding. Great read. "
— D, 2/9/2013" I found this book at a library sale for 25 cents. Jeff Shaara presents history in a novel fashion doing his best to get into the minds of those he is writing about. Enjoyed it enough that I have recommended it and even loaned my tattered copy out a few times. I will read more of Shaara's works. "
— Drew, 12/31/2012" Good - not great book on the events leading up to the revolution and signing of the declaration of independence. "
— Brendan, 12/8/2012" Really good historical novel. It is a great story with fascinating characters, especially Benjamin Franklin and George Washington. "
— Kay, 11/1/2012" Makes you wonder how our country was formed at all! Things could have easily gone a different way. "
— Patricia, 7/4/2012" An amazing insight into the history behind the Revolunionary War. Fun and easy to read. "
— Laurita, 3/30/2012" It is a great book and interesting to learn more about the revolutionary was and what really happened. I like the way the author has carefully researched his material. Jeff is the son of Mike Shahara who wrote Killer Angels which was also a very good book which Jim and I listened to on CD's. "
— Ann, 11/4/2011" I learned a lot, but it was a little drawn out. "
— Seena, 10/27/2011" I have so much respect and thankful for those who sacrificed so much and had such vision to start this country. <br/> "
— Carol, 5/20/2011" read this for book club, and really enjoyed it. brought the history to life in a believable way. I wouldn't say its a "page-turner," but I really did enjoy it and took time to read it when I should have been doing other things! "
— Jenny, 4/24/2011" I am loving this so far. Just as great as the book of his I read before. Starting with the Boston Massacre, going all the way up to the Declaration of Independence. Recommend to all. "
— Brianna, 3/16/2011" great read. very accurate and well researched. "
— Rob, 2/2/2011" Great way to refresh the story of the revolution. I actually learned a great deal while reading the book and the narrative keeps you going. Good to remember the sacrifices they made for us. "
— Devin, 1/20/2011" Well done history! Perfect read back to back with John Adams. We read both for our Fourth of July book meet. "
— Marilyn, 1/5/2011" This was my second time to read Rise to Rebellion. I think I liked it even better this time than I did the first. "
— Suzanne, 1/1/2011" I knew quite a bit about the American Revolution before reading Jeff's books on the topic, and I still learned so much. His books are so well done, they make one feel like they are actually there! "
— Catherine, 12/13/2010" Great book liked the second novel even more. "
— John, 12/9/2010" Very engaging and easy to stay involved. Although I didn't learn much that wasn't already known, I did enjoy this colorful telling of the American Revolution. Including the mindsets attitudes and anticipated conversations had by the people of the time. "
— Adam, 10/24/2010Robertson Dean has played leading roles on and off Broadway and at dozens of regional theaters throughout the country. He has a BA from Tufts University and an MFA from Yale. His audiobook narration has garnered ten AudioFile Earphones Awards. He now lives in Los Angeles, where he works in film and television in addition to narrating.
Victor Garber is a Canadian film, television, and stage actor. Among his notable performances are his portrayal of Jesus in Godspell, John Wilkes Booth in Assassins, Jack Bristow in the television series Alias, Max in Lend Me a Tenor, Thomas Andrews in James Cameron’s Titanic, and as Canadian ambassador to Iran, Ken Taylor, in Argo.