The American Revolution 100

By Micheal Lee Lanning

Sourcebooks, Inc., $24.95, 374 pages

Entering any bookstore, one can find a myriad of history tomes stacked on tables having to do with the Founding Fathers or the American Revolution; this book, however, does not tout to harbor facts which are “the best, greatest, largest, most powerful or even the most famous.” Instead, Lanning chronicles—by order of importance—the leaders, battles and events which had the most influence upon the war itself. It is no surprise that George Washington as an American general occupies the top slot.

Focusing on the influential side of the war, versus the timeline of events, allows for a more in-depth look at the entire revolution and gives a picture of the war as the sum of many moving parts. This reader appreciated the soundly researched look into the more lesser-known personages and happenings which had so much to do with the birth of this great nation. Lanning says just enough about each item on his “list” to intrigue and even incite further research in some dedicated patriots. The sections on the naval battle at the Chesapeake Capes, on Sept 5th, 1781, for instance, let one view the battle from above; the pages apprise the reader of why this was so pivotal a battle, earning it the number thirteen spot. This book instills in one a quiet sense of wonder in reading of the people and occurrences whose significance and stories transcend the numbers attached to them.

Reviewed by Meredith Greene