This encyclopedia, to which many of the foremost scholars in the field have contributed, describes clearly and readably the many different ideas and events that constitute what we know as the American Revolution. Equally suitable for browsing and as a reference source, and illustrated with many paintings, drawings and documents of the period, this substantial volume is likely to remain a standard work on the subject for many years to come.
The Blackwell Encyclopedia of the American Revolution offers the most comprehensive account yet published of the events, people and ideas that together resulted in one of the most important events of modern history. With contributions from experts in many fields, including some of the most distinguished living historians, the book is at the same time a unique work of scholarship and a clear and accessible introduction for the general reader.
The first and larger part of the book consists of seventy-five long articles covering all aspects of the revolution. Readers who wish for an understanding of the sequence of events on both sides of the Atlantic will find their answers in the chronological sections; those seeking to understand the context within which the events took place, and how they were interpreted at the time, will be rewarded by the articles under the section on "Concepts".
The Encyclopedia is rich in cross-cultural information, with entries covering the arts, literature, the music of the time, as well as the influence of religion, ideology, and language. It contains authoritative accounts of the impact of the revolution on the European colonial powers, both as regards the immediate course of events and the long-term influence on ideas and politics. The editors have paid particular attention to the status and experience of minority groups of every kind before, during and after the revolution. A separate biographical section covers all the most significant figures of the period.
The text is illustrated with many paintings, drawings and documents of the period. With the inclusion of a select guide to further reading after each article, a detailed chronology and comprehensive index. The Blackwell Encyclopedia of the American Revolution is likely to remain the standard guide to the subject for many years to come.
