Ferling has crafted an exceptional account of the Revolutionary War and its foreign entanglements. His thoroughly researched book outlines the political intrigue behind this world-changing conflict while detailing the battles that history buffs know so well.” —Dave Kindy, Washington Post
“In his international history of the Revolutionary War written for the 250th anniversary of its outbreak, John Ferling brings Europe and its rivalries into the familiar story of American independence. [Ferling] shows not only why nations fought but also how they waged a protracted struggle whose outcome remained in doubt to the end . . . After 250 years, some points everyone at the time understood have been forgotten. The American Revolution was a global event, with global consequences.” —William Anthony Hay, Wall Street Journal
“Ferling has written a fresh look at this conflict and the beginnings of America with this marvelous one-volume history that covers a surprising number of underserved topics . . . Ferling weaves the political, military, social, and economic aspects of the war seamlessly together into a highly readable narrative that may become the standard one-volume history of the war.” —Jerry Lenaburg, New York Journal of Books
“[Ferling's] masterful account dramatically conveys the global significance of America's long fight for independence while also illuminating the experiences of the war's commanders and everyday soldiers.” —Christian Science Monitor
“Ferling's lucid prose engagingly conveys the insights of a brilliant historian's long career. Any casual reader wishing to revisit the War of Independence in its semi-quincentennial year would do well enough to start here.” —Sam Negus, Law & Liberty
“A fascinating look at the global legacy of the American Revolution.” —Military Heritage
“An excellent history of the run-up and battles of the American Revolution with more than the usual diversions describing how other nations reacted . . . Scholars have not ignored European participation, but Ferling writes better than most of them and pays more attention than academics to the campaigns and commanders. From battles to international relations, an outstanding introduction to the American Revolution.” —Kirkus Reviews
“A must-have volume to complete any collection covering the fight for democracy as we approach the sestercentennial.” —Booklist
“A thoughtful history . . . Shots Heard Round the World offers a new appreciation of the judgments made and how uncertain the outcome of the war was until the very end. An insightful examination of the American Revolution as a world war offers fascinating new perspective on the competing interests of all the nations involved.” —Shelf Awareness
“John Ferling has long been a master historian of the Revolutionary era in America. Here he broadens the view to encompass the larger war of which the American Revolution was a part . . . a sweeping tale engagingly told.” —H.W. Brands, two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times bestselling author of THE GENERAL VS. THE PRESIDENT
“An eloquent and sweeping introduction to the world war that was the American Revolution. I cannot imagine a better opening shot to the 250th anniversaries of its key events.” —Kathleen DuVal, Cundill Prize-winning author of NATIVE NATIONS
“Ferling illuminates the multifaceted conflict from all angles, showing how America won and could have just as easily lost. An essential and welcome addition to the literature on the war.” —Eric Jay Dolin, author of REBELS AT SEA
“With lively prose and keen insights, John Ferling rescues the true War of the American Revolution from the distortions of myth.” —Alan Taylor, author of AMERICAN REVOLUTIONS
“Capturing the breadth and complexity of an eight-year, global crisis, John Ferling's Shots Heard Round the World is an excellent and timely contribution to the publications on the Revolution.” —Lindsay Chervinsky, author of MAKING THE PRESIDENCY
“Could be a movie . . . Ferling's book adroitly places the reader in the breeches and waistcoats of those who lived through, and fought in, the Revolutionary War around the globe.” —Larrie D. Ferreiro, Pulitzer finalist and author of BROTHERS AT ARMS
“Engagingly written, Shots Heard Round the World reminds us of the critical role of foreign support in the winning of the independence of the United States.”” —Andrew J. O'Shaughnessy, author of THE ILLIMITABLE FREEDOM OF THE HUMAN MIND
★ 03/21/2025
Award-winning historian Ferling (emeritus, Univ. of West Georgia; Winning Independence) offers a captivating exploration of the Revolutionary War, delving into its international scope with literary flair and historical depth. His strong and engaging narratives bring the past to life. The text's originality lies in its nuanced portrayal of the war's global impact, setting it apart from typical historical accounts by highlighting the roles of European powers like France and Spain. Ferling's clear and stylish language makes complex historical events accessible to a broad audience. While illustrations are not a focus of the book, it does include maps by Gary Antonetti that enhance the narrative effectively, providing visual context to key battles and strategic movements. The design and format are well-executed, supporting the historical analysis with clarity. The subject matter is fascinating and valuable, offering insights into the war's international dimensions and lasting impact on global politics. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the broader context of the American Revolution and its influence on modern history. VERDICT This compelling book challenges readers to reconsider the role of international alliances in shaping the United States' independence.—Lawrence Mello
2025-02-01
The American Revolution, emphasizing contributions from European powers.
Ferling, author of 15 previous histories of the Revolutionary War period, strains mightily to find a new approach, and the result is an excellent history of the run-up and battles of the American Revolution with more than the usual diversions describing how other nations reacted. He reminds readers that France suffered badly in the Seven Years’ War, which ended in 1763, losing battles, ships, and colonies. Yearning for revenge, its leaders perked up when the American colonies rebelled, and the colonists themselves, in the form of the Continental Congress, yearned for France to join them. Ferling emphasizes that America’s ultimate victory required massive European aid in the form of arms, trained soldiers, sailors, money, and even gunpowder. Since well before the Declaration of Independence, the colonies were importing supplies from France, Spain, and the Netherlands. Still awash in debt from the Seven Years’ War, France had no interest in another, but it reconsidered after America’s spectacular 1778 victory at Saratoga and soon persuaded Spain, which had also suffered in 1763, to join. The consequences may surprise readers. Almost immediately London transferred one third of its colonial army to Canada and the West Indies and thereafter gave priority to war with its traditional enemy. America’s ecstasy at France’s entry soon evaporated. A French fleet arrived to support a massive combined operation that fizzled, after which the fleet sailed off, and the war entered a painful three-year stalemate, during which Washington took little action until the French returned and made the Yorktown campaign possible. Scholars have not ignored European participation, but Ferling writes better than most of them and pays more attention than academics to the campaigns and commanders.
From battles to international relations, an outstanding introduction to the American Revolution.
