• Independence

  • The Struggle to Set America Free
  • By: John Ferling
  • Narrated by: Robert Fass
  • Length: 16 hrs and 25 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (24 ratings)

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Independence

By: John Ferling
Narrated by: Robert Fass
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Publisher's summary

No event in American history was more pivotal---or more furiously contested---than Congress's decision to declare independence in July 1776. Even months after American blood had been shed at Lexington and Concord, many colonists remained loyal to Britain.

John Adams, a leader of the revolutionary effort, said bringing the fractious colonies together was like getting "thirteen clocks to strike at once." Other books have been written about the Declaration of Independence, but no author has traced the political journey from protest to revolution with the narrative scope and flair of John Ferling.

Independence takes listeners from the cobblestones of Philadelphia into the halls of Parliament, where many sympathized with the Americans and furious debate erupted over how to deal with the rebellion. Independence is not only the story of how freedom was won, but how an empire was lost. At this remarkable moment in history, high-stakes politics was intertwined with a profound debate about democracy, governance, and justice.

John Ferling, drawing on a lifetime of scholarship, brings this passionate struggle to life as no other historian could. Independence will be hailed as the finest work yet from the author Michael Beschloss calls "a national resource."

©2011 John Ferling (P)2011 Tantor
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

Critic reviews

"Noted for his knowledge of the Revolutionary era, Ferling again gives us a narrative hard to surpass in fluency and authority." ( Publishers Weekly)

What listeners say about Independence

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Wonderful listen

Loved the book and really love the narrator. Well done. Great author, book taught me a lot that the dozens of other books on the American revolution didn’t.

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The defining moment in American history

An interesting and informative history of the events that led to the Declaration of Independence. The author begins with a good discussion of the background to the split between America and England. The military and political events that led to July 4, 1776 are covered very well. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson receive a special focus. The importance Adams role in the Second Continental Congress shows him to be a leader of the move for independence. The author writes very well and has an excellent command of the material. This is a pleasant way to learn about his very important event in American history. Highly recommended.

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Remarkable and Inspiring Story

This is a very well done book. it tells a very remarkable and Inspiring story.

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