The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution: 1763-1789

By: Robert Middlekauff

Narrated by: Robert Fass

The first book to appear in the illustrious Oxford History of the United States, this critically-acclaimed volume - a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize - offers an unsurpassed history of the Revolutionary War and the birth of the American republic.

This panoramic view of the conflict between England and America combines the political and the personal, giving the listener a vivid sense of how the colonists perceived the events of their struggle for independence, from the French and Indian War to “the shot heard round the world”, and the importance the colonists assigned to them.

Praised as “state of the art” and “the most distinguished series in American historical scholarship”, the four new volumes of the Oxford History of the United States – including The Glorious Cause – are narrated with engagingly casual warmth by Robert Fass, who previously read an earlier volume in the series, Empire of Liberty, by Gordon S. Wood.

Please note: The individual volumes of the series have not been published in historical order. The Glorious Cause is number III in The Oxford History of the United States.

Listen to more of the definitive Oxford History of the United States.©2005 Robert Middlekauff (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Lively text, outstanding narration

An informative and unbiased history of the revolutionary period. This book is also highly enjoyable. 4 stars.

Good Details of Lead Up to Revolutionary War

Even if you are very familiar with the American Revolution, this may be a worthwhile read for you, as the author goes into great detail in describing the decade leading up to the breakout of war.

The weakness of this book is the section concerning the details of the actual war. It lacks detail and at times feels rushed. There were times where I almost thought the book was abridged. For example, Benedict Arnold is mentioned as being one of the underrated heroes at Saratoga, and then in a few chapters later he's referenced as leading one of the battles as a British officer. There's no explanation given as to why this is. Most readers know the story of Arnold, but it still seems like something you would want to mention.

Scholarly and thorough

This is a good book for people who already know a great deal about the Revolutionary Era and want to know more. As the title implies, this book is concerned with many facets of the Revolutionary period (1764 or so through 1783). This includes the Revolutionary War, and some of the battles, but the book focuses on a much wider scope. Readers hoping to hear a great deal about the battles of the war will be disappointed.

This book was a little scholarly and dry for my tastes. Others may find it very rewarding.

Not for everyone

This book was more than I expected I am family historian researching a Rev War patriot this book put me in a good many of his battles. Not easy read but it worked for me.

Well-researched and studious.

It is well researched and would make an excellent textbook for American History majors. The reader was monotone, just like you would expect from most history professors. After all, there are no surprise endings. The best I can say is that I will likely finish it just for its historical value.