The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution: 1763-1789

By: Robert Middlekauff

Narrated by: Robert Fass

Length: 26 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

A good history.

Overall, this is an interesting and wide-ranging history of the American Revolution.

Starting, with the end of the Seven-Years War, and ending with the Ratification of the Constitution in 1789, the book, while long, is surprisingly engaging. By and large, this is not a Military History, although there is a little of this in the book, but more of a combined Political, Cultural, and Economic history of the variety of reasons behind the Revolution, and the issues that the Articles of Confederation presented that led to the Constitutional Convention.

Overall, a good book to read if you're interested in the Revolutionary Period of American History. That said, there are parts of this book that can be somewhat dry.

A through review of American History.

The reader is clear and enjoyable. The Review of the revolution is very impressive and complete. But my favorite parts are of the American Constitution. This is a time when almost all of Americans had spent decades considering what government would guarantee Liberty and proding the states to pass it. This was enlightening. a very good consideration of the time it covers.

Glorious but Miraculous

I found it hard to go back and comprehend the circumstances of our founders. Wished for more information on the people involved to better understand actions. What is described is a complex mixture of egos, self interests, sincere commitment to “What is Right”, social pressure, misunderstandings, and action which result in the US. Intend to read again to learn more.

Long, but worth it

A tremendous effort to cover the formation of the American Republic. At 27 hours it is a very long book to listen to, but I found time flew by as I did. It is a compelling story of the factors and figures that shaped America's independence.

My only major complaint is that at times the narrative is uneven. Some battles are covered in detail, others are skimmed by. I was looking forward to learning more about the Articles of Confederation but found that the book basically jumped from the War itself to the creation and adoption of the Constitution.

Very Detailed

A very well written detailed history of the American Revolution. The author does a great job of sketching out the people who played a part and what part was played. He also does a great job of keeping the text unbiased when presenting the facts allowing for a clear understanding of both sides of the conflict.

Still the best book on the era of the revolution.

Wonderful, detailed, comprehensive. Especially good when dealing with the battles and tactics of the war. The best overview of the American Revolution in print.

Great Book on the American Revolution.

This starts from 1763 and begins with the layout of both the British and the Colonist. This gives a grew understanding of the thinking on both sides and how it escalated to war. The performance is great. A very easy reading and keeps you attentive.

American Revolution

Where does The Glorious Cause: The American Revolution: 1763-1789 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Excellent , top 10.

What did you like best about this story?

Gave a strong overview of the all aspects of American life, leading up to and through the revolution.

Have you listened to any of Robert Fass’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The history you have not heard.

Any additional comments?

Excellent source for US history. Since I joined the DAR and am discovering and documenting my many patriot ancestors, I have renewed interest in our history,

The Glorious Cause

Excellent book. Gives a great insight of the period . Excellent time spent trying to better understand this country’s formation during this election year.

Good History of the US Revolution

I realized that I had a pretty large hole in my knowledge about the beginnings of the US. We were all taught 1776 and the Declaration of Independence, but the Constitution wasn't ratified until the late 1780's. What happened during that time? This book filled in the gaps of my knowledge about the American revolution.