War Without Mercy

Liberty or Death in the American Revolution

By: Mark Edward Lender, Professor James Kirby Martin

Narrated by: Jason Keller

Bloomsbury presents War Without Mercy: Liberty or Death in the American Revolution by Mark Edward Lender and James Kirby Martin, read by Jason Keller.

Drawing on vivid contemporary accounts, this is a fascinating exploration of how and why the Revolutionary War descended into a brutal existential struggle.

This engrossing history of the Revolutionary War conclusively shows that those caught up in it believed they had nothing to lose by fighting without regard for the rules of so-called “civilized warfare.” The clarion call to arms “Liberty or Death” was far more than just rhetoric. At its grimmest level, it was a conflict in which military restraint was more the exception than the rule, a struggle in which combatants believed their very existence was in question. This led to an acceptance of violence against persons and property as preferable to a defeat equated with political, cultural, and even physical extinction. It was war with an expectation and acceptance of ferocity and brutality – anything to avoid defeat.

A number of historians have previously concluded that United States’ founding struggle reached a level of ferocity few Americans now associate with the movement for independence. However, these studies have described what happened, without looking in detail at why the conflict took such a violent a turn. Written by two esteemed Revolutionary War historians, War Without Mercy does exactly that. Based on years of research and enlivened by little known primary sources, this is an intriguing and fresh look at a period of history we thought we knew.©2025 Mark Edward Lender, James Kirby Martin (P)2025 Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Relevant, great narration

This feels so relevant to our current situation, about how neighbors become enemies. Well researched, and excellently read. Would recommend

A Different Look at the American Revolution

Take a look at the Revolutionary War through a different lens. Often, we have a very romantic view of the American Revolution. However, the truth was anything but.
Here, the author takes us through the events of the war, but discusses in depth the "all or nothing" viewpoint, which was very prevalent. The colonists knew that if they were not successful, then they would suffer horrifically for their rebellion.

This book is not for the beginner in history. But it is a fabulous book. Take a deep dive into the tactics, the warfare, and gain a new look at the American Revolution. I highly recommend reading this, as it will make you rethink what you know about the war, and look at the participants in a new light.

One of the best books on the American Revolution that I have read in a very long time, and I truly appreciate the time and care the author put into gathering this information.

Brutality of irregular war

Messrs. Lender and Martin expertly describe the untold story of the brutality of the Revolutionary War in particular committed by the irregular troops on both sides. And that these same men fought the vast majority of the battles not regular soldiers under the leadership of the well known generals. The chapter about NJ and its emphasis on Monmouth County was particularly insightful.