ORIGINS AND IDEOLOGIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

These 36 lectures give listeners a chance to see just how well the format of the lecture series can be used. As the title indicates, these lectures cover the origins and ideologies of the American Revolution, but the origins examined are defined broadly. Peter Mancall addresses everything from the familiar and expected (arguments over rights, political maneuvers between England and the Colonies) to topics less familiar to most listeners, such as Patriot spokesman James Otis's possible insanity and the economic and physical realities of warfare. Each lecture is self-contained, but many include cross-references and build on one another. Mancall often includes excerpts from period writing. His delivery is clear and professional but often excited, as if considering the creation of this new nation is still a wonder and a pleasure. G.T.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 07]