Revolution - by Eric Metaxas (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

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"Once upon a time there was a REVOLUTION."

There's never been a nation like the United States of America. It's impossible to imagine the world without it--but do you know the wild and true story of how it came into existence?

On our 250th anniversary, the hunger for America's story has never been greater.

Who better to tell it than historian Eric Metaxas, author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including the ground-breaking, million-selling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer?

With the passion, erudition, and irrepressible wit that have become his signature, Metaxas's REVOLUTION brings the epic of America's birth to life so fully that you will feel you are a part of the story, which is precisely the point. By turns deeply moving, gripping, and spectacularly entertaining, these are the stories every American must know, including some of history's noblest heroes -- and some despicable villains.

REVOLUTION also touches on the role that sacrifice, character, and faith played in the great struggle for "the Sacred Cause" of liberty. George Washington, John Adams, Nathan Hale, Henry Knox, Horatio Gates, Israel Putnam, Benedict Arnold and many others all come to life for a new generation of Americans.

At more than 600 pages--with photos, maps, and illustrations--REVOLUTION is definitive and sweeping, an astonishing epic containing a dazzling array of stories, ranging from the explosive events that led up to Lexington and Concord, all the way through the impossible twists and turns of the war itself--including the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Crossing of the Delaware, Saratoga, and the bitter winter at Valley Forge -- all the way to the final victory in Yorktown and "The World Turned Upside Down."

Unless we ourselves know the true story of the Revolution--what some have called America's "founding myth"--we cannot play the role we are meant to play in the Revolution that still continues today.

This is our story. We need to know it. For such a time as this.

Review Quotes

"A glorious account of the American Revolution, bringing many of our founding figures to life in captivating detail. An acclaimed author with a penetrating style, Metaxas offers a fresh look at our Revolution on its 250th anniversary."

--Jonathan Turley, law professor, legal commentator, and bestselling author of Rage and the Republic: The Unfinished Story of the American Revolution

"An opportune reminder not only of the principles we celebrate every July the 4th, but of the toil and sacrifice required to sustain them."

--Larry P. Arnn, president of Hillsdale College

"Eric Metaxas has the invaluable literary gift of bringing complex stories to vibrant, comprehensible life. Some electric mixture in him of faith, intelligence, and imagination gives him the power to see into the core of great events and conjure those events before you full of meaning and vitality . . . a glorious story that can't be told often enough, and I can't think of anyone better to tell it than Metaxas."

--Andrew Klavan, author of Kingdom of Cain: Finding God in the Literature of Darkness

"Metaxas reminds readers that the American story is not one of perfection. It is the story of an imperfect people who created something extraordinary... Metaxas unapologetically places the American founding and the principles that animated it back at the center of the story. More importantly, he spends more than six hundred fascinating pages demonstrating why they belong there."

--Dr. Robert Malone

"It is hard to imagine that something so clearly the product of prodigious labor reads so swiftly, easily, and pleasurably. Or that the fluid and graceful presentation of the philosophical background of the American Revolution can be mated so felicitously with the narrative of its events that one is kept not only continually informed but in delighted suspense. Many will comment that the work is a corrective to the common misconceptions proffered by historians enslaved to the pinched--and I would say royalist--reassessments flowing from the Progressive era. And that is welcome and true. But it is more than that. Metaxas brings to his subject not only perfectly modulated enthusiasm but the genuine emotion and commitment that appeal successfully to both heart and mind. His interpretation of the revolution as so deeply religious in character as to have been a religious war should not, given the truth of it and the evidence he cites, be at all surprising. But after the obfuscating layers of paint that have been applied to the subject by so many and for so long, it is. His commendable military, political, and historical analysis is not an impediment to the flowing narrative. Nor is the fact that the text is richly laden with anecdote, color, and detail. I think that the best way to sum up its virtues is to say that this wonderful book courageously and joyously gives America the love it deserves."
-- Mark Helprin, award-winning and bestselling author of Winter's Tale

**5-Star Customer Reviews**

"The Only Book On The Revolution You Will Ever Need

I'm stunned.

I couldn't put this book down and was annoyed whenever life forced me to. This is the book on the American Revolution that belongs on every American's shelf. No one will read it and regret the time spent.

What makes this book extraordinary is Metaxas's increasingly rare ability to write in elevated prose while remaining completely accessible. He somehow bridges the gap between the cautious historian, afraid to venture beyond the facts, and the novelist, who understands that facts alone do not explain why events matter. He gives meaning and purpose to the idea we call liberty without sacrificing historical truth.

The style is intentional, occasionally echoing the cadence of the Founders themselves--not as imitation, but as a means of restoring dignity to the subject. Few writers can write so grandly without a shred of condescension. Metaxas never loses the reader.

Just as importantly, he brings back something missing from so much modern history: humor. There are flashes of Twain and Mencken throughout--sharp, human, and deeply American. The wit is not decoration; it is part of the story itself, reflecting a national character that is too often absent from contemporary accounts of our past.

If you are looking for another cynical hit job on America, look elsewhere. If you are looking for a compelling, balanced, deeply researched, and beautifully told account of the American Revolution, look no further.

This book demonstrates why Metaxas reaches readers far beyond the audience of most historians. He understands that history should not merely inform--it should captivate. He manages to educate, inspire, and entertain at the same time.

I cannot recommend it highly enough."

--Seth W

"Simply Amazing!

I currently reading Revolution by Eric Metaxas, and I can honestly say it is an amazing book. I highly recommend that everyone get their hands on a copy and read it. Metaxas has a remarkable ability to present complex historical events in a simple, engaging, and easy-to-understand way. His writing keeps the reader interested while clearly explaining the ideas and events that shaped our nation.

One of the greatest strengths of this book is how it highlights the profound impact that American history has on our lives today. Metaxas reminds readers of the sacrifices, principles, and convictions that helped establish the freedoms and liberties we often take for granted. The book serves as both an educational journey and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving those liberties for future generations.

Revolution is more than just a history book--it is an inspiring call to remember where we came from and to remain vigilant in protecting the values that make America unique. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply someone who wants to better understand the foundations of our nation, this book is well worth reading. I strongly encourage everyone to read it."

--Genevieve Garrison

"Eric Metaxas has written the definitive book on the founding of America.

Having been born and raised in Boston and taught about the symbols and remnants of the American Revolution, I thought that the description of the key events in this book would be familiar, but they were not. Eric Metaxas has written a well referenced and definitive history of the Revolution. The story behind the story, the quotes, the details and the threads that pull the faint possibility of liberty into our current reality. Few write like Eric Metaxas. The poetic crafting, the rich descriptions and the embedded humor make reading this book a delightful experience that reveals to the reader how impossible the American experiment was and is without the faith of our founders and the hand of providential blessing."

--John Linstrom

"The Greatest Nation in the History of the World!

Revolution by Eric Metaxas. It is a powerful and engaging account of the American Revolution that reminds us of the courage, sacrifice, and faith that were required to create our nation. Metaxas does a great job bringing the Founding Fathers to life, particularly George Washington, while highlighting the principles of liberty and self-government that make America unique. The book is well-researched, easy to read, and filled with stories, illustrations, and maps that many Americans have never heard. It left me with a great appreciation for our country's history and the extraordinary men and women who fought for our independence. I recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the true story behind America's founding."

--Sandro20

"A Timely Call to Courage and Conviction

Eric Metaxas has written what may be one of the most important books of our time. Revolution is not a mere political or cultural commentary. This volume is a compelling call for Americans, and especially Christians, to recognize the critical moment in which we find ourselves and to respond with courage, conviction, and wisdom.

What I appreciate most about this book (and his other writings as well) is his ability to connect history, faith, and events in a way that is accessible and deeply thought-provoking. Drawing from historical examples, he demonstrates that freedom is never guaranteed and that ordinary people have often been called upon to stand for truth during extraordinary times.

Whether or not readers agree with every conclusion, Revolution challenges complacency and encourages thoughtful engagement with the issues shaping our culture. He writes with passion, clarity, and a genuine concern for the future of our nation.

This book reminded me that faith was never intended to be lived privately or passively. It is a call to be informed, engaged, and willing to stand for what is right, even when doing so is costly.

I highly recommend Revolution to anyone who wants to better understand the cultural crossroads facing America and the role that faith, courage, and moral conviction have played in our past and can play in shaping the future."

--Todd H.

"Every American needs to read this book!

Thank you, Eric Metaxas, for writing this incredible overview of our nation's miraculous founding and the faithful, courageous men, women, and families that understood God's calling, sacrificed so much, and fought so mightily for its birth and beginning. This is true history! You remind us that we owe everything to our great God and Savior - and to so many, known and unknown, for the precious freedoms that we enjoy.

This book is the best one volume telling of the centrality of our Sovereign God and His divine Providence in our founding that I have ever read. The amazing life stories of Samuel Adams, John Adams, Joseph Warren, Henry Knox, George Washington, and countless others are thrilling to read and motive me to be a better man, Christian, and citizen. This account of the steadfast persistence of our founders in calling all colonists to fasting, thanksgiving, and prayer many times during those tumultuous days is stirring and humbling. The many miracles of God described in this volume are breathtaking and moving. Every American needs to know this history, celebrate it, and get on our knees daily to thank the most Holy & undivided Trinity (as the Treaty of Paris begins) for the Love and Grace that was shed for our nation and the world.

I am praying that this book will be read by millions and will be greatly used by our Lord to change hearts, lives, and reawaken our nation to its founding purpose of being "a shining city on a hill" that will bless all nations."

--Toby D. Perry

"This Book is Epic

Following your compelling discussion on The Blaze, I was prompted to immediately pre-order your latest publication, 'Revolution, ' which I was thrilled to find had arrived on my doorstep today.

Having been profoundly moved by your prior work, 'Bonhoeffer, ' which I found so gripping and insightful that I revisited it twice, my anticipation for 'Revolution' is considerably heightened. Your remarkable ability to weave rigorous historical scholarship with a truly engaging narrative has set a very high bar.

As a lifelong devotee of American history, I am especially enthusiastic that you have chosen to illuminate this significant period. I have no doubt that 'Revolution' will provide a meticulously accurate and profoundly exciting exploration of our nation's foundational events, offering fresh perspectives and valuable insights. I am truly looking forward to immersing myself in its pages and expect it to be another powerful and resonant work from your pen."

--DS Varela

"Love the book

Brought after listening to Stephen K. Bannon on his pod War-room pod cast interview of the author. Just got the book Friday and have read the first 100 pages. I really like his writing Style which is linear but uses historical figures to tell the story. His writing is very authentic and brings out many historical facts about the people to make his points. Makes direct clear conclusions to which you can agree or disagree with."

--G. Spore

"An Inspired treatise on the Revolution

What a privilege to revisit the birth of our nation in this compelling, comprehensive, and cohesive narrative - a narrative written with such momentum that one wants to read it in one sitting.

In contrast to a textbook version of the Revolution, this book gives the reader not only a more fluent rendering of the historical facts as they unfold but allows one to be privy to the inclinations of the hearts of some of the major figures at this time. It offers a deeply personal account of what motivated our founders to venture forth against all odds, walking in faith, trusting that their cause was inspired by what Oz Guinness (via Mr. Metaxas) describes as the "Golden Triangle" - freedom, virtue, faith.

Whether the reader is feeling the angst of Washington as he painstakingly strategizes moves and nobly emboldens his weary troops - or is moved by the bravery of young heroes like Nathan Hale - or is touched by the faithful correspondence between John Adams and his wife Abigail, one is drawn into this profound story of America's beginnings by a brilliant writer who is sensitive to his audience.

In the chapter entitled "The Crossing of the Delaware," he humbly states the following: "However we might wish to see them (a handful of scenes from history) with the objective and unbiased clarity we believe necessary to do them real justice, we cannot, as their overwhelming mythical and symbolic power vanquish our pathetic attempts."

Yet, he very much succeeds in doing them "real justice" and, moreover, invites us - in a new way - to pause longer and take a more thoughtful look at these scenes.

As a result, one comes away from the reading of this book with an overwhelming sense of renewed appreciation for all the people who sacrificed immeasurably for the freedoms we enjoy. And as Scripture powerfully calls us often to remember our spiritual roots in order to walk in obedience to our Creator, so this book calls us to remember our country's roots in order that we may discern more clearly how to press on in the days ahead - even now as we celebrate America's SuperCentennial.

A sincere thanks to Eric Metaxas for his diligent and inspired treatise on the 'Revolution.'"

--Robin B.

"Early look -- A rare book: informative, well-written and, sometimes laugh out loud funny

I haven't completed Revolution yet, but it seems Metaxas has hit a sweet spot: a book that is informative (you'll probably learn things you didn't know, even if you are a history buff), written in an easy style that kept me turning the pages, and peppered with subtle and not-so-subtle wisecracks that had me grinning and laughing out loud.

I was particularly struck that Metaxas makes a point of the huge cultural gap between the colonists and the effete elite running the government in England. The puritans and pilgrims crossed the ocean in 1620 for religious liberty (at times, it was worth your life if you were not a member of the government-approved religion), and they believed that people should read God's Word (the Bible) for themselves.

Consequently, as Metaxas puts it: '. . . the Americans were astonishingly biblically literate, especially in New England. Because of this -- and by dint of the Great Awakening of the previous decades -- they had a livelier sense of their rights as coming from God and not the king than any people that had ever existed. The British would soon discover this.'

Metaxas also cracks wise from time to time, adding to my enjoyment of this book. I'm looking forward to learning from and enjoying the rest of it and will update my impressions here."

--John Elliott

About the Author

Eric Metaxas is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including the groundbreaking, million-selling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His new book is REVOLUTION: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World.

Eric is the founder and host of Socrates in the City and The Eric Metaxas Show. Known for his wide-ranging conversations, he has interviewed Hollywood icons such as Ron Howard, Mel Gibson, Morgan Freeman, and Dick Cavett, as well as tech entrepreneurs such as Peter Thiel.

His work has been translated into over twenty-five languages and has appeared in The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, The New Republic, USA Today and many other publications. His writing, which includes more than thirty children's books, has inspired a documentary based on the book Letter to the American Church, influenced a Hollywood film on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and led to a streaming series based on the bestselling book Is Atheism Dead?