The Glorious Cause (The American Revolutionary War) Mass Market Paperback – June 3, 2003

In this, his second volume on the American Revolution, and his fifth novel to date, Jeff Shaara has once again shown his prowess at painting a large historical mural with small, delicately brush-stroked scenes. "The Glorious Cause" carries that brush like a baton, passed from its predecessor, "Rise to Rebellion." It continues the story of the Revolution forward from the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the war's conclusion some seven years later.Through his use of shifting viewpoints Shaara captures an almost three-dimensional portrait of the war. We learn first hand of the defeats of the American Forces in New York through the eyes of generals George Washington and Nathaniel Greene as well as the triumph of the British Army in those battles from the perspective of British general, Charles Cornwallis. In France, we are able to glimpse a view of Benjamin Franklin's negotiations for financing and an eventual American alliance. And yet we receive a counterpoint to France's initial lack of enthusiasm for an American alliance and a war with England through the viewpoint of the young Marquis de Lafayette.Each chapter presents a single point of view, and many of the pivotal events in the novel are spread across a number of chapters and viewed from a number of different viewpoints. Included are chapters dedicated to Nathan Hale, Von Steuben, Benedict Arnold, and Daniel Morgan. Numerous supporting characters are spread throughout the book as well: Americans, Charles Lee and Horatio Gates and on the British side: Howe, Clinton, and Tarlton.Though Shaara's narrative drags in places, his battle descriptions along with the numerous maps included throughout, make the battles of New York, Trenton, Brandywine, Monmouth, Cowpens, and Guilford Courthouse come vividly to life. Most notable is his treatment of the Battle of Hannah's Cowpens in which the American battle tactics are so wonderfully described one almost does not need to reference the map provided to understand the battle. Particularly moving were the descriptions of Valley Forge and the siege and surrender of the British forces at Yorktown.The biggest disappointment is not what's in this book, but what is not. The stunning American victory at Saratoga, his biggest omission, only gets the very briefest of mention. Perhaps where Mr. Shaara has fallen a bit too short is in his focus. We learn almost nothing of the actions of the Continental Congress other than their main existence is to seemingly serve as a thorn in the side of George Washington, and many of the founding fathers who struggled so hard for independence from England are not even mentioned. I would have liked to have seen this single volume at least split into two and expanded (making the series a trilogy) the second book dealing with the war in the North and the third with the war in the South. Perhaps then he would have had room to paint a more complete picture of the American Revolution.

The book pages were unbound from the book cover when received.

the Glorious Cause tells the story you did not learn in high school. The conflicts between the Founding Fathers. The suffering of the impoverished Continental Army. How a group of farmers stood up to the British military and survived until they ultimately won. The role of the French (and of Benjamin Franklin) in our victory. And at the center, the role of George Washington. Not a military genius, but the perfect man for the job.

This book is part of a two part seriesDon’t read one without the other and

It borders on being a grave injustice to classify this monumental work as historical fiction. It is also a rarity for a sequel to surpass the original, but Shaara accomplishes just that in this sequel to his tremendous Rise To Rebellion. I have to place both of these wonderful books among the best I have read.I call it an injustice to call it historical fiction because Shaara's work is well researched and historically accurate right down to the minute details of battlefield formations. The only 'fictional' part is where the author has brilliantly imparted conversation between the characters, which adds to the drama and gives the reader a true sense of the character of the individuals involved. And who is to say that many similar such conversations did not actually occur? By taking the reader into the very thoughts of Washington, Greene, Cornwallis and many others, the reader is cast into a spell of compelling concern and compassion for the characters.If only such fine work were implemented into public schools, our students would find interest in American history where none currently exists. Shaara presents a solid foundation to the claim that history doesn't have to be boring. Given that, I would encourage all parents to have your children learn from these fine works. These would also be a tremendous asset for the home schooler.As the first volume takes the reader in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, 1770 - 1775, this volume picks up and continues the journey through the surrender of Cornwallis and farewell of Washington to his devoted staff and eventual return to Mount Vernon.Throughout the book, the reader is taken deep into the details of our war for independence. Such details as the conditions which were endured at places such as Valley Forge. You will feel the anger and anguish felt by General Washington as he witnessed a sentry standing on his hat to shield his bare feet from the frozen ground, while Congress and the Quartermaster Corps drug their feet on lending badly needed supplies and support. You will feel the excitement felt by Daniel Morgan as he meticulously lured Tarleton and the British into his trap at Cowpens.I can go on and on about this fine book, but suffice it to say, if you only read two books this year, make them Rise to Rebellion and The Glorious Cause. You can thank me later.

very good book as expected in view of the author. clear and concise descriptions - the best book on the war of independence i have read.highly reccomended

Interesting

The best book I have ever read on American History. Bravo, Jeff Shaara!

A must read for those interested in the War of American Independence.

Again a really well written historical novel from Shaara. I like his style, bringing the both sides of the conflict into a more human light. Whether the historical persons were really exactly like that and did and said what they do in the book is for me unimportant, I think the liberty Shaara is taking is what makes the book a captivating reading.