Don't read this book for a well crafted history of the beginning of the American Revolution in and around Boston in 1775-76. This is a historical novel. There are so many references to who was sleeping around, where they hid their mistresses, what personal angst may or may not have affected George Washington. It's history as reported by the "National Inquirer" vs. "The New York Times". If you want insight into the British experience during the revolution read the far better "Fusiliers" by Mark Urban.

Terrific read. Philbrick writes history as if it were a novel, bringing historical events and personalities to vivid life. This book grabbed me from the opening pages and never let up. This is historical writing at it's finest. If you have any interest in our country's formative years (and even if you don't), this is a captivating read.

Another "Argo" made up drama with histrionics, not history. Far to many of these new historical / fictions are been written like screenplays with hopes of, or already sold as movies scripts. The real facts are changed or ignored all in the name "making it interesting" and most of all sellable.