Twelve years after its first appearance, this beautifully written account of the American War of Independence is still to be recommended as the best introduction to the momentous events of 1776. Tuchman takes us through the history of English and Dutch relations with the American colonies during the 18th century. She details the arguments and grievances which led up to the famous Declaration of Independence, and charts the course of the struggle through which the colonists gained their freedom. Vivid portraits are provided of some of the main protagonists - Admiral Rodney and Charles Cornwallis, respectively the most brilliant naval and military commanders of the day in Britain, and their rival the great George Washington. This was one of the most significant episodes in the making of the modern world and it is described here by one of the finest narrative historians of the mid-20th century. (Kirkus UK)