The Big List of American Revolution/Colonial Era Recommendations
This is a list put together by me, Aaron. It is a list of books, shows, etc. about the American Revolution and life during the Colonial Era. I think this may be most helpful to those just getting started in the Amrev community, but I think everyone can find something new here! (I know I definitely did 😅)
Shoutout to @/ms-march @/betseys-bosom @/tallmadgeandtea @/henryshybitchclinton @/elrondsscribe and @/dark-green-damask for helping! This list wouldn’t be complete without you guys! (If you ever want to make an addition, just DM me! I’m always happy to add more!)
Books:
•1776-Free Online Version-This book is a narrative of the year 1776 in the American Revolution. I think it would be a good read for those unfamiliar with the Revolution that wish to learn more.
•George Washington’s Secret Six: The Spy Ring That Saved The American Revolution-Free Online Version-If you like Turn or are interested in historical espionage, this is a great book to start with. This book focuses on the Culper Spy Ring that gave Washington about British movements in New York.
•Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power-Free Online Version-A great single-volume biography that covers Jefferson’s life from start to finish. Meacham tells of Jefferson’s life in a way that is engaging and informational. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize.
•Monticello: The Official Guide to Thomas Jefferson’s World-The official Monticello Estate guidebook published by National Geographic that reflects upon Jefferson, his home, and his world. Features iconic and little known stories about Jefferson and events at Monticello.
•Founding Mothers-Free Online Version-The stories of the brave women who fought the revolution just as valiantly as the men. Drawing upon information from personal correspondence and private journals, we learn about the struggles and triumphs of women such as Abigail Adams, Mercy Otis Warren, Deborah Read Franklin, Eliza Pinckney, Martha Washington, and more
•Valley Forge-The story of the winter at Valley Forge and how it transformed the Continental army.
•American Rebels-A book on the intertwined lives of the Hancock, Quincy, and Adams families, and the role each member played in sparking the flames of revolution.
•1774: The Long Year of Revolution-A book tracing the critical year of 1774 and the changes that took place from the Boston Tea Party to the First Continental Congress to the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
•Washington’s Secret War-Free Online Version-The story of George Washington and the secondary war he faced during December of 1777; the one upon his reputation as a general and patriot.
•Revolutionary Mothers-Free Online Version-A book illustrating the vital role women took during the war. Women of the Revolution were most active at home, but Berkin shows that women also fought and helped on the front lines, as in the story of Margaret Corbin.
•General Washington’s Commando-A book about Benjamin Tallmadge, his role in the Revolution, and the vital role he played as a spy master for General Washington.
•George Washington’s Indispensable Men-This book covers the lives of some of the 32 men that served as Washington’s aides during the war-including Alexander Hamilton, Tench Tilghman, and more.
•Fallen Founder: The Life of Aaron Burr-A biography about Aaron Burr that takes a very positive view on him. I think this is a good place to start with Burr, but it is biased as it’s very pro-Burr anti-Hamilton.
•Invisible Ink: Spycraft of the American Revolution-The critical role of espionage during the War for Independence and the techniques used.
Primary Sources
•A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier-Free Online Version-The memoir of Joseph Plumb Martin. Martin joined the continental army at age 15. This documents his life as a common soldier, and is considered one of the most important primary historical sources for the Revolution.
•Memoir of Benjamin Tallmadge-Free Online Version-Colonel Benjamin Tallmadges account of his experiences during the Revolutionary War. This edition sheds more light on his espionage activities than what was given in his original memoirs.
•Letters From an American Farmer-Free Online Version-A series of letters written by French American writer J. Hector St. John de Crèvecœur. These letters describe certain provincial situations, manners, customs not generally known, and convey some idea of the late and present circumstances of the British colonies in North America.
•Report of the Trial of Levi Weeks-This is a digital scanned copy of the court record for the Levi Weeks trial with Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, who worked on the defense team together.
•Regulations for the Order and Discipline of the Troops of the United States-The “Blue Book” written by von Steuben with the help of Alexander Hamilton . Contains information on practical military training used during the American Revolution. This manual was used until after the War of 1812, and some sections are still used today.
British Perspective
•The Men Who Lost America-Free Online Version-An account of the Revolution told from the perspective of the British war leaders.
•Those Damned Rebels-Free Online Version-A report of the war from the British perspective created by using firsthand accounts, journals, letters from British officers in the field, and reports from colonial governors.
•George Washington’s Opponents-Essays written by historians on figures such as Nathaniel Greene, Benedict Arnold, Marquis de Lafayette, and more for the American side. On the British side, Thomas Gage, Sir William Howe, Charles Lord Cornwallis, and several others.
•With Zeal and With Bayonets Only-This book offers an analysis of the British Army’s adaptation of operations and tactics for fighting in North America during the American Revolution. This book specifically focuses on changes made in Spring of 1775
The books listed below are free, but older and may not have reliable information.
•The Green Dragoon-A (free!) book on the lives of Banastre Tarleton and Mary Robinson.
•Cornwallis: The American Adventure-A (free!) book on the life of Charles Cornwallis.
•The Howe Brothers and the American Revolution-As the title suggests, this is a (free!) book about the Howe brothers during the American Revolution.
•Portrait of a General-A (free!) book about Sir Henry Clinton.
•The Traitor and the Spy-A (free!) book on John Andre and Benedict Arnold and their role in the war.
•John Burgoyne-A (free!) book on John Burgoyne.
•Mischianza-(Free!) book on the triumph felt upon leaving America unconquered.
YouTube:
•Townsends-The YouTube channel for Jas Townsend and Son. Videos focused on the colonial period, living history, historical recipes and more. Very well made and well informed videos + interviews with experts.
•Spies, Espionage, And Secret Writing In 1770’s-An interview from the Townsends channel with expert Brian Allison on some of the spy techniques used in the Revolution. If you like Turn, I definitely recommend this video.
•Spanish Military Hospital 1784-An interview from the Townsends channel that discusses a Spanish military hospital operating in the 18th century, their methods, and how the Spanish were the most advanced in medicine at the time.
•Colonial Williamsburg-The official YouTube for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. They have many videos on many different topics of Colonial life/Amrev with people practiced in their field.
•Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello-The official Monticello YouTube. This information of course focuses on Jefferson’s life and the lives of everyone living at Monticello during his life.
•George Washington’s Mount Vernon-The official Mount Vernon YouTube channel. Focuses on how the estate operated and the lives of Washington, his family, and the enslaved people living on the property.
•Victoria and Albert Museum-Official YouTube of V&A Museum. Explore historical and contemporary art and design from many of the worlds richest cultures.
•JamestownRediscovery-YouTube channel for Historic Jamestowne, the first permanent English settlement in America.
Period Clothing:
•James Townsend and Son-This is the store that is owned by the Townsend YouTube channel. They have a great selection for not just clothes, fabrics, and sewing patterns, but many other period appropriate items you may need. They do customizations and have great customer service.
•Prior Attire-This is a small business based in the UK that makes good quality period clothing. They also do bespoke orders. They make clothes for many different periods, not just the colonial era.
•Pinsent Tailoring-A tailor based in the UK that makes bespoke period clothing that’s crafted with much historical accuracy. Zack (the owner) will make clothes ranging from the mid 1600’s to the 1920’s, but his area of expertise is with Georgian and Regency period clothing.
•American Duchess-A company that produces historical shoes and reproductions.
•LBCC-An Etsy store that sells historical apothecary items including cosmetics, hair care, beauty care, and more.
•Wm Booth, Draper-Sells fabrics (linen, hemp, wool, etc.), 18th and 19th century sewing patterns, books, and more.
•Burnley and Trowbridge-Provides reproduction textiles, notions, sewing tools, and accessories.
•Samson Historical-Provides historical reproductions of clothing, accessories, home goods and more.
•Penny River-Garments and accessories based off of paintings and research. Garments are machine sewn with hand finishing to give them the proper historical look. Fully hand sewn items can be made upon request.
•Sign of the Gray Horse-Reproduction and historically inspired jewelry.
•Fikars Finest-Clothes ranging from the French and Indian War to the 1800’s. Made to be historically accurate and durable. Does make custom orders.
•Erins Creative Designs-Vintage and historical clothing, and cute and functional accessories.
•Yosa-Makes historical embroidered accessories (and masks!!).
•Veteran Arms-Reproduction Arms and accoutrements from the muzzleloading era
•Williams Flintlocks-Custom made replica flintlocks made by Tim Williams of West Virginia. Each flintlock is built to fit the individuals physical structure and aesthetic needs. Williams works to capture the artistry and durability of Colonial gunsmiths.
Other:
•Brigade of the American Revolution-A non-profit living history association recreating the life and times of the common soldier during the Revolution. Elements of all armies are represented (Continental, Militia, British, Loyalist, German, French, Spanish, and Native American forces along with women, children, and other civilian roles.) The Brigade hosts military encampments, tactical exercises, social activities and more.
