The Revolutionary Paul Revere

Paul Revere

For someone who does not know of America’s freedom struggle, The Revolutionary Paul Revere is a fast-paced biography which not only talks about one of the most important patriots but also educates the reader on the start of the American freedom struggle. For those unfamiliar with the legend, Paul Revere was that express rider, who on one very famous midnight ride , awoke every house from Boston to Lexington and informed them about the approaching redcoats.

The story starts with Revere’s birth in France and his move to Boston for an apprenticeship. Paul Revere is an enterprising young man who not only excels in his craft as a silversmith but also rises above his station and mingles with the gentlemen of his time. In his early youth, he gets involved with the masonic society in Boston and is soon taking part in the local political meetings. These early years of initiation ensured he became a key participant in the freedom struggle at its peak.

While Joel Miller did an excellent job of explaining Paul Revere’s role as a revolutionary, some more personal details and characteristics would have made for a more interesting reading. The best thing that I liked was how this book was a crash course in American history for me. Joe talks about the American freedom struggle as much as he talks about Paul’s role in it. He captures very well the first notions of dissent among the populace as newly established towns thrived inspire the various colonial laws and regulations. I learned of many famous patriot names – Sam Adams, John Hancock – which may be common knowledge to most Americans.

I will read more about who these people were and what they did. Joel Miller’s writing style is simple and succinct. It never gets text-bookish. For me, it was literally a page turner! However, as this book outlines a story almost 200 years old..use of slang language is jarring and out of place. I also feel that towards the end of the book, the writer has lost his steam and is trying to just finish the last few chapters. This book was both educational and entertaining, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in history.

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