The Radicalism of the American Revolution

The American Revolution: A Grand and Immensely Readable Synthesis of Historical, Political, Cultural, and Economic Analysis by David Hackett Fischer is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive and engaging account of the revolution that transformed an almost feudal society into a democratic one.

With a focus on the before-and-after aspect of the Revolution, Fischer delves into the gulf between aristocrat and commoner, the disintegration of the traditional monarchical society, and the emergence of liberal, democratic, capitalist society of the early 19th century.

The book also explores the "explosive" entrepreneurial forces that emerged during the war and turned Americans into a society "taken over by moneymaking and the pursuit of individual interest." Fischer's analysis is both insightful and accessible, making this book an essential read for anyone looking to understand the formative years of America.