The Revolutionary Paul Revere: 09/22/10

Paul Revere always makes me think of my fifth and sixth grade teacher. I was in a combination class and had the same three teachers for three years in a row but my "home room" teacher for two of those years was a fan of the arts. Everything she taught ended up going back to the arts.

When it came time to learn about Paul Revere, of course she read us the the famous poem but she also spoke of his work as a silver smith and the famous portrait of him painted by John Singleton Copley. In the painting, he's not on a horse. He's not being a revolutionary. No, he's proudly holding one of his creations.

So when I was approached to review The Revolutionary Paul Revere by Joel Miller earlier this year, I jumped on the chance. I read it right away too but work for the Census and then my son going back to school and finally my own school work got in the way and I've been neglecting to write this review.

The book starts like many biographies seem to, with the parents. It must be difficult when writing a biography, especially of a famous person, to know when it the right time to start. Some books will go back as far as the grand or even sometimes great grand parents. I personally don't want to spent so much time learning about a person's family tree. A simple diagram and perhaps an annotated list of suggested reading would suffice. Fortunately not too much precious space is spent on Revere's father and the hows and whys behind his coming to the colonies.

The main focus is thankfully on Revere and his entire life, not just those revolutionary moments. That means there is ample time spent on his career, his friendships with other big names from the era, his marriages and his children.

I found the book to be well balanced and fascinating (beyond the initial slow start). Revere isn't painted as a god among men as some biographies of revolutionary war heros do. His flaws are given as much times as his successes.

I received the book for review.

Comments (2)

Comment #1: Monday, September, 27, 2010 at 23:35:21

MarthaE

Sounds like a good balanced biography.

I totally understand getting behind on some reviews even after reading and enjoying the book!

Comment #2: Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 14:54:33

Pussreboots

It is a well balanced biography. I am getting pickier with which books I accept for review. I just don't have the time to be reading loads and loads of review books right now.