"British Soldiers, American War Voices of the American Revolution" — Signed by the Author, Don N. Hagist

An important note on shipping: This book is shipped directly by the author using Media Mail. If you ordered other items from the store, this book will be shipped separately. Allow at least two weeks for delivery.

Paperback (352 pages) brand new and signed by the author, Don Hagist. Published by Westholme Publishing in 2012.

"This study offers a new take on commonly accepted truths." — Publishers Weekly

Nine Rare Firsthand Accounts from British Soldiers in the American Revolution

While volumes have explored the lives and motivations of American colonists who fought for independence, the personal stories of their British opponents have often gone untold. The men who made up the British army during the Revolutionary War are frequently portrayed through stereotypes or overlooked entirely. In reality, many of these Redcoats were career soldiers who had voluntarily enlisted, often in their teens or early twenties. They came from a wide range of backgrounds—some were seeking stability, others aiming for upward mobility, and some simply drawn to military life. Contrary to the image of them as conscripts or criminals, the majority were educated to varying degrees and had chosen soldiering over other paths. Yet, due to the scarcity of surviving personal writings, their individual voices have largely been lost to history.

British Soldiers, American War: Voices of the American Revolution by Don N. Hagist is the first compilation of its kind, gathering together the personal accounts of nine British soldiers who served in North America during the 1770s and 1780s. Through their letters and recollections, we gain insight into the lives of men like a weaver-turned-soldier, a young man estranged from his family, and an adventurer driven by a desire to see the world. Hagist supplements each narrative with a thoroughly researched introduction that provides context about each man's life and military service. Together, these firsthand stories offer a rare and humanizing look at the individuals behind the uniforms—men who formed the backbone of what was then the most powerful army in the world.

About the author: 

Don N. Hagist is editor of the Journal of the American Revolution and author of a number of books and articles, including Noble Volunteers: The British Soldiers Who Fought the American Revolution and The Revolution’s Last Men: The Soldiers Behind the Photographs. He lives in Rhode Island.