Excellent 'warts and all' look at the first two years of the American Revolution from a largely military history perspective.

It spends most of its time describing the campaigns of the war. The successes and failures on both sides. At the same time, it doesn't shy from telling the whole story. From the hypocrisy of freedom fighters often being slave holders, to the jealous infighting of some American leaders.

The author doesn't over-analyze or over-editorialize, but the perceptive reader can use the evidence presented to see how the British utterly failed to win the 'hearts and minds' of the Americans, despite the large number of loyalists they should have been able to call on. Repeatedly taking actions that merely alienate their allies and encourage neutrals to enter the rebel camp.