This Atlas is the most unusual and comprehensive volume of its kind. It is truly a unique effort, telling the story of the American battle for independence with the help of priceless maps, many of which have not been reproduced since their original appearance nearly 200 years ago. Drawn by actual eye-witnesses to the events described, the maps capture the immediacy and excitement of the moment.

The 54 maps in the Atlas are reproduced in full color with a remarkable degree of detail. Substituting for the cameraman of a later era, these maps provide a unique pictorial record of the Revolution – from De Costa's map of Lexington and Concord to Major Sebastian Bauman's map of the surrender of Yorktown.

Many of the maps are shown with reproductions of original overlays portraying the successive events of particular battles. Extra overlays provided at the back of the book can be cut out by the reader and placed in position to recreate the effect of the original map.

Four maps present the theaters of the War. These theater maps, along with a foldout chronological chart, organize the events of the War into a clear and vivid picture of the what, where, and when of the numerous battles.

Accompanying each map is a clearly written commentary describing the events portrayed. The map selection and descriptions are both by Kenneth Nebenzahl, internationally known antique map authority. Nebenzahl's commentaries not only explain the maps, but help the reader capture the emotional climate of the War's events.

A captivating narrative by Don Higginbotham introduces the eight major sections of the Atlas and provides valuable background information –

Why The Revolution?
Background of the ferment ... a profile of the colonies ... the lull before the storm ... the appeal to King George III ... the eve of the revolution.

The First Year 1775-1776
London's pressure on Gage ... Paul Revere and William Dawes ... confrontation at Lexington-Concord ... George Washington appointed commander-in-chief ... the Declaration of Independence.

The Combatants
A view of the British and American armies . . . profile of the British soldier . . . battle methods . . . the American soldier . . . General Washington's problems . . . American advantages . . . British disadvantages.

The North 1776-1778
British concentration on the northern states . . . Burgoyne's battles for Ticonderoga and Saratoga . . . New York . . . Washington's retreat through New Jersey . . . invasions from Canada.

Behind The Lines
Patriots and loyalists . . . economic problems . . . role of colonial newspapers and clergy . . . growth of colonial legislatures.

The Fringes: Land and Sea
Daniel Boone . . . use of Indians by British . . . Mohawk Valley . . . creation of the American Navy . . . John Paul Jones.

The South 1778-1782
Arrival of French fleet. . . invasions of Georgia and North Carolina . . . the siege of Savannah . . . American guerilla tactics . . . French troops arrive . . . Yorktown siege and surrender.

Culminating The Revolution
Civilians war-weary . . . concluding the peace treaty . . . American negotiators . . . British evacuation . . . writing the Constitution.

It is unfair to call the Rand McNally ATLAS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION simply an atlas. Its comprehensive coverage of the War makes it a valuable history source. And its sharp reproduction of beautifully drawn antique maps makes it worthy of notice as an art volume. Whether for geography, history, or art, it is a very positive addition to any home or school library.

 

 

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