Rating: 
Summary: Magnificent Story
Review: This is one of the best written books I have ever read about the American Revolution. Ketchum is a very accomplished writer. Though at times his prose is slightly confusing, overall he does a good job of conveying to his readers the desperate situation the American rebels were in. Ketchum also does a good job of placing the Battle of Bunker Hill in context of the entire war. He picks up the story about 3 weeks before the battle, and fills in the back story of Lexington and Concord. His description of the events leading up to the battle, especially the description of the night march and entrenchment of American troops is fascinating, and keeps you turning the pages. The actual battle only fills one chapter, simply because it was a very straightforward affair. Amazingly, out of about 3000 men engaged on both sides, 1500 were casualties! However, Ketchum makes it very clear that the Americans gave worse then they got, and shows how Bunker Hill would become a confidence booster for the American Cause.My only complaint about the book is the lack of a good map of the area. Ketchum uses contemporary drawings of Boston to show the places he is describing, but these are not very accurrate and you never really get a picture of where the battle took place in relation to other landmarks. However, this does not detract from the narrative, and I strongly reccommend reading this book, for anyone of any level of interest in the era.
Rating: 
Summary: Compelling Description of Important American Battle
Review: This is the first Revolutionary War book that I have read, so I consider myself a novice in this field. Having said that, I have a fair amount of military history and really enjoyed this book. Ketcham's account of this famous battle is detailed, well researched, well written, and easy to follow. He does an excellent job of telling the story of what happened during this dramatic battle from both the American and British perspective. Addtionally, he gives extensive background information about the key events, and players that are involved in this "high stakes" battle without boring you. I learned a lot about the battle, and feel that I have a much better understanding, and appreciation for what took place on that fateful afternoon. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the battle, or learning more about the men who fought the Revolution, and the odds they faced.
| 
