Ordinary Courage: The Revolutionary War Adventures of Joseph Plumb Martin - Tapa blanda

Comments offered in response to an H-Net survey about the best books to use in courses treating the American Revolution: "I especially like James Kirby Martin, editor, Ordinary Courage: The Life of Joseph Plumb Martin. Martin wrote the best account of the Revolutionary War by any common soldier. His narrative is beautifully written with excellent accounts of the day-to-day hardships of the war along with descriptions of several major battles including Yorktown. James Kirby Martin's admirable introduction and notes are very useful in providing information, where needed, to flesh out the account." - J. William T. Youngs, Eastern Washington University "Brandywine Press publishes Joseph Plumb Martin's Diary as edited by James Kirby Martin. Students not only love this short and colorful memoir, but it provides material for discussion on everything from social mores to issues surrounding history and memory." - Gretchen Adams, University of New Hampshire

This classic memoir of the American Revolution puts into question long-cherished national myths about a committed populace struggling for liberty. Martin's story is told from the perspective of patriots who endured the hardships of long-term service in Washington's army. First published over 175 years ago, this book, with its humor, frankness, and pathos, is thought-provoking firsthand reading for today's college students.