He has a nightingale inside him, a capacity for sensuous, lyrical precision

One of the great writers of the last century whose work conjured up a world of earthly warmth and beauty

Out of a winter in Southern Spain, Mr Lee has spun a magnificent book, outstanding even in a field where the competition is oppressively brilliant'

This wonderfully written book invites reflection on how a failure of political imagination so often makes war in distant places seem inevitable

Bunker’s tightly argued and deeply researched book shows how a broader perspective can shed new light on even the most familiar events

An insightful and aptly acerbic account of the lead-up to the unnecessary loss of America … The book is especially good on the commercial imperatives that draw both sides to desperation: on the private greed and the arbitrary interferences that persuaded reasonable men to risk their lives

A nuanced global analysis of Britain’s failure to hold onto its American colonies… Riveting… With a sharp eye for economic realities, Bunker persuasively demonstrates why the American Revolution had to happen

A scholarly yet page-turning, superbly written history.

Bunker’s narrative is human and even-handed; and from the Boston harbourside to the salons of London, a complex and epic tale is told with colour and enthusiasm. It should even go down well in Boston

Bunker relates the complex story of the Boston Tea Party with zest and almost intimidating thoroughness

This is a compelling read that explains British decision-making with skill and insight. Highly recommended

Shows how a lethal blend of politics and personalities led to the American Revolution

Bunker has done a wonderful job describing the tragedy of errors that led to a bitter and costly war

A distinguished and refreshing contribution to the secondary literature on the American Revolution

[It is] brilliantly written and meticulously researched.

A vigorous book, full of energy as well as insight