Ordinary Courage: The Revolutionary War Adventures of Joseph Plumb Martin

This is a wonderful account of the Revolutionary War experiences of Joseph Plumb Martin which gives intimate details of various battles and encounters in which he was involved. His narrative is engaging and skillfully written. The introductory material and annotations by James Kirby Martin add valuable information on Joseph Plumb Martin, the battles and times. I have bought other versions which did not have this annotation which was a significant detraction. The extra money for this version was in the end worth it. I think every American ought to have this book in their personal library.

Great view of the Am Revolution through the life of a private. If you are an American Revolutionary history buff, this is a must read. Many other authors quite Joseph Plum Martin. Continuous service from Battle of New York to Yorktown.

I think every American should read this book. It is not for the literary scholar as it is formatted from the personal diary of Joseph Plumb Martin, a soldier from the period, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn what an ordinary American soldier thought about, felt like, and endured throughout America's war for independence. I encourage those who read this book to do so thoughtfully and try to place yourself in the mind and body of Mr. Martin. Perhaps by doing so, we, as American citizens can truly appreciate what America's founding fathers endured to procure the greatest country in the world.

I like the first-person account from a critical period in our nation's history, and from the perspective of a rank-and-file soldier. It's shocking how poorly fed and clothed the soldiers were, even throughout the winter encampments. The editor helps to fill-in details and put things in context, through his introduction and foot-notes.

I wish there were more stars to give! Couldn't put this book down. If you want to know what it was like to be a soldier of the Revolution, read this account. Personal, humorous, and at times, sad. This book whould be a must read for EVERY American grammar-school student. Have read it several times.

It was a nice book that I had to read for a history class and was an interesting look at the individual perspective of the Revolutionary war.

James Kirby Martin's "editing" consists of footnotes explaining some terms and removing entire paragraphs. You're paying four times the price for less of Martin's account and information you could find with a quick search. Buy A Narrative of a Revolutionary Soldier by Joseph Plumb Martin himself for $7 rather than this rehash.

Kinda boring but great book.