Rick Atkinson is known for his three book history of the American Army in the European Theater during World War 2. Those masterful books tell the stories not just of generals and presidents but common soldiers, often in their own words. I would find myself reading these books as the sun rose; I could not put them down.

The British Are Coming is part one of a new trilogy on the American Revolution. It is another deep dive into what led to the revolution and what followed. He gives a clear view of the minds and motivations of those on high like George III and General Washington.  But it also details the motivations, often via letters to loved ones, of common soldiers and other less prominent people. Where are people more likely to tell their true feelings than in such correspondence?

This book also tosses on the trash heap notions that the Americans were being soundly beaten before Saratoga (which isn't covered in this volume). The Americans took their lumps and made a number of dubious decisions--invading Canada, how they defended New York. Yet, for each of those there was a Lexington & Concord, a Trenton, a Princeton etc.

Often, when the American Revolution is taught, the attack on Canada is not covered. It isn't terribly glorious but it is an important part of the history of the war. Atkinson ignores nothing and I am impatiently awaiting volume 2.

I've been making a concerted effort to read more history of India and China. I am not completely ignorant of these ancient culture's history but I am nowhere near as well versed as I am in the history of Europe, Africa or the Americas. I actually started reading A Concise History of Buddhism by Andrew Skilton, in 2022 but I include it here since I FINISHED it this year (early on this may be a theme)

I recently read a book called India, A History by John Keay, which is an excellent survey of the history from prehistoric time ALMOST to current events. After that I went searching for more specific topics which turned out to be more difficult than I anticipated.

Buddhism wasn't really on the radar but I stumbled across this book. What it turns out to be is a short but sometimes mind numbing survey of the various Buddhist trains of thought, schisms and theology. If you do not know ANYTHING about Buddhism this is going to be incredibly difficult to get through. The book is not big on explaining the basics, even basic terminology. It is pretty close to ALL theology so do not expect a great deal of political or personal history.

The book does detail many of the different lineages of Buddhism in an understandable way and there are other times when it gives you a glimpse into appeal of the religion. It also has a chapter on   the reason Buddhism vanished in its homeland of India. It is not a particularly critical history but it does not shy away from the "warts" either. There is a concerted attempt to be even handed between the different sects (for lack of a better word).

I am glad that I read it and  I would  recommend this to people interested in theology. It is interesting in a comparative sense too. When you  look at other religious traditions you see parallels. One thing that struck me is how the biggest world religions all seem to share a trait. Almost immediately after the demise (or ascension ) of the religion's founder there are suddenly myriad interpretations and sometimes outright perversions of the original intent. Buddhism does not escape this (if this book is to be believed).

Keep in mind, this book is written by a true believer and there is no delving into the hinted at hypocrisies and potentially ahistorical interpretations by Buddhist thinkers.