The Minutemen and Their World by Robert A. Gross examines the history of 18th-century Concord, Massachusetts, known for its involvement in the first battle of the American Revolution and as a home to Transcendentalist writers. Through the lens of "new social history," the book explores local challenges, including farmland shortages and religious conflicts, leading up to the Revolutionary War, and how these factors influenced Concord's participation and its aftermath.

The Minutemen and Their World by Robert A. Gross is lauded for its in-depth social history and engaging narrative, bringing to life the everyday experiences of Concord’s residents during the American Revolution. Critics praise its meticulous research and vivid storytelling, but some find its academic tone dense. Overall, a remarkable work for history enthusiasts.

Readers who enjoy The Minutemen and Their World by Robert A. Gross tend to be history buffs fascinated by the American Revolution. Similar to 1776 by David McCullough and Founding Brothers by Joseph J. Ellis, they relish detailed examinations of early American society and its pivotal moments through scholarly yet accessible prose.

**Daniel Bliss (Father)**

Minister who brought the First Great Awakening to Concord, doubling church membership but causing division and the founding of the West Church.

**William Emerson**

Minister of Concord, known for welcoming any man of faith and character to the church and for his involvement in pre-Revolutionary political tensions.

**Joseph Lee**

A wealthy landowner whose rejected church membership application led to tensions with minister William Emerson and suspicions of monarchist leanings.

**James Barrett**

A prominent Concord citizen and military leader, known for his role in managing military supplies for the town and involvement in the resistance against British taxation.

**Purchase Brown**

Young man from Concord who served in the army during the Revolution and sought to establish a new life on a farm in Vermont.

**Ezekiel Brown**

Concord native who experienced financial highs and lows throughout his life, including studying medicine in jail and serving as an army surgeon.

**Lucy Hosmer (née Barnes)**

A young woman who maneuvered her engagement and marriage through premarital pregnancy, reflecting changing social norms in mid-18th-century New England.

Robert A. Gross

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