"If I had to rely on a single book to convey the full experience of the Revolutionary War, it would certainly be Joseph Plumb Martin's Narrative. Martin personalizes the experience of a common solider with the freshness of youth and the wisdom of age - a truly remarkable feat. Like All Quiet on the Western Front, it's a must read classic." - Ray Raphael, author of A People's History of the American Revolution

"No soldier in Washington's Continental Army ever inscribed a more trenchant and vivid account of the hopes, fears, frustrations, and sufferings of the common volunteer than Joseph Plumb Martin. In this new edition of Private Martin's account, James Kirby Martin has amplified the footnotes and bibliography to breathe new life into this remarkable reminiscence. This is indispensable reading for anyone interested in the American Revolution from the inside out." - Gary B. Nash, University of California, Los Angeles

Praise from the previous edition:

"Ordinary Courage is a classic in American military history. James Kirby Martin has expertly edited the original version. It is wonderful to have such an excellent volume, so skillfully introduced and edited, available for students and the general readership." - Joseph T. Glatthaar, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill