April 12, 1999
Contact: Bob Brickhouse
(804) 924-6856


"BEST LITTLE STORIES OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION" 
OFFERS INSIGHTS INTO HUMAN SIDE OF HISTORY

	It was afternoon on April 18, 1775, and in Massachusetts
something was brewing, some kind of British action.  Redcoat patrols
were all over the place and Minutemen were getting ready. Where was the
biggest battle that day that helped launch the American Revolution?
	It wasn't in either Lexington or Concord, it turns out. The
fiercest fighting, the battle involving the greatest numbers and the
most casualties, took place in the little town of Menotomy, today's
Arlington, Mass.
	The story of the battle there, and other tales that shed light
on many human, everyday aspects of American revolutionary history, are
found in a new book by a University of Virginia English lecturer who
specializes in books of lively historical narratives.
	"Best Little Stories from the American Revolution," by C. Brian
Kelly, is a journalistic history of often little-known vignettes from
the era and contains some 125 stories about courage valor and cunning.
It also tells many tales that break dry historical stereotypes: like the
day "unflappable" George Washington got so disgusted with his
ineffective troops that he shouted and yelled and threw his hat down; or
the time the British got American Gen. Charles Lee's horse drunk.      
	The book, published by Cumberland House publishers, also
includes a section, "Select Founding Mothers," by journalist Ingrid
Smyer-Kelly that tells stories of several key women in the Revolution,
including Martha Washington.
	Kelly, editor emeritus of Military History magazine, is also the
author of "Best Little Stories from the Civil War" and "Best Little
Stories from World War II," among other books.
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	To order a review copy of "Best Little Stories from the American
Revolution" contact Cumberland House publishers in Nashville at (615)
832 1171.  For interviews or additional information Kelly may be reached
at (804) 924-6626 or 924-7105. Television reporters should contact the
TV News Office at (804) 924-7550.