Brethren

Discover the intriguing history of rebellion and liberty in Brethren by Brendan McConville, published by Harvard University Press in 2021. This compelling hardback spans 304 pages and delves into a lesser-known chapter of the American Revolution. Set in 1777, the narrative unfolds as North Carolina farmers orchestrate a coup against local patriots, driven not by allegiance to the Crown, but by a profound commitment to individual and religious freedom as they perceived it.

McConville challenges the conventional revolutionary narrative, revealing that these plotters were apprehensive that American independence would lead to the very tyranny it sought to overthrow. This thought-provoking examination invites readers to reconsider the complexities of loyalty, freedom, and the true motivations behind revolutionary actions. Perfect for history enthusiasts and those interested in the nuanced dynamics of early American society, Brethren is a must-read that reshapes our understanding of this pivotal period.