If you thought the American Revolution occured in a vacuum you will be enlightened by Danielle Allen’s extraordinary research and writing in her new book RADICAL DUKE How One Aristocrat-and the American Revolution Transformed Britain.

RADICAL DUKE reveals the never before told story of Charles Lennox the progressive Third Duke of Richmond. At the very time the seeds of revolution were propagating in America, upon the instigation of the Duke of Richmond, a revolution was underway in Britain. Similar issues prevailed: Taxation without representation, sole power held by the monarchy of King George. Between 1767 and 1782 Richmond led the opposition to the Crown and yes was an ardent outspoken critic of the folly of the King’s military pursuit against the independence of the American Colonies. No ,Thomas Paine of Common Sense fame did not learn his craft in America but rather the famous pamphleteer was discovered and nurtured by none other than the Duke of Richmond.

At Richmond’s urging Paine wrote newspaper essays in London to try and force a change of course by the British Government following Parliament’s Coercive Acts and the Boston Port Act. It was not until 1774 that Paine crossed the ocean and took his pen to America where the revolutionary Common Sense was published.

Allen’s book is a vital companion read for any student of the American Revolution. It uncovers the Monarch’s rigid views and the folly of Lord North, the House of Commons and House of Lords.

Meet the Duke of Richmond a heretofore unknown voice in an unlikely place in support of American Independence. Allen makes him an unforgettable part of the American story and equally important changes in the the future for the British Monarchy.

This marvelous previously undiscovered history unfolds magnificently within Allen’s narrative. Hundreds of hours of research over ten years become a gripping, eye opening and enjoyable read. It falls into my category of a work of non-fiction where because of Allen’s exhaustive research every single words counts.

A most worthwhile deep dive into the American Revolution and the workings of the British Monarchy.