Mike Wells

The American Revolution was one of the events which shaped the modern world. It has been celebrated as a struggle for liberty and the origin of the growth of the US as a great world power. Without underplaying the achievements of the Revolution, this book takes a critical look at the myths and legends that grew up about this key event. It also gives a voice to those who suffered from opposing the Revolution and whose stories are not always remembered. It investigates the nature of what was fundamentally a civil war and looks closely at whether the ideals of the Revolution were a reality for all those caught up in what was a deadly and violent conflict. It challenges the reputation of some leading figures and the usual way that dramatic events have been portrayed, and takes a hard look at some accepted ideas about the colonial past. As well as explaining the causes and course of the war of independence, the book considers its impact on different groups, including women, Black Americans and native Americans. There are some surprising and sometimes disturbing events here, but these add to a picture of a vibrant and exciting period of history.

Embark on an extraordinary cycling journey along the Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15), one of Europe’s most scenic and accessible long-distance trails. Spanning 1,368 km (850 miles) from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, the route follows the majestic Rhine River through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. With diverse landscapes, historic landmarks, and smooth, well-marked paths, it offers an unforgettable adventure for cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to touring, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook leads you from the Rhine’s alpine source to the North Sea, dividing the adventure into 27 manageable daily stages. Discover dramatic mountain scenery, the romantic castles of the Middle Rhine Valley, vibrant cities like Basel, Strasbourg, and Cologne, and the peaceful waterways of the Netherlands, offering a rich tapestry of Europe’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Cicerone guidebook follows the renowned Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15), tracing the Rhine River from its alpine source in Switzerland to the North Sea, passing through iconic destinations such as Lake Constance (Bodensee), Basel, Strasbourg, Speyer, the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, Koblenz, Cologne (Köln), Arnhem, and Rotterdam. Experience cycling highlights including the spectacular Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, the legendary Loreley Rock, the scenic Rheingau wine region, the historic castles and vineyards of the Middle Rhine Valley between Mainz and Cologne, and the traditional windmills of Kinderdijk near Dordrecht. Benefit from comprehensive daily stage descriptions, easy-to-read maps, total distances, elevation profiles, up-to-date cycling conditions, and downloadable GPX tracks, making planning and navigation along the Rhine Cycle Route effortless. Choose from suggested 14-day, 21-day, or month-long cycling itineraries, with expert tips on customising your Rhine bike adventure and connecting seamlessly to the Moselle Cycle Route at Koblenz. Find curated recommendations for cyclist-friendly hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and essential services conveniently located in picturesque towns and vibrant cities along the entire EuroVelo 15 route. Get invaluable guidance on bicycle preparation, packing essentials, cross-border travel between Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, and seasonal tips to ensure an enjoyable and successful Rhine River cycling holiday from start to finish. Plan your Rhine Cycle Route adventure with confidence and experience an unforgettable European adventure with this definitive guidebook.

A guidebook to cycling the 1061km (659 mile) River Loire cycle route from the Loire?s source in the Massif Central mountains to the Atlantic. This long-distance cycle along the course of France?s longest river is suitable for both first-time and experienced long-distance cyclists and can be cycled in 2-3 weeks. Presented as 26 stages between 24-63km (15-39 miles) in length Route passes through Le-Puy-en-Velay, Roanne, Nevers, Orléans, Tours, Saumur, Angers, Nantes and St Nazaire The route mostly follows part of the EuroVelo route 6 (EV6) and then the fully waymarked Loire a Vélo Suitable to be cycled April through October 1:150,000 maps and profiles are included for each stage GPX files available to download Detailed information about accommodation, refreshments and facilities along the route

A guidebook to cycling the 1261km of the Danube Cycleway from Budapest, Hungary, through the former Yugoslav states of Croatia and Serbia, and on into Romania. The route, which is mainly level cycling, is well within the capabilities of most cycle tourists. It can be comfortably completed in three to four weeks. The route is described in 29 stages (ranging from 24?66km, averaging less than 44km/stage), and passes through Germany, Austria and Hungary. It utilises EuroVelo route 6 (EV6) and (mostly) follows well-surfaced cycle tracks, often along the riverbank or flood dykes. 1:150,000 mapping included for each stage GPX files available to download Refreshment and accommodation information given for each stage Advice on planning and preparation Volume 2 of a two-volume series of the full Danube Cycleway route