Ordinary Courage: The Revolutionary War Adventures of Joseph Plumb Martin, 3rd Edition

This classic memoir describes Joseph Plumb Martin’s adventures as a patriot in Washington’s army with drama, humor, and pathos, and reminds us of the importance of the extraordinary contributions of ordinary persons to history. Joseph Plumb Martin grew up in the midst of the American Revolution. He first enlisted in the Continental Army during 1776, when only 15 years old, and went on the serve as a rank and file soldier for eight campaign seasons. During these seasons he endured all the horrors of war, including killer diseases, virtual starvation, brutal weather, and bloody combat. In the process, Martin helped create the new American nation.

This new edition is enriched by James Kirby Martin’s expanded and updated introduction, chapter headnotes, and suggestions for further reading, while new overview maps invite the reader to chart Joseph Plumb Martin’s travels throughout the war.