The North Carolina Continentals

“[North Carolina Continentals] has stood the test of time. [Rankin’s] insightful commentary about North Carolina’s military endeavors and the political difficulties of supporting Tarheel soldiers provided a key picture of Revolutionary efforts in the South. Moreover, Rankin brought these neglected Southern efforts to the front rank of Revolutionary War studies.” — Lawrence Babits, from the Foreword

“Thirty-four years after its initial publication, Rankin’s seminal study of the North Carolina Continental Line, The North Carolina Continentals, still stands head and shoulders above the field of state-level Revolutionary War studies, and virtually alone as an examination of the war as experienced in the Tar Heel State.” — North Carolina Historical Review

“Rankin cuts through a plethora of documentary evidence to present a lucid chronological narrative which describes the impact of the Revolution upon North Carolina. He combines the literary talents of a seasoned novelist with the analytical prowess of a veteran historian to present a work that deserves the accolades of his profession.” — Military Affairs

“Rankin’s skill in portraying the problems and accomplishments of the North Carolina Continentals is of a very high order.” — American Historical Review

“[Rankin] reveals himself as perhaps the best narrative military historian working the field of the American Revolution.” — Journal of Southern History

“Rankin has given us a well-researched volume of high literary and scholarly quality that should stimulate similar studies of state military organizations in the War of Independence.” — William and Mary Quarterly