James Otis - The Pre-Revolutionist

by John Clark Ridpath

John Clark Ridpath was an educator, historian and editor from Indiana. Although his life began in humble circumstances his thirst for knowledge helped him obtain a college degree from what would become DePauw University. This biography of James Otis paints a picture of a pre-revolutionary man who is credited with the phrase "Taxation without representation is Tyranny". Otis was a strong opponent of the writs of assistance which allowed the British to enter any colonist's home without cause. Otis died at age 58 from a lightening strike.

Genres: History

132 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1898

About the author

John Clark Ridpath (April 26, 1840 – July 31, 1900) was an American educator, historian, and editor. His mother was a descendant of Samuel Matthews, a colonial governor of Virginia.

Reviews

[Skip · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know the beginning of the American Revolution, look no further than James Otis, Jr. Without him shoulder to shoulder with Samuel Adams, there is no way the US would have declared independence in 1776. The lethargy and complacency was as astounding then as it is today. People then as they are today, chasing their comforts, their "trifles," as Adams called them, and their cult of the dollar. Otis was the lawyer, the Orator, Adams the writer. Both were brilliant. Both were relentless....I just finished reading this book, another in the series of books I am using in researching the book I am writing about the Freedom Trail. Here is a book with all the tiny details needed for in-depth research. It is also a good read.

[Richard Seltzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read as research for my novel Parallel Lives.

[Debby Douglas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Content = 4 ⭐️
Writing = 2 ⭐️
I wanted to learn more about James Otis and his contributions to our national foundation. The first portions of the book are so difficult to read due to the writing style that I gave up and skimmed the rest.

The book could be reproduced with more clear writing.

Disappointing.