Fisher, The Gaelic and Indian Origins of the American Revolution: Diversity and Empire in the British Atlantic, 1688–1783.

Samuel Fisher's book, "The Gaelic and Indian Origins of the American Revolution: Diversity and Empire in the British Atlantic, 1688–1783," offers a transatlantic perspective on the origins of the American Revolution. Fisher argues that Scottish and Irish Gaels, as well as Indigenous peoples in North America, played a significant role in shaping the empire and forcing it to become more inclusive. The book examines key moments in the struggle between inclusive and exclusive empire, such as the revolution of 1688–90, the Jacobite uprising of 1745–6, the Seven Years' War, and the American Revolution. Fisher's use of Gaelic poetry and accounts of treaties and conferences provides insight into the agency of various groups within the imperial processes. While the book's long view approach allows for a detailed discussion of the conflict between inclusive and exclusive empire, it also leads to oversimplification, particularly in the treatment of Scottish Gaels. Overall, the book's examination of the changing conceptions of empire in different imperial theaters makes it essential reading for scholars of the American Revolution. [Extracted from the article]