"Most people understand that the American Revolution began in Massachusetts. What they may not know is that the revolution actually began well over a year before the gunfire at Lexington and Concord. . . . This revolution in Massachusetts was not brought about by the well-known ‘names’ associated with the revolutionary period but rather by little known locals supported by many thousands of ordinary people. . . . In a very real sense what became the American Revolution joined the revolution that had already taken place in Massachusetts in 1774. The Raphaels tell this dramatic story in a fascinating and very readable manner. Even knowing that the events of April 19th are just over the horizon, the unfolding of the tale makes for exciting reading. . . . This book thoroughly explains what took place in Massachusetts between the Boston Tea Party and Lexington/Concord. Without this background of revolution the march to Concord doesn’t make sense. The Spirit of 74 ties it all together." —Journal of the American Revolution "Ray and Marie Raphael provide readers with the lively story of how, starting with the Boston Tea Party, Massachusetts turned from resistance to revolution in a single year. Using well-chosen quotations from participants, as well as revealing anecdotes, their masterful narrative brings to life the human drama of this grassroots transformation." —Richard Brown, Distinguished Professor of History emeritus, University of Connecticut "A well-conceived work of popular history that fills a gap in the chronology of the American Revolution." —Kirkus