In a landmark work of history, the National Book Award-winning author of "American Sphinx" explores how a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed men--Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison--set the course for our nation. A national bestseller now in paperback, "Founding Brothers" is the basis for an upcoming series of the same name on The History Channel. NPR sponsorship.
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In a landmark work of history, the National Book Award-winning author of "American Sphinx" explores how a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed men--Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison--set the course for our nation. A national bestseller now in paperback, "Founding Brothers" is the basis for an upcoming series of the same name on The History Channel. NPR sponsorship.
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An important common bond that made them "brothers" was these founders' common membership in Freemasonry. Many of the ideals of the Revolution and the Constitution come directly from Masonic teaching and traditions. The author didn't do enough research, or else he deliberately ignored this important factor. It makes the book less reliable as an historical resource.
Sapphire2
Sep 24, 2014
History Textbook
This was like being in high school history class. I read maybe 1 chapter. Most boring book I read for our bookclub, and always loved history until this book.
Al S
Dec 22, 2011
Great read
Really makes one understand how the political process works. Puts a human face on our founding fathers.The nitty details of what it takes to make the first true democracy work. Every high school political history class should read and discuss a segment of this book.
Catnap1
Apr 28, 2009
Reads like a good history, mystery, and philosophy
I have now purchased this title in CD, and two paperbacks. Whenever I try to explain the American character, I find myself referring back to this text and buying it as a gift. Because they did not know in advance that they would not end up hanging either together or separately, these American Revolutionaries behaved with the highest integrity possible and trusted each other's sense of honor and integrity. Character mattered because integrity mattered, and Ellis explores these historical greats' characters with wit, compassion and wisdom in prose that is easy to read and enjoy. From unravelling the mystery of who first pulled the triggter in the Hamilton-Burr duel to the final exchange of letters between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who died within hours of each other on the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, this is a terrific read!
cweller
Oct 19, 2008
Ellis is phenominal
Joseph Ellis does an exceptional job of bringing out the relationships between the early leaders of our country. He is able to personify the subjects allowing them to become more then mere facts in a textbook and provides remarkable insight into the challenges they faced.
