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Loading... Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation (2001)by Joseph J. Ellis
BL 12.8 AR points 22 Deservedly considered a classic of the genre, FOUNDING BROTHERS is a riveting and personal look at the founding generation after they completed their revolution and were faced with running the country. Rivalry, strategy, idealism, legacy, and most importantly, survival, were at the front of their minds as they navigated questions of seeking alliances in Europe, tackling slavery, uniting the northern and southern colonies, etc. To lean on a cliche, Ellis really breathes life into these icons, restoring their humanity and petty frailties while lauding their accomplishments. An absolutely marvelous work of American history. Unlike a regular biography, Ellis gives us six stories about different combinations of George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. This is a different perspective, assuming that you know the facts, and takes us down a path of relationships between and among these men whose accomplishments are usually seen from the standpoint of each individual man. Fascinating and fun!
References to this work on external resources.
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The events, Burr and Hamilton's deadly duel; Hamilton; Jefferson, and Madison's secret dinner, where the capital's permanent location & Hamilton's financial plan were planned; Franklin's drive to end slavery, and Madison's efforts to thwart it; Washington's Farewell Address; Adams's challenges as Washington's successor & an alleged scheme to pass the presidency on to his son; and Adams and Jefferson's correspondence at the end of their lives. Though all 6 events had some noteworthiness, they were way to long and about midway no longer kept my interest.
McCullough's biography kept my interest throughout, his writing on events presented a more personable approach. Where as Ellis made them sound just like men of history
Ellis is a recognized writer of American History and has authored many books of which I plan to listen to, but as for listening to "Founding Brothers" for the most part it was like those days back in school, "boring!!!" (