Dan Sisson

A very academic history, in which the author spends a great deal of time defining what "revolution" and "faction" meant to the typical 18th-century person. Once the reader is thoroughly convinced of the violent nature of 18th-century revolution and political faction, the author presents his thesis that the so-called "Revolution of 1800" was indeed a revolution because it involved the peaceful transfer of power between opposing factions (or political parties, as we might call them today). show more While a compelling argument, it was also a predictable one. This work may be of interest to those who thoroughly enjoy early American history, as long as they are not dissuaded by the long-winded chapters and academic discussion of word meanings. show less