Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic
by Joseph J. Ellis
From the first shots fired at Lexington to the signing of the Declaration of Independence to the negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase, Ellis guides us through the decisive issues of the nations founding, and illuminates the emerging philosophies, shifting alliances, and personal and political foibles of our now iconic leadersWashington, Jefferson, Madison, Hamilton, and Adams. He casts an incisive eye on the founders achievements, arguing that the American Revolution was, paradoxically, an evolutionand that part of what made it so extraordinary was the gradual pace at which it occurred. He shows us why the fact that it was brought about by a group, rather than by a single individual, distinguished it from the bloodier revolutions of other countries, and ultimately played a key role in determining its success. He explains how the idea of a strong federal government, championed by Washington, was eventually embraced by the American people, the majority of whom had to be won over, as they feared an absolute power reminiscent of the British Empire. And he details the emergence of the two-party systemthen a political noveltywhich today stands as the founders most enduring legacy.
"Starred Review. Ellis's lucid, illuminating and ironic prose will make this a holiday season hit. " - Publishers Weekly.
"Starred Review. A history bound for phenomenal popularity." - Booklist
"Sharply conceived and smoothly executed - a worthy addition to Ellis's already well-advanced project of lucidly explaining the nation's early history to his countrymen." - Kirkus Reviews.
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Joseph J. Ellis received the Pulitzer Prize for Founding Brothers and the National Book Award for his portrait of Thomas Jefferson, American Sphinx. He is the Ford Foundation Professor of History at Mount Holyoke College. He lives in Amherst, Massachusetts, with his wife, Ellen, and their youngest son, Alex.
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