Founding Brothers

Sam wanted to focus on American history in his summer school, so one of the books I assigned him was Founding Brothers, by Joseph Ellis. I hadn't read it for a number of years, so taking it up again to prepare Sam's questions proved every bit as enjoyable as the first time, mainly because I had forgotten so much.

I am continually amazed at how little things have changed in government and politics. It is still a dirty business, illuminated occasionally by rays of idealism and glimmers of self-sacrifice. The extraordinary men who founded and led the early days of our country--Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, Madison, etc. were each flawed and tragic in their own ways, yet managed contributions that betimes soared above the fray to give rise to their fledgling nation. These were men of courage and conviction, of intellectual rigor and unfailing industry, who came together in that golden hour of opportunity to shape the history of the world.

There are other books on the period equally as good--McCullough's John Adams and 1776 are terrific. But Founding Brothers is an easy read with what feels like a fresh perspective. Highly recommended.

It is impossible to know the full measure of a man--his soul, his will, his judgment, until he is seen practicing government and law.
---Sophocles, in Antigone