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Joseph J. Ellis

Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation

In "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation," Joseph J. Ellis, a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner, explores the complex relationships and shared ideals of the founding fathers who shaped the early American Republic. The book focuses on six crucial incidents in the revolutionary era, using them as lenses to examine the characters, values, and motivations of key figures like George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Aaron Burr. Ellis's narrative weaves together these events to create a rich tapestry of the revolutionary generation's political and personal lives. The episodes include the heated debate over the location of the national capital, the XYZ Affair that sparked anti-French sentiment, the formation of the first political parties, the retirement of Washington, the Jefferson-Adams presidential race, and the tragic duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. These events reveal the fragile balance between idealism and pragmatism, unity and division, and friendship and enmity that defined the early republic. By focusing on the interpersonal dynamics of the founding fathers, Ellis offers readers a unique perspective on the revolutionary generation. He delves into their personal lives, exploring their ambitions, insecurities, and rivalries, while also examining their shared commitment to creating a new nation based on Enlightenment principles. The result is a captivating and insightful exploration of the revolutionary generation that deepens our understanding of the individuals who shaped America's early history. "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" is an engaging and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in American history, politics, and biography. Ellis's vivid storytelling and keen historical insights make this book a valuable addition to the literature on the founding fathers and the early American Republic...