From the Book Shelf
by Fred Apgar
Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation
By Joseph J. Ellis
The 1790’s were the most decisive decade in American history, and a collection of the greatest American statesmen came together to define our republic and direct its course through what would prove to be turbulent times. Their presence and participation in our fledgling government held the country together until a national identity was established and a new social and political order took root.
Ellis provides readers with insight into the intertwining lives of seven of our founding fathers; Aaron Burr, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and George Washington through a discussion of six critical episodes in our nation’s history. Thoroughly researched, the book provides a lively narrative of events during the 1790’s and beyond.
The book includes, among other topics, a lengthy discussion of the debate of our founding fathers regarding the issue of slavery. Ultimately, the failure to reach a compromise on that issue, left it for future generations.