In fact, the relationship between Jefferson and Adams is arguably the central one of the book Ellis explores how politics severed the close ties forged by the Revolution, but how time and perspective facilitated a renewal of that friendship. Jefferson traded a friendship with Adams for a political collaboration with Madison, which revealed his shifting political obsessions. Washington's close friendship with Hamilton was essential towards the formation of the Federalist party, for instance. The decades that followed can be understood in terms of their persistent or declining friendships. Fighting beside one another, possessed by the spirit of ‘76, they formed a idealistic brotherhood intent on freedom.

Its insightful conclusions rest on extensive research, and its author’s writing is vigorous and lucid.” - St.The men who became the Founding Fathers first developed relationships with each other as friends. Ellis’s storytelling helps us more fully hear the Brothers’ voices.” - Business Week

Ellis has such command of the subject matter that it feels fresh, particularly as he segues from psychological to political, even to physical analysis. “Learned, exceedingly well-written, and perceptive.” - The Oregonian captures the passion the founders brought to the revolutionary project. leaves the reader with a visceral sense of a formative era in American life.” - The New York Times enduring achievement.” - The Boston Globe Ellis has established himself as the Founders’ historian for our time.” -Gordon S. “ Founding Brothers is a wonderful book, one of the best. Through an analysis of six fascinating episodes-Hamilton and Burr’s deadly duel, Washington’s precedent-setting Farewell Address, Adams’ administration and political partnership with his wife, the debate about where to place the capital, Franklin’s attempt to force Congress to confront the issue of slavery and Madison’s attempts to block him, and Jefferson and Adams’ famous correspondence- Founding Brothers brings to life the vital issues and personalities from the most important decade in our nation’s history. During the decade that followed, the Founding Fathers-re-examined here as Founding Brothers-combined the ideals of the Declaration of Independence with the content of the Constitution to create the practical workings of our government. The United States was more a fragile hope than a reality in 1790. “A splendid book-humane, learned, written with flair and radiant with a calm intelligence and wit.” - The New York Times Book Review A landmark work of history explores how a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed individuals-Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison-confronted the overwhelming challenges before them to set the course for our nation.

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