Jessica's review
American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies in the Founding of the Republic
by Joseph J. Ellis
Jessica's review
American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies in the Founding of the Republic by Joseph J. Ellis
Jessica's review
rating:
bookshelves:
history
This book covers the period from 1776-1805ish in American history. It covers the Revolution, the Articles of Confederation, the creation of the Constitution, the two big failures of the founding fathers (namely not ending slavery and Indian removal), the development of party politics, and the Louisiana Purchase.
The book is covers these events through the lenses of Washington, Madison, and Jefferson. The Washington part is the least original--it's very reminiscent of parts of 1776 by McCullough. The Jeffersonian part in particular however is very interesting--I never realized the extent of his paranoia/ mental ingenuity, or that he and Madison thought that there was a Federalist conspiracy. I also liked the balance between discussion of success and failure in the time of the founding of America. The founding fathers are neither vilified nor lauded, but presented as normal human beings.
The book is covers these events through the lenses of Washington, Madison, and Jefferson. The Washington part is the least original--it's very reminiscent of parts of 1776 by McCullough. The Jeffersonian part in particular however is very interesting--I never realized the extent of his paranoia/ mental ingenuity, or that he and Madison thought that there was a Federalist conspiracy. I also liked the balance between discussion of success and failure in the time of the founding of America. The founding fathers are neither vilified nor lauded, but presented as normal human beings.
