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Founders: The People Who Brought You a Nation
The Founding Fathers--Washington, Franklin, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton, and Madison--have been the subjects of countless histories, novels, movies, and television programs. Everyone knows that this small group of brilliant men were major players in our struggle for independence and had key roles in forging a new nation. That much our history books tell us.
But that's only part of the story. In Founders, historian Ray Raphael explores the margins of history and finds a rich array of fascinating characters whose exploits were crucial to the success of the Revolution and whose own dramatic stories have been long forgotten. He provides a stirring account of these true unsung heroes who affected events during the turbulent decades that began with the first signs of political unrest in 1761 and ended with the establishment of our nation.
Some were famous at the time, such as Robert Morris, perhaps the most powerful citizen in Revolutionary America. His wealth essentially financed the war effort, and he is considered one of the founders, along with Alexander Hamilton, of the American financial system. Yet he is strangely neglected today.
Others were ordinary men, like Joseph Plumb Martin, a private in Washington's army who wrote about some of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War from a simple soldier's perspective, and Timothy Bigelow, a small-town blacksmith who helped engineer the first overthrow of British authority in 1774.
Some were women; Mercy Otis Warren became an adviser to many political leaders, including Washington, Jefferson, and John Adams, and wrote one of the first American histories.
And some were very unlikely heroes, whose upbringing and professions were far from revolutionary: Henry Laurens, a rich, conservative southern slave owner became the only American ever to be imprisoned in the Tower of London and remains the highest-ranking civilian ever taken by an enemy in our nation's history; Thomas Young was a country doctor turned radical, who fomented rebellion in seven states.
Together, these forgotten champions of freedom remind us who really crated our nation--the common people. Farmers, soldiers, laborers, artisans, and merchants put their lives and livelihoods on the line for the American cause. If the United States is a country about the people, the our national narrative should be, too.
But that's only part of the story. In Founders, historian Ray Raphael explores the margins of history and finds a rich array of fascinating characters whose exploits were crucial to the success of the Revolution and whose own dramatic stories have been long forgotten. He provides a stirring account of these true unsung heroes who affected events during the turbulent decades that began with the first signs of political unrest in 1761 and ended with the establishment of our nation.
Some were famous at the time, such as Robert Morris, perhaps the most powerful citizen in Revolutionary America. His wealth essentially financed the war effort, and he is considered one of the founders, along with Alexander Hamilton, of the American financial system. Yet he is strangely neglected today.
Others were ordinary men, like Joseph Plumb Martin, a private in Washington's army who wrote about some of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War from a simple soldier's perspective, and Timothy Bigelow, a small-town blacksmith who helped engineer the first overthrow of British authority in 1774.
Some were women; Mercy Otis Warren became an adviser to many political leaders, including Washington, Jefferson, and John Adams, and wrote one of the first American histories.
And some were very unlikely heroes, whose upbringing and professions were far from revolutionary: Henry Laurens, a rich, conservative southern slave owner became the only American ever to be imprisoned in the Tower of London and remains the highest-ranking civilian ever taken by an enemy in our nation's history; Thomas Young was a country doctor turned radical, who fomented rebellion in seven states.
Together, these forgotten champions of freedom remind us who really crated our nation--the common people. Farmers, soldiers, laborers, artisans, and merchants put their lives and livelihoods on the line for the American cause. If the United States is a country about the people, the our national narrative should be, too.
594 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 14, 2016
This book unexpectedly held my attention. The writer's style crept up on me gradually; the more I read, the more I like it. His premise--telling the story of the founding of our nation from the viewpoints of individuals not necessarily the first to come to mind when thinking of this generation-- was refreshing and instructive. Even when discussing Washington--hardly a minor actor on the revolutionary stage--Raphael brought more to the story than is typically told. This book is one I want for my library.
December 10, 2019
Excellent recounting of Revolutionary and pre-Revolutionary America as told through the stories of now-forgotten historic figures in several key regions. Ray Raphael includes here an extended portrait of my 5th-great-uncle, the physician, poet, theological theorist, and mentor of Ethan Allen, Dr. Thomas Young of Orange County/Ulster County New York. We also follow New England’s Mercy Otis Warren, as well as once-prominent and now obscure patriots from Charleston South Carolina, Philadelphia, Virginia etc.
July 29, 2022
This is a good book as a starter for anyone interested in the American Revolution.
February 7, 2012
There are millions of ways you can tell the story of the beginning of the United States. Raphael tries to broaden the scope for the average reader to give a bigger view of what was happening in the country before it was a country. The result? An entirely readable history of the American Founding and the struggles, trials, triumphs and joys of some of the people who fought to bring the United States into existence.
In Founders , Ray Raphael summarizes the major elements that occurred in the Colonies before the Revolution, during it and after it. He attempts to give an overall view of geographical considerations, gender considerations, and personality issues. By doing so, he de-emphasizes some of the more traditional 'Fathers' (i.e. Jefferson and Adams) and highlights more Obscure leaders (i.e. Mercy Otis Warren). Raphael's main objective is to tell the story and not retell traditional understandings or common-lore. For example, he briefly mentions Valley Forge and compares it to the winter of 1779-1780 which was much worse. He highlights independence movements that took place before Lexington and Concord in order to give a more fluid understanding of history.
The strength of Raphael's book is his writing style. He writes in an engaging and thoughtful way. His organization is also remarkable and the book helps people who might get confused as to different events occurring in different locales.
If you had to read one book on the Founders, this is a very helpful overview.
In Founders , Ray Raphael summarizes the major elements that occurred in the Colonies before the Revolution, during it and after it. He attempts to give an overall view of geographical considerations, gender considerations, and personality issues. By doing so, he de-emphasizes some of the more traditional 'Fathers' (i.e. Jefferson and Adams) and highlights more Obscure leaders (i.e. Mercy Otis Warren). Raphael's main objective is to tell the story and not retell traditional understandings or common-lore. For example, he briefly mentions Valley Forge and compares it to the winter of 1779-1780 which was much worse. He highlights independence movements that took place before Lexington and Concord in order to give a more fluid understanding of history.
The strength of Raphael's book is his writing style. He writes in an engaging and thoughtful way. His organization is also remarkable and the book helps people who might get confused as to different events occurring in different locales.
If you had to read one book on the Founders, this is a very helpful overview.
July 6, 2009
This book is definitely worth your time. Don't be daunted by the size; sure, it's a non-fiction book that's just over 500 pages, but it reads fast and is told more like a story. And it's not the same story you've heard before about our nation's fight for independence.
Author Ray Raphael tells the story of America through the eyes of mostly lesser known characters of the revolution. The most known of these characters are George Washington and Mercy Otis Warren. George Washington is key to the narrative as he is the commander of the Continental Army and Mercy Otis Warren is the wife, sister, and mother to a handful of Massachusetts patriots that are more well known. Her placement in the narrative is rather odd because she is a woman who uses her way with words and a pseudo name to publish her beliefs for others to read.
If you are interested in filling in some of the gaps in your knowledge of the American Revolution and like the stories within the larger story, this is definitely the book for you.
Author Ray Raphael tells the story of America through the eyes of mostly lesser known characters of the revolution. The most known of these characters are George Washington and Mercy Otis Warren. George Washington is key to the narrative as he is the commander of the Continental Army and Mercy Otis Warren is the wife, sister, and mother to a handful of Massachusetts patriots that are more well known. Her placement in the narrative is rather odd because she is a woman who uses her way with words and a pseudo name to publish her beliefs for others to read.
If you are interested in filling in some of the gaps in your knowledge of the American Revolution and like the stories within the larger story, this is definitely the book for you.
March 17, 2010
Do you want to know about more than just the great white men who we call the Founding Fathers? Raphael dug up primary source documentation on five wide-ranging characters from the founding era and wove the torn and tattered and yellowed pieces into an accessible tale of how it takes a village to create a country. In the 500 or so pages of this well-written book, you will learn the truth about George Washington the General as well as the story of a private in that great general's army. You will hear a colonial woman tell her story. Two men from everyday colonial America rise up to fight for what they believe in. Raphael gives their stories excellent treatment. These characters' lives weave together to tell a more well-rounded story of our country's humble beginnings.
March 8, 2010
I just finished Act I, 125 pages in, which ends with the dramatic Boston Tea Party, and I'm going to have to leave it there for a while.
This book is genius! I would like to say that this book is the Definitive History on the Revolutionary Years, but I haven't read enough histories of the time period to know. It's thorough enough, and well-written enough, that it SHOULD be the Definitive History.
It's dense but fascinating, as good history should be. I'll definitely be finishing it, but right now I want to move on, and the library would probably appreciate if I returned it after almost 3 months.
This book is genius! I would like to say that this book is the Definitive History on the Revolutionary Years, but I haven't read enough histories of the time period to know. It's thorough enough, and well-written enough, that it SHOULD be the Definitive History.
It's dense but fascinating, as good history should be. I'll definitely be finishing it, but right now I want to move on, and the library would probably appreciate if I returned it after almost 3 months.
October 8, 2016
I read this book to get a fuller picture of the Revolutionary War and I think I did. So many minor characters are who actually brought it about.
There were also several things like the fact most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were in debt up their eyeballs.
Well researched, and well written. I'm glad I read it.
There were also several things like the fact most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were in debt up their eyeballs.
Well researched, and well written. I'm glad I read it.
January 23, 2016
A delightful book, which reminds the reader that "The Founding Fathers" were actual human beings, with faults and foibles like everyone else. A book to be savored slowly, letting the lessons of the past sink gently into the soul.
August 16, 2009
so so long. now i know why there are so many things named after robert morris. for hardcore revolutionary history fans only.
November 13, 2009
Written very well, and it provided a perspective from the eyes of lesser-known or unknown American Revolution participants. Be forewarned, it's a long read...
Want to Read
December 26, 2009OK, Alfred, after I finish Miracle at Philadelphia... :-) (Seriously, thanks for the recommendation.)
Read
February 21, 2012Interesting look at the revolutionary period, 1750-1800. Uses some unknown but real people to narrate and explain the activities and political thoughts of the era. Easy read.
June 27, 2016
Non-fiction: great research for my Revolutionary Faith series!
March 30, 2013
Good book if you enjoy history or politics or revolutionary war period.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews