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Penman of the Founding: A Biography of John Dickinson
Why is it that so many Americans have not heard of John Dickinson?
John Dickinson of Pennsylvania and Delaware was an early leader of the resistance to British rule in the American colonies. In fact, to many, he was the most prominent figure in the struggle for independence, though his Quaker-influenced opposition to violence kept him from signing one of its most famous documents in July 1776. Still, Dickinson, one of the wealthiest men in the colonies, did more to promote the cause behind it than almost anyone else, not only as the lead draftsman in all the national Congresses, but in his popular writing. His hugely influential Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania educated colonists about their rights and instructed them in how to defend those rights in non-violent ways. In essence he taught the colonists to think of themselves as Americans, united in a common cause. Despite his refusal to sign the Declaration of Independence, he continued to serve the nation in a number of capacities--in Congress, as governor of Delaware and Pennsylvania, as
president of the Annapolis Convention, as delegate to the Federal Convention, and as president of the Delaware constitutional convention. Because of his close association with Quakerism, he also took stances unlike any other major figure of his day, making him among the first to advocate civil disobedience as a form of protest, freeing his slaves and embracing abolitionism, advocating rights for women, Indians, prisoners, and the poor. He nonetheless volunteered for active service in the Delaware militia during the War of Independence.
Despite the key part he played in the country's founding, few Americans today have heard of John Dickinson. Early chroniclers and historians, seeking to create a patriotic narrative and taking their cues from his political enemies, cast him as a coward and Loyalist for not signing the Declaration. Many later historians have simply accepted and echoed this distorted and dismissive view. Jane Calvert's fascinating, authoritative, and accessible biography, the first complete account of Dickinson's life and work, restores him to a place of prominence in the nation's formative years.
John Dickinson of Pennsylvania and Delaware was an early leader of the resistance to British rule in the American colonies. In fact, to many, he was the most prominent figure in the struggle for independence, though his Quaker-influenced opposition to violence kept him from signing one of its most famous documents in July 1776. Still, Dickinson, one of the wealthiest men in the colonies, did more to promote the cause behind it than almost anyone else, not only as the lead draftsman in all the national Congresses, but in his popular writing. His hugely influential Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania educated colonists about their rights and instructed them in how to defend those rights in non-violent ways. In essence he taught the colonists to think of themselves as Americans, united in a common cause. Despite his refusal to sign the Declaration of Independence, he continued to serve the nation in a number of capacities--in Congress, as governor of Delaware and Pennsylvania, as
president of the Annapolis Convention, as delegate to the Federal Convention, and as president of the Delaware constitutional convention. Because of his close association with Quakerism, he also took stances unlike any other major figure of his day, making him among the first to advocate civil disobedience as a form of protest, freeing his slaves and embracing abolitionism, advocating rights for women, Indians, prisoners, and the poor. He nonetheless volunteered for active service in the Delaware militia during the War of Independence.
Despite the key part he played in the country's founding, few Americans today have heard of John Dickinson. Early chroniclers and historians, seeking to create a patriotic narrative and taking their cues from his political enemies, cast him as a coward and Loyalist for not signing the Declaration. Many later historians have simply accepted and echoed this distorted and dismissive view. Jane Calvert's fascinating, authoritative, and accessible biography, the first complete account of Dickinson's life and work, restores him to a place of prominence in the nation's formative years.
- GenresHistory
608 pages, Hardcover
Published October 11, 2024
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110 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 28, 2025
The author was clearly in love with her subject, an often unknown founding father. The research was top notch and the details were extremely granular at times. I am sure this took years, and because of this it earns an extra star for me. This would normally have been a 2 star for me as at times, I just found this book a little too reader unfriendly. It is definitely a scholarly piece, better suited to be read by academics and not simply the average history reader.
April 11, 2025
Dr. Calvert has researched extensively to come up with the most in-depth biography written about John Dickinson in years. She captures the man's views on government, slavery, religion, and service to country.
This is a must read, not only to understand one of America's forgotten Founders, but also to understand the integrity necessary to be a leader in today's American political arena.
A patriot, who like Dickinson was, will put country over their own selfish interests.
This is a must read, not only to understand one of America's forgotten Founders, but also to understand the integrity necessary to be a leader in today's American political arena.
A patriot, who like Dickinson was, will put country over their own selfish interests.
January 5, 2025
While I appreciate learning about Dickinson, I feel the author has fallen in love with her subject. There are numerous twists of history that many other historians would challenge. And Washington was elected unanimously twice, not almost unanimously as what appears on page 402. Her treatment of Franklin is decidedly incorrect. Read it and learn but be cautious.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews