Founding Brothers

The subject matter of this book is informative yet somewhat easy to read. The public was not fully shown how the founders got along during this great struggle. All six episodes cover with great detail how these men shaped our young country while in great turmoil. Which proves that knowing more about the politicians and orators of the time can better grasp the reasons behind early politics. Founding Brothers informs our understanding of American politics--then and now, and gives us a new perspective on the unpredictable forces that shape history. The ideas and thoughts of the fathers were put on paper so that the reader could understand how times were in the colonial period. Jefferson, renowned for his greatness of political thought, but so reclusive that he rarely spoke more than a few sentences in public. No maps were given, but the geographical locations are less important than the insight of the characters, which Ellis explains quite well. Professor Ellis has written an excellent and very accessible account of this complex story, and I highly recommend it as an aid to understanding the early shaping of American history. Hamilton's manner and deep economic knowledge masked his humble origins. Finally, the sixth episode covers the correspondence between Adams and Jefferson, who wrote letters back and forth for over twelve years. Because of that the subject matter is better covered. This Narrative shows the real character between these men. Although the readings were hard to follow at times, it was not too difficult for the author to get his point across. [continues]

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