In this landmark work of history, the National Book Award winning author of
American Sphinx 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.
The United States was more a fragile hope than a reality in 1790. 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. 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.
Background Information
Alexander Hamilton was one of the authors of the Federalist Papers, the first Secretary of the Treasury and died in a duel with Aaron Burr. Aaron Burr's career range from high political power to the killing of Alexander Hamilton in a duel along with near treasonous activities. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, founded the Democratic-Republican Party and was the third President. James Madison helped draft the Constitution, collaborated on the Federalist Papers and became Americ'as Fourth President.
