Book Review: The Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation by Joseph J. Ellis

I review one of my favorite books by Joseph Ellis. The Founding Brothers is a about the early years of the United States of America and discusses how the Founding Fathers set up the practical workings of the US Government. In this Pulitzer Prize winning book, Ellis describes six episodes, including: the duel between Hamilton and Burr; the dinner hosted by Jefferson in which Hamilton and Madison comprised on some key issues; Franklin's effort to make Congress deal with the slavery issue; Washington's Farewell Address; Adam's Presidency and influence of his Abigail; and the friendship between Jefferson and Adams. This book brings to life the key issues and personalities of the early days US History and reexamines the motivations and ideals of the Founding Fathers.

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• Book Review
• The Founding Brothers
• The Founding Fathers
• Joseph J. Ellis
• John Adams
• Thomas Jefferson
• George Washington
• James Madison
• Aaron Burr
• Abigail Adams
• Benjamin Franklin
• Alexander Hamilton
• Pulitzer Prize

[LostHalfBreed]

I read this for my AP class as well, and I have to say I really liked "The Friendship".

[mrbrandon21ish]

@LostHalfBreed Yes, the relationship between Jefferson and Adams is a really interesting thing to read about.  Amazing actually.

[AndYeaah]

How long did it take you to read this book???

[mrbrandon21ish]

@AndYeaah I've read the book three or four times the whole way through and some of the chapters more times, so it's hard to remember the first time I read it. But, I think it took me about 3-4 days.  It's a hard book to put down, at least for me :)

[ChamronConnyngham]

I have to read this book over the summer for my ap history class

[mrbrandon21ish]

@ChamronConnyngham It's a great read! Enjoy.

[srpjr3795]

Great review. Thanks for that!

[looney1023]

hey what were the four reasons the founding brothers were successful?

[OUmillenium]

My 8th grade gifted class reads this book and completes worksheets that I have created. The high level students really appreciate it while those with lower reading levels struggle tremendously.

[AndYeaah]

What are some other books like this one?

[hbanaian]

4. Who were the leaders of the political factions developing in the United States and what were their respective political agendas?

[hbanaian]

4. Who were the leaders of the political factions developing in the United States and what were their respective political agendas?

5.How did a nation founded on the principles of equality and freedom justify the enslavement of Africans in North America?

[hbanaian]

4. Who were the leaders of the political factions developing in the United States and what were their respective political agendas?

5.How did a nation founded on the principles of equality and freedom justify the enslavement of Africans in North America?

6.How did Washington’s presidency shape the executive branch? Did he set good precedents?

[hbanaian]

4. Who were the leaders of the political factions developing in the United States and what were their respective political agendas?

5.How did a nation founded on the principles of equality and freedom justify the enslavement of Africans in North America?

6.How did Washington’s presidency shape the executive branch? Did he set good precedents?

7. Why was the friendship between Jefferson and Adams so central to the development of the United States?