Founding Fathers: The Essential Guide to the Men Who Made America

This 2007 "Founding Fathers" book is well-written, well-researched, and infused with interesting touches of new (for the average reader) information. In approximately 272 pages, it provides fairly reasonable coverage of the American Revolution and the Founding era at a decent price. I would rate the book somewhere between three and four stars but will tilt to four stars due to its often unique information and interpretations.Having read many books on this era, I found only one technical “mistake,” that the book reports George Washington died at 10 pm on 14 December 1799. From his personal secretary Tobias Lear’s reports, Washington died between 10 pm and 11 pm. Some reports say he died at 10:20 pm, which jibes with the reputed “death clock” that is said to have been stopped at the moment of Washington’s death, and that now resides at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. So, my compliments to the excellent research one normally ascribes to the Encyclopedia Britannica people.By a quick count, the book covers 66 topics: 2 women (Abigail Adams and Dolley Madison), 43 men, 19 documents/acts/actions, and 2 concepts (not including three “closer looks”). “These closer looks (second takes) are given to the Declaration of Independence (4 original pages; 4 closer-look pages); Thomas Jefferson (22, 4); Thomas Paine (5, 4); and George Washington (32, 9). You’ll thus note that main characters are given quite a bit of coverage. Other the other hand, somewhat sketchy coverage is given to more than a few individuals, eg Francis Hopkinson (increasingly known for America’s “first flag”), and Roger Sherman (not mentioned is his being one of the five on the committee to write the Declaration of Independence).The book’s title is “Founding Fathers: The Essential Guide to the Men (emphasis Men) Who Made America.” Authoring the book’s introduction, noted historian Joseph Ellis writes: “While there are no agreed-upon criteria for inclusion, membership in this select group customarily requires conspicuous contributions at one or both of the American foundings: during the rebellion against Great Britain, when independence was won, or during the Constitutional Convention, when nationhood was achieved.”So, it is with a very broad vision of Founding Fathers that the book includes two women. Among others of questionable definitional qualification, the book includes Button Quinett, known for signing the Declaration of Independence but mostly for his rare autographs. Nathan Hale is also included, but no General and Secretary of War Henry Knox or General Greene, Washington’s favorite general. No famous foreigners are included: Lafayette, von Steuben, Kosciuszko, or Pulaski. And somewhat arguably, the book gives the “Apostle of Liberty” title to Thomas Jefferson, while other sources give this title to both George Washington and Thomas Paine.I am indebted to this book to what I expect to be an update to my own book, which touches a bit upon the “magic” of Revolutionary Era events having to do with numbers, among them the number 5, which surprising shows up many times in important events. Specifically, as the “Essential Guide” points out, the seminal statement of American culture in the Declaration of Independence has 55 words: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” In addition, Thomas Jefferson served 5 years as Ambassador to France. For these two fascinating additions to my collection, I am grateful! FWIW, here's a very small sample of the Revolutionary magic I've found elsewhere for the number 5: The Declaration of Independence had 55 signers under John Hancock. The Constitution had 55 signers.Bottom line, despite a few faults, I think you’ll find the Britannica book, while not ultra-essential, a very enjoyable and worthwhile read.“Character is Key for Liberty!” Check out how “Character, Culture, and Constitution” played “key” roles in the American and French Revolutions:  George Washington's Liberty Key: Mount Vernon's Bastille Key – the Mystery and Magic of Its Body, Mind, and Soul , a best-seller at Mount Vernon.

I found it easily read and very rudimentary for me as I read a lot of revolutionary history.

If you paid attention in 6th grade history class you would already what’s in this book.

It is so refreshing to read about these brilliant and courageous men who sacrifice their time and in some casestheir lives to help establish this great country. I know we are so fortunate to live in this the greatest country in the world.This magnificent experiment in liberty and freedom has to continue and it will. Freedom is not free. Our Founding Fathers knew this and despite many obstacles overcame. Hopefully the leaders of today are up to the challenge?

My wife and I are putting together a US Constitution class designed for teens, their parents and/or grands. Objective of class is to guide participants into meaning of Declaration of Independence written by Committee of Five, what is current meaning of Constitutional Amendments and how this is to be understood in today's threatening times. First class is to be scheduled soon! Willis "Jerry" & Valera Heydenberk

It is a gift, I am sure he will love it!! Thank you 😁

Great book. I really enjoyed reading the bite-sized biographical entries that bring to life the people and events related to America's founding.

Would be a good read for anyone interested in the Revolutionary history of the American government.

such a great book for basic information on each of them, sets a great foundation for further exploration. If you're looking to find out more about the founding fathers then buy this book as your first, and then buy a book specifically about one of the ones you found most interesting, as I have done for Alexander Hamilton.

Great book and highly recommended ...