Gordon S. Wood

The Benjamin Franklin of this history is both a legendary Founding Father and a man who changes as the circumstances around him shift. He begins as a businessman, becomes a scientist, philosopher, and public servant. He spends many years in London and expresses views in line with British imperialism. Then, as the American colonies move towards revolution, Franklin shifts again - becoming an American and a diplomat. This volume highlights these changes in Franklin's views and makes for a fascinating read on one of the most remarkable founders.… (mere)

When I reach for superlatives to characterize this magisterial book, my cup simply runneth over. Gordon S. Wood, by now, is a--if not the--major figure in Colonial and Early United States historiography, and this book, while perhaps not his magnum opus (he has recently published a major study titled Empire of Liberty, and surely has more books and articles to produce), it is perhaps the final word on the ideology and social philosophy of those who fomented the American Revolution. Casual readers should be advised that this is a relatively dense scholarly work, and the impressive array of evidence that Professor Wood has marshaled can at times make for laborious wading. That said, such labor will richly reward those who perform it. Finally, if nothing else, this book serves as a comprehensive refutation of those in our public life--some of the loudest found there, alas--who aver that the founders of this country were radical evangelical Protestants. Very highly recommended.… (mere)

The author tries to tell the story of the evolving friendship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. The author does a good job of using letters sent between Adams, Jefferson and others to help explain the potential motivation and reasoning behind decisions made by Adams and Jefferson before, during, and after their presidencies. An insightful read. Because the author uses first hand references, some of the reading may be difficult because the English language has changed in the past 200 years. However, I'd much rather have the original documents and an explanation of the words over a paraphrased version.… (mere)