American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies in the Founding of the Republic (Vintage) | 
|  | | | Title: | American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies in the Founding of the Republic (Vintage) | | Author: | Joseph J. Ellis | | Publisher: | Vintage | | Type: | Book / Paperback | | Publication Date: | 14 October, 2008 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 0307276457 / 9780307276452 | | List Price: | $14.95 | | You Save: | $4.78 | | Amazon Price: | $10.17 | |
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Product Description
Acclaimed historian Joseph J. Ellis brings his unparalleled talents to this riveting account of the early years of the Republic.
The last quarter of the eighteenth century remains the most politically creative era in American history, when a dedicated group of men undertook a bold experiment in political ideals. It was a time of both triumphs and tragedies—all of which contributed to the shaping of our burgeoning nation. Ellis casts an incisive eye on the gradual pace of the American Revolution and the contributions of such luminaries as Washington, Jefferson, and Madison, and brilliantly analyzes the failures of the founders to adequately solve the problems of slavery and the treatment of Native Americans. With accessible prose and stunning eloquence, Ellis delineates in American Creation an era of flawed greatness, at a time when understanding our origins is more important than ever.
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Customer Reviews:
• Valued Perspective 02 January, 2009
At this late date (almost sixty previous and voluminous reviews) why bother? Well I can suggest that as we look at an important inauguration, Ellis provides us with the perspective of Valley Forge, the Declaration, the Constitution and the Louisiana Purchase. He shows the founders as men who had an investment of self and belief that led to political duplicity and infighting that today would land them on the Daily Show or Sat. Night Live at a rate which would have exceeded this recent campaign. This is not sparkling prose, but with a little thought the enormity of those decisions and their consequences comes home to a discerning reader. This is a pass along to a good friend book.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2K7BZAL9BB92F
• Brilliant As Usual 16 July, 2008
I have read so much about this time period that only Joseph Ellis will give me an excuse to once again read about early US history.
The problem with most popular historic studies is that it tends to be littered with the adjectives of "brave, bold, noble, patriotic, heroic, etc." and therefore eliminates the objective analysis that provokes examination of the situation. Ellis examined Valley Forge, American and Native American treaties, the Constitutional convention and of course the Purchase with a scholarly perspective that always teaches me a bit more about the time period that most books ever do. I never grow bored with Ellis because he really digs into the matter. For example, every book that talks about Articles Of Confederation gives off the idea that it was both inevitable and the ONLY reality. In this book, Ellis points out what probably would have happened if the Articles stated in place and the realization that most supported the Articles as a function of the Revolution. The Constitution was seen by many as a threat to political balance -- something I always knew but had never seen brought beyond a foot note. This is when Ellis is at his finest. We are seeing the implications of this today with the reintroduction of imperial president.
Now if Ellis will write that biography of Benjamin Franklin that he has talked about in the past, I will so be there to read it.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A26VNYTGSFO9EU
• The Founding Fathers, Neither Jeckels Nor Hydes 29 September, 2008
This is a great addition to the history books covering the founding of our nation. Ellis covers the facts and corrects the fictions have become lore, and does so in a manner that is interesting and revealing. The Founding Fathers were neither geniuses who walked on water with the foresight of gods; nor were they evil white men hell-bent on establishing a utopia for themselves only. Yes, they were remarkable men with great talent, but they were men nonetheless, with weaknesses and inconsistencies. Ellis bears this out as he describes the various key events at the birth of the country: Valley Forge (not exactly what you thought it was); the Constitutional Convention and others. With skillful writing, Ellis brings to life all the important characters, and the character flaws, of the revolution: Washington, Jefferson, Madison, et al, and shows us how they made the best of an uncertain situation, and, in an almost ad hoc manner, put in place the foundation that has brought this country to where it is today, via an almost predictable path along a rough yet flexible route, where slavery, Indian decimation and the marginalization of women, would ride parallel besides a republican state, the establishment of separate branches of government, and the introduction of a two party system.
It is fascinating to read about the thought processes of these men, particularly James Madison, and how they struggled both privately and publically to achieve their goals, while maintaining consistency between each epochal event which with they were confronted. This book is a must read for any student of the revolution and its founding fathers.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A3F0OFSE2M25U2
• What Were The Founders Were Thinking? 05 January, 2009
The GOOD -- A nice, fairly entertaining, analysis of 5 key events in early US history from 1775 to 1803 with insights you probably didn't get learning about them in school.
The BAD -- Ellis writes with metaphors galore, which can sometimes get annoying.
The UGLY -- Does Ellis really think he "knows" what people were thinking 200+ years ago?
- Reviewed by customer ID: A10G0UV69NCHXB
• A Great Starting Point 27 July, 2008
Admittedly, there's not much new here, but this concise, well written, thought provoking book still serves as an excellent introduction to the many complex issues faced by the founding generation. The chapters on early U. S.-Native American relations, and the Louisiana Purchase were particularly illuminating.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A2WFYLXYYK32WP
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