Books Like...
"American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic" by Joseph J. Ellis serves as a good introduction to the American Revolution and the early years of the American republic. Ellis delves into seminal events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the winter at Valley Forge, the emergence of political parties, and the Louisiana Purchase to illustrate how the United States came to be. Through a readable style, the book provides an excellent history of this era, exploring themes of libertarianism versus centralism, the complexities of early U.S. Indian policy, and the pragmatic decisions made by key figures like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Ellis weaves together a comprehensive view of the early U.S. through six episodes, shedding light on the break with Britain, the creation of the Constitution, the challenges of dealing with native Americans, and the significant impact of the Louisiana Purchase. offers a fresh perspective on well-known historical events, humanizing the founding fathers and highlighting the complexities of their relationships, decisions, and the evolution of the American government system.
If you liked American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic, here are the top 5 books to read next:
'Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation' by Joseph J. Ellis is a collection of fascinating vignettes that delve into the relationships and interactions between key figures of the American Revolution era. Through six episodes, Ellis sheds light on the personal dynamics and political complexities among prominent figures such as George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, and Aaron Burr. The book offers a unique perspective, exploring the human side of these historical figures and presenting them as brilliant yet flawed men, rather than distant icons of history. Ellis' writing style is described as relatively casual and accessible, making the historical content engaging and informative for readers of all backgrounds.
On the morning of July 11, 1804,Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton were rowed across the Hudson River inseparate boats to a secluded spot near Weehawken, New Jersey. There, in accordwith the customs of...- #2
Save:"Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow is a comprehensive biography that delves deep into the life of the forgotten Founding Father. Through impeccable and extensive research, Chernow offers a new perspective on Hamilton, portraying him as both brilliant and deeply flawed. The book not only explores Hamilton's personal life but also his significant contributions to American history, from founding the Treasury to leading the United States' first standing army and creating its navy. It provides a detailed look at the political landscape of the time, showcasing the rough and dirty nature of politics among the founding fathers.
Alexander Hamilton claimed Nevis in the British West Indies as his birthplace, although no surviving records substantiate this. Today, the tiny island seems little more than a colorful speck in the Ca... - #3
Save:'John Adams' by David McCullough is a detailed biography that delves into the life of the second President of the United States. The book covers Adams' role in the founding of the nation, his relationships with other founding fathers like Thomas Jefferson, and his personal life, including his marriage to Abigail Adams. The writing style is described as thorough, well-researched, and at times, dense with historical information, making it a comprehensive account of Adams' life and times.
IN THE COLD, nearly colorless light of a New England winter, two men on horseback traveled the coast road below Boston, heading north. A foot or more of snow covered the landscape, the remnants of a C... - #4
Save:Johnny Tremain is a historical fiction novel set in Revolutionary Boston, focusing on the life of Johnny, an apprentice silversmith. After injuring his hand in an accident, Johnny is forced to find a new path and becomes involved in pivotal events leading up to the American Revolution. The book intertwines Johnny's personal growth with historical figures like Paul Revere, John Hancock, and Samuel Adams, as Johnny navigates through the dangers and excitement of 1775 Boston.
Esther Forbes' writing style in "Johnny Tremain" effectively blends fiction with historical events, offering readers a vivid portrayal of Revolutionary Boston and the internal conflicts faced by the protagonist. The story follows Johnny's journey from a young, selfish boy to a mature individual who discovers his true calling and becomes intertwined in the fight for American freedom.
On the day that Johnny Tremain was first published, the United States was midway through World War II—though at the time, no one knew how much longer the war would go on. Germany had conquered Europe ... - #5
Save:"Freakonomics" by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner explores the hidden side of economics through a series of engaging anecdotes and statistical analysis. The authors delve into various topics such as crime rates, abortion laws, naming trends, and societal behaviors, revealing surprising correlations and challenging conventional wisdom. The writing style is entertaining and thought-provoking, presenting complex economic concepts in a digestible manner that appeals to a wide audience.
Imagine for a moment that you are the manager of a day-care center. You have a clearly stated policy that children are supposed to be picked up by 4 p.m. But very often parents are late. The result: a...
