MixedLibrary JournalFor general readers interested in Washington as an individual, Henriques’s efforts should be lauded. Despite presenting his subject as flawed, one who succeeded in gaining fame across the ages in spite of them, the author’s high admiration of Washington is palpable. His analysis and narrative style, however, fall short of Joseph Ellis’s Founding Brothers.
David D. Hall
PositiveLibrary JournalHall...explores the intellectual and political complexities of the faith, debunking many preconceptions of Puritans ... An excellent study for specialists of religious and political history of 16th- and 17th-century England, Scotland, and America. However, general readers might find this less rewarding, in part owing to the dense writing style that unfortunately lacks a smooth narrative flow.
W. Caleb McDaniel
PositiveLibrary JournalMcDaniel renders an enthralling biography of a determined, resilient woman. Using creative fiction techniques, he builds on Wood’s story ... A well-researched, well-told story that also contributes to the debate about reparations. Recommended for both academic and general readers.
Stephen Fried
MixedLibrary JournalFried...endeavors to resurrect a forgotten Founding Father ... Based extensively on Rush\'s personal papers and writings, Fried\'s study succeeds in making a dynamic patriot accessible yet falls short in immersing our imagination in Rush\'s world.
Noah Feldman
PositiveLibrary JournalJames Madison (1751–1836) was instrumental in framing the constitutional government that serves the American people today, with his efforts at the Philadelphia Convention of 1787. Madison ended the 'Genius' phase of his political life, as Feldman labels it, by successfully persuading his fellow Virginians to ratify the new form of government at a critical point in the process ...he entered the second phase of his political life as a partisan, representing a Virginia district in the First Congress. Here, he became increasingly adept at practicing politics while becoming political enemies with Alexander Hamilton... In his third political life, as Jefferson’s secretary of state and later as president, Madison tried to remain faithful to his ideals ... Based on primary and secondary sources, this is an insightful examination on how theories and ideals are applied and changed by real-life circumstances.
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay[/caption]
