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Thomas Jefferson
by Jon Meacham • 2012
How the Declaration's author became the most quietly effective politician of the founding era.
4.05
43k+
Thomas Jefferson Summary
Thomas Jefferson 94%
How the Declaration's author became the most quietly effective politician of the founding era.
by Jon Meacham 2012
4.05
43k+ ratings
John Adams
by David McCullough • 2001
Washington led the army, Jefferson wrote the words. Adams did the work that saved them both.
4.09
379k+
John Adams Summary
John Adams 94%
Washington led the army, Jefferson wrote the words. Adams did the work that saved them both.
by David McCullough 2001
4.09
379k+ ratings
Revolutionary Characters
by Gordon S. Wood • 2006
Not demigods but Enlightenment thinkers who had to turn philosophy into a working republic.
3.96
4k+
Revolutionary Characters Summary
Revolutionary Characters 94%
Not demigods but Enlightenment thinkers who had to turn philosophy into a working republic.
by Gordon S. Wood 2006
3.96
4k+ ratings
Founding Brothers
by Joseph J. Ellis • 2000
The American founding hung on private dinners, personal feuds, a duel, and one last letter.
3.95
48k+
Founding Brothers Summary
Founding Brothers 94%
The American founding hung on private dinners, personal feuds, a duel, and one last letter.
by Joseph J. Ellis 2000
3.95
48k+ ratings
Benjamin Franklin
by Walter Isaacson • 2003
A runaway apprentice who tamed lightning, charmed Paris, and lost a son to the crown.
4.05
151k+
Benjamin Franklin Summary
Benjamin Franklin 94%
A runaway apprentice who tamed lightning, charmed Paris, and lost a son to the crown.
by Walter Isaacson 2003
4.05
151k+ ratings
Alexander Hamilton
by Ron Chernow • 2004
From Caribbean orphan to architect of American capitalism: the scandal and duel that ended him.
4.22
202k+
Alexander Hamilton Summary
Alexander Hamilton 93%
From Caribbean orphan to architect of American capitalism: the scandal and duel that ended him.
by Ron Chernow 2004
4.22
202k+ ratings
Benjamin Franklin
by Hourly History • 2016
Ran away at 17 with empty pockets; by 70, he charmed France into bankrolling America.
4.18
632
Benjamin Franklin Summary
Benjamin Franklin 93%
Ran away at 17 with empty pockets; by 70, he charmed France into bankrolling America.
by Hourly History 2016
4.18
632 ratings
The Last Founding Father
by Harlow Giles Unger • 2009
America's least-known founder doubled its land, drew a line around a hemisphere, and died bankrupt.
3.94
11k+
The Last Founding Father Summary
The Last Founding Father 93%
America's least-known founder doubled its land, drew a line around a hemisphere, and died bankrupt.
by Harlow Giles Unger 2009
3.94
11k+ ratings
First Principles
by Thomas E. Ricks • 2020
Locke and Montesquieu get the credit. America's founders were actually reading Cicero and Cato.
4.06
4k+
First Principles Summary
First Principles 92%
Locke and Montesquieu get the credit. America's founders were actually reading Cicero and Cato.
by Thomas E. Ricks 2020
4.06
4k+ ratings
George Washington
by James MacGregor Burns • 2004
How Washington invented the presidency from scratch, and why his precedents still rule the office.
3.97
1k+
George Washington Summary
George Washington 92%
How Washington invented the presidency from scratch, and why his precedents still rule the office.
by James MacGregor Burns 2004
3.97
1k+ ratings
American Sphinx
by Joseph J. Ellis • 1997
Jefferson's greatest invention was a mind in which freedom and slavery never had to meet.
3.94
29k+
American Sphinx Summary
American Sphinx 92%
Jefferson's greatest invention was a mind in which freedom and slavery never had to meet.
by Joseph J. Ellis 1997
3.94
29k+ ratings
Founding Faith
by Steven Waldman • 2008
The founders wanted religious freedom not despite their faith, but because of it.
4.07
872
Founding Faith Summary
Founding Faith 91%
The founders wanted religious freedom not despite their faith, but because of it.
by Steven Waldman 2008
4.07
872 ratings
The Original Compromise
by David Brian Robertson • 2012
Shared ideals didn't build it. Raw bargains, evasions, and a tragic deal on slavery did.
3.86
35
The Original Compromise Summary
The Original Compromise 91%
Shared ideals didn't build it. Raw bargains, evasions, and a tragic deal on slavery did.
by David Brian Robertson 2012
3.86
35 ratings
The Five Thousand Year Leap
by W. Cleon Skousen • 1981
The principles that compressed 5,000 years of political trial into a single working republic.
4.27
7k+
The Five Thousand Year Leap Summary
The Five Thousand Year Leap 91%
The principles that compressed 5,000 years of political trial into a single working republic.
by W. Cleon Skousen 1981
4.27
7k+ ratings
The Royalist Revolution
by Eric Nelson • 2014
Americans rebelled for the king, not against him. The presidency became the crown they were denied.
4.12
116
The Royalist Revolution Summary
The Royalist Revolution 91%
Americans rebelled for the king, not against him. The presidency became the crown they were denied.
by Eric Nelson 2014
4.12
116 ratings
Peace Pact
by David C. Hendrickson • 2003
Before it was a nation, America was a powder keg. The Constitution was the peace treaty.
3.36
25
Peace Pact Summary
Peace Pact 91%
Before it was a nation, America was a powder keg. The Constitution was the peace treaty.
by David C. Hendrickson 2003
3.36
25 ratings
The Price of Greatness
by Jay Cost • 2018
The Constitution's coauthors split over its purpose. That rift still produces American oligarchy.
3.71
245
The Price of Greatness Summary
The Price of Greatness 91%
The Constitution's coauthors split over its purpose. That rift still produces American oligarchy.
by Jay Cost 2018
3.71
245 ratings
Our Declaration
by Danielle S. Allen • 2014
The Declaration's forgotten argument: equality is the only real shield against domination.
3.83
888
Our Declaration Summary
Our Declaration 91%
The Declaration's forgotten argument: equality is the only real shield against domination.
by Danielle S. Allen 2014
3.83
888 ratings
A Revolution in Favor of Government
by Max M. Edling • 2003
The U.S. Constitution was a state-building project, not a charter of limited government.
3.78
65
A Revolution in Favor of Government Summary
A Revolution in Favor of Government 91%
The U.S. Constitution was a state-building project, not a charter of limited government.
by Max M. Edling 2003
3.78
65 ratings
The First Conspiracy
by Brad Meltzer • 2019
The secret plot to capture George Washington came from inside his own guard.
3.82
14k+
The First Conspiracy Summary
The First Conspiracy 91%
The secret plot to capture George Washington came from inside his own guard.
by Brad Meltzer 2019
3.82
14k+ ratings
The Heart of the Declaration
by Steve Pincus • 2016
The Declaration was not a small-government manifesto but a blueprint for a powerful, activist state.
3.64
36
The Heart of the Declaration Summary
The Heart of the Declaration 91%
The Declaration was not a small-government manifesto but a blueprint for a powerful, activist state.
by Steve Pincus 2016
3.64
36 ratings
The Federalist Papers
by Alexander Hamilton • 1788
Eighty-five essays that argued strong government is liberty's surest shield.
4.10
42k+
The Federalist Papers Summary
The Federalist Papers 90%
Eighty-five essays that argued strong government is liberty's surest shield.
by Alexander Hamilton 1788
4.10
42k+ ratings
In the Hurricane's Eye
by Nathaniel Philbrick • 2018
Yorktown was won not by siege but by hurricane season and a French admiral's wild gamble.
4.13
6k+
In the Hurricane's Eye Summary
In the Hurricane's Eye 90%
Yorktown was won not by siege but by hurricane season and a French admiral's wild gamble.
by Nathaniel Philbrick 2018
4.13
6k+ ratings
The American Spirit
by David McCullough • 2017
Why the American past is a well to draw strength from, not a burden to escape.
4.22
7k+
The American Spirit Summary
The American Spirit 90%
Why the American past is a well to draw strength from, not a burden to escape.
by David McCullough 2017
4.22
7k+ ratings
The Demagogue's Playbook
by Eric A. Posner • 2020
The Founders built a republic to keep demagogues out. Two centuries later, the safeguards are gone.
3.79
147
The Demagogue's Playbook Summary
The Demagogue's Playbook 90%
The Founders built a republic to keep demagogues out. Two centuries later, the safeguards are gone.
by Eric A. Posner 2020
3.79
147 ratings
Did America Have a Christian Founding?
by Mark David Hall • 2019
Founders weren't deists. Christian convictions shaped the Constitution more than the Enlightenment.
3.99
379
Did America Have a Christian Founding? Summary
Did America Have a Christian Founding? 90%
Founders weren't deists. Christian convictions shaped the Constitution more than the Enlightenment.
by Mark David Hall 2019
3.99
379 ratings
How We Think
by John Dewey • 1997
One grid, thirteen virtues, a lifetime of revisions: the system that built a founding father.
3.86
1k+
How We Think Summary
How We Think 90%
One grid, thirteen virtues, a lifetime of revisions: the system that built a founding father.
by John Dewey 1997
3.86
1k+ ratings
Common Sense
by Thomas Paine • 1776
A plain argument that kings and birthright are frauds, and America must walk away now.
4.00
40k+
Common Sense Summary
Common Sense 90%
A plain argument that kings and birthright are frauds, and America must walk away now.
by Thomas Paine 1776
4.00
40k+ ratings
We Have Not a Government
by George William Van Cleve • 2017
State free-riding broke the first U.S. government. A debt crisis and revolt forced a grand bargain.
3.99
76
We Have Not a Government Summary
We Have Not a Government 90%
State free-riding broke the first U.S. government. A debt crisis and revolt forced a grand bargain.
by George William Van Cleve 2017
3.99
76 ratings
Crisis and Command
by John Yoo • 2010
America's greatest presidents kept breaking the rules. That was the point.
3.64
132
Crisis and Command Summary
Crisis and Command 90%
America's greatest presidents kept breaking the rules. That was the point.
by John Yoo 2010
3.64
132 ratings
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman
by Joseph R. Fornieri • 2013
Lincoln's secret: he wrestled with eternal principles before he ever grasped for power.
4.67
6
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman Summary
Abraham Lincoln, Philosopher Statesman 90%
Lincoln's secret: he wrestled with eternal principles before he ever grasped for power.
by Joseph R. Fornieri 2013
4.67
6 ratings
Jefferson's Empire
by Peter S. Onuf • 2000
An empire built on consent that required conquest: the paradox at the core of American identity.
3.56
57
Jefferson's Empire Summary
Jefferson's Empire 90%
An empire built on consent that required conquest: the paradox at the core of American identity.
by Peter S. Onuf 2000
3.56
57 ratings
The Great Contradiction
by Joseph J. Ellis • 2025
To create a nation, the founders protected slavery. Indian removal was the other price of union.
4.20
1k+
The Great Contradiction Summary
The Great Contradiction 90%
To create a nation, the founders protected slavery. Indian removal was the other price of union.
by Joseph J. Ellis 2025
4.20
1k+ ratings
Our First Civil War
by H.W. Brands • 2021
Before fighting Britain, Americans fought each other. The Revolution as a civil war among neighbors.
3.90
1k+
Our First Civil War Summary
Our First Civil War 90%
Before fighting Britain, Americans fought each other. The Revolution as a civil war among neighbors.
by H.W. Brands 2021
3.90
1k+ ratings
The Ideological Origins of American Federalism
by Alison L. LaCroix • 2010
American federalism was born of protest, not design; courts enforce it since the convention refused.
3.52
31
The Ideological Origins of American Federalism Summary
The Ideological Origins of American Federalism 90%
American federalism was born of protest, not design; courts enforce it since the convention refused.
by Alison L. LaCroix 2010
3.52
31 ratings
The Age of Federalism
by Stanley Elkins • 1993
How the fight over Hamilton's bank and the French Revolution turned founders into partisan enemies.
4.17
283
The Age of Federalism Summary
The Age of Federalism 90%
How the fight over Hamilton's bank and the French Revolution turned founders into partisan enemies.
by Stanley Elkins 1993
4.17
283 ratings
George Washington's Secret Six
by Brian Kilmeade • 2013
Six civilians ran Washington's spy ring in occupied New York. Their names stayed hidden 150 years.
3.86
21k+
George Washington's Secret Six Summary
George Washington's Secret Six 90%
Six civilians ran Washington's spy ring in occupied New York. Their names stayed hidden 150 years.
by Brian Kilmeade 2013
3.86
21k+ ratings
The Conservative Sensibility
by George F. Will • 2019
The Founders built a limited republic. Progressives turned it into an engine of expansion.
4.11
1k+
The Conservative Sensibility Summary
The Conservative Sensibility 89%
The Founders built a limited republic. Progressives turned it into an engine of expansion.
by George F. Will 2019
4.11
1k+ ratings
Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings
by Thomas Paine • 1776
Government is a necessary evil, rights belong to people not rulers, and monarchy is a fraud.
4.14
16k+
Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings Summary
Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential Writings 89%
Government is a necessary evil, rights belong to people not rulers, and monarchy is a fraud.
by Thomas Paine 1776
4.14
16k+ ratings
A Simple Government
by Mike Huckabee • 2011
A former governor's plan for a government that does less, costs less, and meddles less.
3.73
302
A Simple Government Summary
A Simple Government 89%
A former governor's plan for a government that does less, costs less, and meddles less.
by Mike Huckabee 2011
3.73
302 ratings
America's Three Regimes
by Morton Keller • 2007
Three political orders, not short eras, have governed America. Each endured a century or more.
3.29
45
America's Three Regimes Summary
America's Three Regimes 89%
Three political orders, not short eras, have governed America. Each endured a century or more.
by Morton Keller 2007
3.29
45 ratings
Keeping the Republic
by Mitch Daniels • 2011
A governor's playbook for cutting debt and restoring self-reliance, minus the Washington fantasies.
4.02
252
Keeping the Republic Summary
Keeping the Republic 89%
A governor's playbook for cutting debt and restoring self-reliance, minus the Washington fantasies.
by Mitch Daniels 2011
4.02
252 ratings
Confronting the Presidents
by Bill O'Reilly • 2024
Every president had flaws, some fatal. A blunt survey of who delivered, who failed, and why.
4.26
7k+
Confronting the Presidents Summary
Confronting the Presidents 89%
Every president had flaws, some fatal. A blunt survey of who delivered, who failed, and why.
by Bill O'Reilly 2024
4.26
7k+ ratings
The Pioneers
by David McCullough • 2019
Before the Constitution, one land deal doubled the country and banned slavery in every future state.
3.82
28k+
The Pioneers Summary
The Pioneers 89%
Before the Constitution, one land deal doubled the country and banned slavery in every future state.
by David McCullough 2019
3.82
28k+ ratings
A Patriot's History of the United States
by Larry Schweikart • 2004
The conservative reply to Zinn: America's record, from Columbus to 9/11, earns its patriotism.
4.11
4k+
A Patriot's History of the United States Summary
A Patriot's History of the United States 89%
The conservative reply to Zinn: America's record, from Columbus to 9/11, earns its patriotism.
by Larry Schweikart 2004
4.11
4k+ ratings
A More Perfect Constitution
by Larry J. Sabato • 2007
Twenty-three fixes for a rusty Constitution: bigger Congress, term limits, a state convention.
3.66
335
A More Perfect Constitution Summary
A More Perfect Constitution 89%
Twenty-three fixes for a rusty Constitution: bigger Congress, term limits, a state convention.
by Larry J. Sabato 2007
3.66
335 ratings
Federalism
by Mark J. Rozell • 2019
The Constitution did not settle the fight between national and state power; it designed the arena.
3.67
63
Federalism Summary
Federalism 89%
The Constitution did not settle the fight between national and state power; it designed the arena.
by Mark J. Rozell 2019
3.67
63 ratings
Slave Nation
by Alfred W. Blumrosen • 2005
The American Revolution was not about taxes. It began when a British judge ruled slavery illegal.
4.02
113
Slave Nation Summary
Slave Nation 89%
The American Revolution was not about taxes. It began when a British judge ruled slavery illegal.
by Alfred W. Blumrosen 2005
4.02
113 ratings
Negro President
by Garry Wills • 2003
The math that made Jefferson president: electoral votes from people who could not vote.
3.76
285
Negro President Summary
Negro President 89%
The math that made Jefferson president: electoral votes from people who could not vote.
by Garry Wills 2003
3.76
285 ratings
The Framers' Coup
by Michael J. Klarman • 2016
The U.S. Constitution was an elite power grab, anti-democratic and shaped by slavery.
4.41
422
The Framers' Coup Summary
The Framers' Coup 89%
The U.S. Constitution was an elite power grab, anti-democratic and shaped by slavery.
by Michael J. Klarman 2016
4.41
422 ratings
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