Constitution Day: Founding Fathers

In this untraditional biography, Gordon Wood penetrates beneath 200 years' accumulation of images and representations to find the historical Franklin. He places his subject's amazing life in its 18th century context an shatters forever the comforting stereotypes: homespun patriot, cracker-barrel philosopher, folksy founder, genial self-improver.

Perhaps the most remarkable figure in American history, Benjamin Franklin was a man of vast contradictions as this brilliant biography of the statesman, scientist, and moralist demonstrates. Unraveling the enigma of Franklin's character, Morgan shows that he was the rare individual who consistently placed public interest above his own desires. Illustrations included.

In this colorful and intimate narrative, Isaacson provides the full sweep of Franklin's amazing life, from his days as a runaway printer to his triumphs as a statesman, scientist, and Founding Father.

William G. Carr provides a thorough look into Franklin's role in the Federal Convention of 1787.

Ron Chernow discusses in detail the life and times of Alexander Hamilton, exploring his personal and military life, his political life and legal, military and financial exploits. Also available as an audio book.

This eBook introduces the general reader to some of the challenges and controversies of the early days of the Republic and highlights Hamilton's contributions to U.S. policy and structure.

James Madison, father of the Constitution, lived until 1836. He played a key role in the creation of a new political order, but he also lived long enough to see the system of government he had nurtured threatened by forces that would lead to civil war.

This book follows Madison from 1780 through the end of 1792. By the end of this period, he had achieved his understanding of the Constitution, and his collision with many other Federalists of 1788 had made him a leader of the opposition to the George Washington administration.

Audiobook. Even compared to his fellow founders, George Washington stands tall. Our first president has long been considered a stoic hero, holding himself above the rough-and-tumble politics of his day. Now John Ferling peers behind that image.

George Washington turned an impoverished childhood and the frequent humiliations at the hands of a mother he feared and the British generals he admired into a career of rebellion and creation. When he had worn out and nearly bankrupted his allies, George Washington disbanded the victorious army he had forged and resigned to Congress, giving life to democratic government.

Drawing from the newly catalogued Washington papers at the University of Virginia, the author paints a full portrait of Washington's life and career in the context of eighteenth-century America, richly detailing his private life and illustrating the ways in which it influenced his public persona. Also available as an ebook.

A gripping story of politics and statecraft, here is a dramatic portrait of George Washington in his presidential years. In his eight years as president, Washington would need every ounce of his countrymen's well-known adulation as he presided over a government torn by factionalism and still threatened by European imperialism.