American Creation: Triumphs and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic Audiobook

" Reading this work raised the question of war experience on Constitutional interpretation by Federal jurists e.g. John Marshall (was at Valley Forge). It also notes the flip-flops and duplicity of the Founders. "

" Ellis has a remarkable capacity to make history readable. Wonderful. Should be required reading for high school. "

" I think I've read every book by Joseph Ellis - each of his biographies of the founding fathers (Washington, Adams and Jefferson) and of course "Founding Brothers" which was excellent. "American Creation" was in the same vein of "Founding Brothers" - telling anecdotes about events during the Revolutionary War period and the first 25 years of the Republic. Ellis is very readable - not at all stuffy, which can be a danger given the subject matter. I liked this book's emphasis on the Native American question and how badly it was botched, despite some enlightened thinking at the time. This book is definitely worth reading, though I would start with "Founding Brothers". "

" Very enlightening with regard to the issue of federal power/states' rights issue. Very readable. "

" This book addresses the concepts the founding fathers wrestled with and points out that there were successes and frank failures. Perhaps their best invention was a system of government in which the conversation must continue and if one side wins, the republic is doomed. "

" an easy but informative look at some of the key moments in the founding of the USA "

" Fantastic! The American Revolution brought to us by flawed individuals. Joseph Eliss details the triumphs, tragedies, successes and failures of the founding fathers. I "read" this book as an audio book and I was enthralled with each vignette as Ellis delved into the details of the Louisiana Purchase, the writing of our Declaration of Independence and the ratification of our constitution. How close we came to not being a Republic is made clear through the letters and speeches of our founding fathers, Adams, Washington, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. This is a terrific look at the real men behind our country's founding. "

" Not bad, but kind of a letdown after Founding Brothers. Admittedly, it was a tough act to follow. "

" Another great read by Ellis. "

" In effect a thought-provoking series of essays linked by fluid prose and rhetorical flourishes. Not the strongest narrative, but well-nuanced. "

" Full of interesting facts, most prominently an explanation of just how the hell we beat the British. But it really lost focus a third of the way in, and with it lost effectiveness. "

" This book is very easy to read, entertaining, and extremely thorough. Ellis delves into much more than even my college history textbooks do. He also debunks the national rumor myths that American's have today, like Washington kneeling in prayer at the Valley Forge. Thumbs up for the genius! "

" Not as enthralling as "Founding Brothers" but I must say I am an Ellis fan. He presents history to me in a way that I can put the pieces together better. Definitely has some good insights of how the past affects the present and the future. Very interesting. "

" My mind wondered a lot. 2.5 stars from me. He is very knowledgeable and my American history background was not enough to understand everything. "

" Lucid, captivating and concise. A perfect intro to the U.S. story. Should be required reading for all Americans (and others). "

" Joseph Ellis is a great author - this is my fifth book from him and it did not disappoint me. If you love reading about American history, this book is for you. "

" Better than His Excellency, not as good as Founding Brothers. I like the style (as in Founding Brothers) of weaving several independent themes together. I did not know that much about these events--particularly our early relations with the indians. "

" Another book I read over the summer. A good look at the character of the founders without disparaging them or treating them like demigods. Shows that the right people in the right place at the right time can do amazing things...often unexpectedly. "

" A great anti-lionization effort to tell American history as it actually happened with all the successes, failures, and imperfections of our Founding Fathers. All those who keep invoking those men's names should really read this book and learn something about the history they always claim to revere. "

" Great book, better and more linear than founding brothers. To this date, the best book I've read on American History. The story about the treaty with the Native Americans was all new to me. Washington is taking the lead as my favorite founding father. "

" The more I learn about Jefferson, the less I like him. "

" Excellent, thought provoking, one of the best history writers I have ever read. I have read several of his Ellis' books, and would recommend them to anyone interested in hisory. "

" Excellent read. If you like history -- particularly of the revolutionary period, I would HIGHLY recommend this book, in addition to the other books by Joseph Ellis. "

" Full of interesting facts, most prominently an explanation of just how the hell we beat the British. But it really lost focus a third of the way in, and with it lost effectiveness. "

" Very enlightening with regard to the issue of federal power/states' rights issue. Very readable. "

" A great anti-lionization effort to tell American history as it actually happened with all the successes, failures, and imperfections of our Founding Fathers. All those who keep invoking those men's names should really read this book and learn something about the history they always claim to revere. "

" A brief insight into the beginnings of the United States. Shows the many sides of our founders and the different sides of issues they had to deal with. "

" Wonderful summation of how us was formed and what was great about it. "

" Ahhhh, finally. A book that knocks the capital-f Founders off the marble pedestal, just the way they would've wanted. "