Soon after the new Constitution took effect and George Washington became president, the United States was in serious danger of disaster. A bitter political rivalry between two men who had once been allies and two surging issues that inflamed the nation led to grim talk of breaking up the fledgling republic. Then, a single great evening—arguably the most important dinner party in American history—achieved the compromises that led to America's mighty expansion. Though often mentioned, that dinner has not been recognized as a milestone in the nation's history, setting the stage for the next few years in American history. This book will give life to host Thomas Jefferson and his two guests, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, as well as the dinner itself—the courses, the wines, the nature of the conversation—and the rapid results that followed.
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"Very interesting and informative book about the compromise between 3 men that made Washington DC the Capital. And lots of other really cool information about Jefferson, Madison, andHamilton. A must read for lovers of US History , the founding fathers, or Thomas Jefferson. "
— Tobi (4 out of 5 stars)
“An often overlooked fact of American history is how close the fledgling United States came to dissolution in its early years. Charles Cerami tells this fascinating story in a book that is based on meticulous research and written in a fast-moving anecdotal style. Both the professional historian and the curious layman will find it a joy to read.”
— Joseph C. Goulden, author, The Best Years and The Money Lawyers“Cerami presents a fast-paced narrative of an event well-known but never told so brightly.”
— Publishers Weekly“Thomas Jefferson understood the importance of statecraft and could employ gentle persuasion effectively. If only we could have his leadership now! Charles Cerami’s book comes at a most propitious time and demonstrates how statesmen found solutions for the significant challenges that faced the young republic.”
— Thomas Melady, senior diplomat, Institute of World Politics“Cerami wittily recounts the evening in rich detail, embracing the culinary details as well as the larger story of President Washington's quarrelsome cabinet, the evolution of the dual party system, and Jefferson's emergence as a persuasive national leader.”
— Library Journal" Awful- absolutely terrible. This book took an egregious amount of liberties. "
— Jonathan, 6/23/2009Charles A. Cerami is the author of three popular histories, including the New York Times extended bestseller Jefferson’s Great Gamble. His articles have been published in Atlantic Monthly, Playboy, New York Times, and Foreign Policy. He lives in Washington DC.
William Dufris attended the University of Southern Maine in Portland-Gorham before pursuing a career in voice work in London and then the United States. He has won more than twenty AudioFile Earphones Awards, was voted one of the Best Voices at the End of the Century by AudioFile magazine, and won the prestigious Audie Award in 2012 for best nonfiction narration. He lives with his family in Maine.