Rating: 
Summary: A Vote For Abigail
Review: FOUNDING BROTHERS is a highly readable book about the major movers and shakers of the revolutionary generation. It is arranged around interesting topics such as the great compromise of 1790 and the enduring friendship of Adams and Jefferson. Ellis seems to believe that the most underrated person of the generation may be Abigail Adams. As the most overrated character Ellis probably favors Benjamin Franklin. Aaron Burr easily wins the distinction as the most despised member of the brotherhood. I recommend the book as a provocative reading experience, especially if the subject is new to you.
Rating: 
Summary: The Challenge Misrepresentation Brings Us
Review: Ellis' past is worth noting, but only to illustrate this point: One of the reviewers stated that Ellis concluded that Jefferson did not sire any Jennings children, and that DNA evidence PROVED that he did. In point of fact, DNA evidence was inconclusive, but Ellis presented that questionable matter as FACT in an otherwise enjoyable book. The problem with notable historians presenting falsehoods as fact is that those lies become self-perpetuating. Ellis ought to know better.I enjoyed his analysis of the duel. He effectively managed to present the context as to who actually witnessed the duel and whose story held water and whose did not. As to what the participants were thinking, Ellis did cover some possibilities, but not without reason and insight. Especially where the events cannot entirely verified, it's important to look at context to figure out what likely happened. A different person might come up with different possibilities, but that's why you don't rely on just one perspective. I haven't finished the book yet, but I am enjoying it. One thing I find about books like this is that they are useful to everyone, but not always comprehensive for the serious scholar. They are invitations to do more research for those who have an interest, but otherwise a pleasant trip reading interesting stories. People will get what they want out of it, but I wouldn't discount it solely because of Ellis' previous indescretions.
Rating: 
Summary: Good foundation for further reading.
Review: The Founding Brothers by Pulitzer Prize winner Joseph Ellis was the book chosen as the central text for a brief course offered on the American Revolution. It is a well written book, the central theme of which is that at the nation's founding, politics was of necessity a very much face to face, up front and personal kind of thing. Although I'm not certain I agree with that, I do agree with the author's take on the central characters, namely that while they realized that they were making history, they weren't always aware of the degree to which history was making them. Certainly it becomes apparent through the biographies of the seven men, that nothing was definite or clear cut except that nothing was definite and clear cut. Events once started created a stage upon which certain individuals were allowed to play key parts, and their personal choices, good or bad, shaped the course of history. The strengths and weaknesses of such individuals were thus deciding factors in that course. This, however, is a case of 20-20 hind sight on our part. We can see that it was the case, but the letters, diaries, newspapers and political documents of the time make it abundantly apparent that the individual players were not always aware of it. More than anything, Professor Ellis' book makes their lack of certainty more obvious. He also suggests that though the seven were real people with more than the cardboard cut out persona they have become for most of us, the more central characters of the American Revolution ultimately became the personification of central, recurring themes in the country's history: federal control vs states rights, urban industrial vs rural agrarian interests, isolationism vs world involvement, etc. It would almost appear that it was always destined to be so, since it is the nature of human beings to mythologize important events by using central figures as a short hand of sorts. Ellis' description of Adams suggests that he at least was aware of this and fought tooth and nail for reasons of his own to prevent it, to preserve the truth and reality of the events of his time. What the book did most for me was to clarify some of the issues. Why didn't the Founding Brothers eliminate slavery at the beginning? Was it their intention to leave it to posterity to decide? Were they unaware of the likelihood of blood shed over it? Why was American policy as wishy-washy as it was regarding international events like the impressment of American seamen by the British navy or the pirating of American merchant ships by the French? How did the early Patriarchs get along as people? Were their characters as sterling as they are always made out to be? Etc. Many of the questions were at least partially answered. So was the most paramount of my questions. Should I read more about the period? Definitely. Some suggestions? American Sphinx (Jefferson), Founding Father (Washington), John Adams (John Adams), The First American (Benjamin Franklin), Patriots: The men who started the American Revolution. My wish list is going to get longer!!
Rating:
Summary: Important events, Important men
Review: Joseph Ellis in "Founding Brothers" examines some important events in the first decade of American government under the Constitution. The key players in these turbulent times were George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and Aaron Burr. All were instrumental in defining the new American republic. Ellis describes the backroom deals that were made between Hamilton Jefferson and Madison over the placement of the permanent Capital of the United States by the Potomac River in exchange for the Hamiltonian economic program's passage. Additionally, the author devotes chapters to the importance of Washington's "Farewell Address" and sage advice the Father of our Country gives to his fellow citizens. Until the First World War America's leaders will heed Washington's call not to involve the United States in the Old World's problems. Another important chapter that should not be overlooked is the pages on the slavery issue. The issue of black slaves did not develop over night during the nineteenth century. The roots of the problem nearly derailed the unity of the country when abolitionists tried to introduce a resolution in Congress during the 1790s. Both Founding Fathers from the north and the south wanted to ignore the problem for as long as possible before having to confront it head-on. Southerners such as Washington and Jefferson remained doggedly quiet about slavery. Even Adams one of the most loquacious of the founders did not openly discuss the evil of slavery fearing that the nation would be ripped apart and the country was through its formative period. Finally, Ellis spends two chapters on the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. He describes their rivalry to succede Washington as president; and how this desire to be president would nearly wreck a 20 year friendship between the two men. Ellis is well versed in the ambitions and psychological needs of both, having written well received books on the two patriarchs. He spends considerable space explaining the rift and eventual reconciliation of the two former presidents. He also does a good job explaining the correspondence that flew between Quincy, Mass. and Monticello, Va. where the two elder statesmen discuss thier thinking, hopes and desires for the American nation. Both knew that these letters would be left to posterity and long be analysized by future generations. The book is written in a style that both scholars and general readers will enjoy. The footnotes that accompany each chapter will lead those interested in the history of early republic to other works that can further one's interst or knowledge.
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Summary: Response to some negative reviews
Review: I write this review in light of a number of extremely negative reviews posted regarding this book, and in particular, it's treatment of Thomas Jefferson. In short, contentions that this book is fictional or revisionist are an exaggeration. Furthermore, Mr. Ellis' recent lies about wartime heroism, while upsetting, do not affect the quality of this book. As all students of logic know, we must not attack the source of the statement, but the statement itself. Doing otherwise follows the line of thought of those truly contemptible revisionists who condemn the accomplishments of our founding fathers because they were slave owners. I'd urge those attacking Ellis to read his biography of Jefferson, in which he contends that Jefferson had not had an affair with Sally Hemings. The DNA evidence referenced in other reviews convinced Ellis to admit that he was wrong on national television a few years later. None of this is definitive, but adds an interesting twist to the discourse. I think that the heated debate about this book should be reason enough to pick up a copy. It portrays fascinating personalities, and reveals the turbulence of an extraordinary period. Its treatment of Jefferson does carry a tone that strays from the reverence that a number of historians take. This doesn't discredit the book, or qualify it as revisionist or fictional. Jefferson, like all people, has a personality that can be interpreted in a number of ways. Give this book a read and join the debate.
Rating: 
Summary: Waste of time
Review: I dont quite understand why anyone is buying this book. Lets completely forget about the fact that Joseph Ellis is going down in history as the guy who lied in a Pulitzer Prize winning book. (American Sphinx). He didnt have to embellish in it, the book was good without the lies. But lets forget that. This book is just left-over pieces that didnt make the cut into American Sphinx. Its the stories that were interesting, but dont really matter all that much and dont contribute to anyones understanding of history. This book was designed to make money only. It was put out quickly to catch the high tide of an american history movement. This book gets a zero rating from me. Ive read biographies on many of the historical figures of revolutionary America. This one was a waste. I suggest the recent John Adams, The Duel (hamiliton and burr), Washington - the indispensable man, and American Sphinx to get a) much better and more engaging writing and b) good history. PS. this is my first review.
Rating: 
Summary: More Revisionist History
Review: Ellis continues his attempt at reviling Thomas Jefferson (why??) along the lines of his Sphinx. He joins the common refrain (McCullough 's "John Adams") of demeaning Jefferson but with the uncanny ability to read the minds of Washington, Adams and Jefferson!
Perhaps a reading of Ellis's mind regarding his true Vietnam experiences is in order.
Rating:
Summary: Illuminating!
Review: Ellis provides the reader with more than history, but brings a whole era to life. Here are all the major figures of the time: Hamilton and Burr, Jefferson and Adams, Washington and Franklin. Yet Ellis does does us the favor of not glorifying the Founding Fathers but casting them in a realistic light, with their many talents and imperfections. Here one finds the prevalence of honor leading to untimely death, ongoing debates on the future of an infant republic, scandal, friendship, and other topics that make "Founding Brothers" an informative and illuminating read.
Rating:
Summary: A Fine Introduction to the Founding of the Republic
Review: Joseph Ellis has written a fine intro to the fascinating history of 1790's America. He focuses on some of the most important topics of the day such as slavery, federalism, and regionalism, problems that give rise to conflict even today. He places a heavy emphasis on the significance of the "brothers'" interpersonal relationships in the success of the Constitution and the American republic. Overall, it is very readable, although he occasionally lets his sentences run on for one too many lines. As other reviewers have mentioned, Ellis at times attempts to probe the inner lives and motives of the fathers, which are quite obviously open to interpretation. That aside, FOUNDING BROTHERS is an enjoyable and enlightening read for anyone interested in the formation of our great nation, and the men who made it possible.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely Disappointing
Review: After reading "John Adams", I was sure that I was going to love a book discussing some of the figures that interacted in Adams' life. The book patently misrepresents a key fact concerning one of the subjects and was the point that I decided to stop trying to give the book a chance. What I found was a superficial treatment that just lightly glosses over the main characters in the drama of the American Revolution. I recognize volumes can be written about the Revolution that never even scratch the surface, but this was ridiculous. Please don't waste your time with this.
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