A Washington Post Notable BookA Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of the YearThe summer months of 1776 witnessed the most consequential events in the story of our country’s founding. While the thirteen colonies came together and agreed to secede from the British Empire; the British were dispatching the largest armada ever to cross the Atlantic to crush the rebellion in the cradle. The Continental Congress and the Continental Army were forced to make decisions on the run; improvising as history congealed around them.In a brilliant and seamless narrative; Ellis meticulously examines the most influential figures in this propitious moment; including George Washington; John Adams; Thomas Jefferson; Benjamin Franklin; and Britain’s Admiral Lord Richard and General William Howe. He weaves together the political and military experiences as two sides of a single story; and shows how events on one front influenced outcomes on the other.
#78431 in Books Knopf 2017-01-10 2017-01-10Format: Deckle EdgeOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.60 x 1.61 x 6.68l; 1.25 #File Name: 0307594904512 pagesKnopf
Review
38 of 39 people found the following review helpful. This is a true history of American women; of Mormon women; of the USBy PatMs Ulrich is the best in the world at assembling a picture of the lives of real people from diaries; newspapers; pictures; quilts and whatever. The hype on this book is that women supported polygamy and gained voting rights. I don't see it that way. First; these were respectful women who often buried their feelings in a few words; or none at all. Ms Ulrich does a good job of telling us when women supported the practice and when they were despondent. Second; that shortchanges the book. This isn't a treatise on polygamy; it's a treasure trove of understanding of the western settlers' lives. How they organized westward movements; what they did all day; family relationships; nothing will teach you social history like this. Overlaid was my first introduction to the Mormon church; not just polygamy but the tenants of their faith; their mission trips; their organization; and their successes and failures. The book deepened my sense of gratitude to the strong women who made this country.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is an interesting history bookBy lehThe parts about the women and families was well written and interesting. Learned so much about American history I never knew. Religion was fairly portrayed without bias. Got a little bogged down in statistics at times.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Rick in NipomoWell written interesting story.
