From #1 New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts comes New York Times bestseller Founding Mothers; an intimate and illuminating look at the fervently patriotic and passionate women whose tireless pursuits on behalf of their families–and their country–proved just as crucial to the forging of a new nation as the rebellion that established it. While much has been written about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence; battled the British; and framed the Constitution; the wives; mothers; sisters and daughters they left behind have been little noticed by history. #1 New York Times bestselling author Cokie Roberts brings us women who fought the Revolution as valiantly as the men; often defending their very doorsteps. Drawing upon personal correspondence; private journals; and even favoured recipes; Roberts reveals the often surprising stories of these fascinating women; bringing to life the everyday trials and extraordinary triumphs of individuals like Abigail Adams; Mercy Otis Warren; Deborah Read Franklin; Eliza Pinckney; Catherine Littlefield Green; Esther DeBerdt Reed and Martha Washington–proving that without our exemplary women; the new country might have never survived.
#56507 in Books Harper Perennial 2005-02-15 2005-02-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x .86 x 5.31l; .63 #File Name: 006009026X384 pagesGreat product!
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. The Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts would be a good book to read just before reading James DBy Margaret C.The Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts would be a good book to read just before reading James D. Best's Tempest at Dawn. Robert's book deals with the wives; sisters and mothers of the founding fathers. These women who supported the Revolution; who mostly stayed home raising their children and running their homes; took on the additional burden of running their husband's farms and business while their men served in the army or the Continental Congress. Perhaps the most famous of those on the home front was Abigale Adams who was so good at what she did that eventually her husband; John Adams gave her complete decision making so she could collect legal debts; buy land and unofficially have the responsibilities thought to be too burdensome and complex for women to handle. Mercy Otis Warren wrote pamphlets; poems and plays supporting the Revolution; and eventually wrote the first history of that war. Women like these had a complete grasp of the politics of their times though they were not allowed to vote. Many of them like the legendary Mollie Pitcher accompanied their enlisted husbands; stepping in and taking over duties of the fallen. Some disguised themselves as men and fought alongside them. At headquarters; Martha Washington; Kitty Greene and Lucy Knox formed a lasting friendship as they followed their husbands from Boston; Morristown; Vally Forge and finally to victory. The book follows the fortunes of these women as well as many other wives and mothers from all over the thirteen colonies as they managed the homefront and became spectacular at fund raising and other tasks once thought to be beyond their abilities. The book covers the years from the Stamp Act through John Adams' election as President of the new nation of free and equal men. Equality for women is still not complete. Ms Roberts has done a masterly job at researching the lives of the women of the Revolution. Another bonus is her ability to tell an exciting story which is hard to put down.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Love this book!By B. MillerI have long been an ardent fan of Cokie Roberts and her “Founding Mothers (HarperCollins; 2005). A great companion read to this is Laurel Thatcher Ulrich’s “Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History†(Alfred Knopf; 2007). I often use these two books as references when I teach perspective in American history.I have also been a long time and ardent fan of Diane Goode’s work. Her exquisite illustrations have graced some of my favorite books; including “When I Was Young in the Mountains;†by Cynthia Rylant (1982) When I heard that Goode was illustrating Roberts’ book; it thought it was a brilliant match. And I was right.The book presents a collection of fascinating women biographies; showcasing their efforts and triumphs as they helped create a new nation. Goode’s pen and ink illustrations are reminiscent of the style and grace of colonial penmanship. Drawing from personal letters and diaries; every page is a true masterpiece. I love this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. EnlighteningBy Sue JAfter reading "Tempest at Dawn;" I had to read about the incredible women who ran the households; businesses; crops; plantations; and children of the men who were forming the backbone of this nation the last 60 years of the 1700's. I am in awe....of the women....not so much of the men. They; as wives and daughters; had no rights at all. They were little more than slaves themselves; and yet the did what they could; when they could; however they could to let the men know what was truly needed in the forming nation...and it infuriates me to see that despite the women doing it ALL on the home front; the men still gave them little more than a pat on the head and tokens of lip service....and that includes John Adams. Abigail should have kicked his butt to the curb for the way he treated her. Count me among the exceedingly grateful to live in this day and age; and count me first in line to worship the women of that era who did what they could to give me this opportunity.
