American dialogue
Subtitle: the Founders and us
By: Joseph J. Ellis
Edition: Large print edition.
Published: 2018
Language: eng
Number of pages: 426
ISBN-13: 9781984833617
Subjects: Politics and government; Founding Fathers of the United States; Political culture; Large type books; Philosophy; History
Description: The story of history is a ceaseless conversation between past and present, and in American Dialogue Joseph J. Ellis focuses the conversation on the often-asked question "What would the Founding Fathers think?" He examines four of our most seminal historical figures through the prism of particular topics, using the perspective of the present to shed light on their views and, in turn, to make clear how their now centuries-old ideas illuminate the disturbing impasse of today's political conflicts. He discusses Jefferson and the issue of racism, Adams and the specter of economic inequality, Washington and American imperialism, Madison and the doctrine of original intent. Through these juxtapositions--and in his hallmark dramatic and compelling narrative voice--Ellis illuminates the obstacles and pitfalls paralyzing contemporary discussions of these fundamentally important issues.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 355-393) and index.