The original rebels: "Brings into clear focus events and identities of ordinary people who should share the historic limelight with the Founding Fathers." — Publishers WeeklyAccording to the traditional telling, the American Revolution began with "the shot heard 'round the world." But the people started taking action earlier than many think. The First American Revolution uses the wide-angle lens of a people's historian to tell a surprising new sto...

"The best single-volume history of the Revolution I have read." —Howard ZinnUpon its initial publication, Ray Raphael's magisterial A People's History of the American Revolution was hailed by NPR's Fresh Air as "relentlessly aggressive and unsentimental." With impeccable skill, Raphael presented a wide array of fascinating scholarship within a single volume, employing a bottom-up approach that has served as a revelation.A People's Hist...

How ordinary people went from resistance to revolution: "[A] concise, lively narrative . . . the authors expertly build tension." — Publishers WeeklyAmericans know about the Boston Tea Party and "the shot heard 'round the world," but sixteen months divided these two iconic events, a period that has nearly been lost to history. The Spirit of '74 fills in this gap in our nation's founding narrative, showing how in these mislaid months, step by step,...

First published ten years ago, award-winning historian Ray Raphael's Founding Myths has since established itself as a landmark of historical myth-busting. With Raphael's trademark wit and flair, Founding Myths exposed the errors and inventions in America's most cherished tales, from Paul Revere's famous ride to Patrick Henry's "Liberty or Death" speech. For the thousands who have been captivated by Raphael's eye-opening accounts, history has never been the same.In...

First published ten years ago, award-winning historian Ray Raphael's Founding Myths has since established itself as a landmark of historical myth-busting. With Raphael's trademark wit and flair, Founding Myths exposed the errors and inventions in America's most cherished tales, from Paul Revere's famous ride to Patrick Henry's "Liberty or Death" speech. For the thousands who have been captivated by Raphael's eye-opening accounts, history has never been the same.In...

Americans on both sides of the aisle love to reference the Constitution as the ultimate source of truth. But which truth? What did the framers really have in mind? In a book that author R.B. Bernstein calls “essential reading,” acclaimed historian Ray Raphael places the Constitution in its historical context, dispensing little-known facts and debunking popular preconceived notions.For each myth, Raphael first notes the kernel of truth it represents, since most myths have some basis...

"A timely exposé about the ways in which Americans . . . have frequently been misled by myths about the origins and history of the U.S. Constitution." —Richard R. Beeman, author of Plain Honest MenAmericans on both sides of the aisle love to reference the Constitution as the ultimate source of truth. But which truth? What did the framers really have in mind? In a book that author R. B. Bernstein calls "essential reading," acclaimed histor...

This book is a walk into the inner lives of our military personnel where fear, pain, and anxiety are intermingled with intense love and a sobering dedication to the protection of our nation. Issues like these are personal, at times full of hurt turning a normal life into a frightening, sleep deprived existence. At other times life is full of love and family and satisfaction for successfully completing seeming impossible tasks. This is an area of combat where the chaplain is most involved. ...

In twenty-two original essays, leading historians reveal the radical impulses at the founding of the American Republic. Here is a fresh new reading of the American Revolution that gives voice and recognition to a generation of radical thinkers and doers whose revolutionary ideals outstripped those of the Founding Fathers.While the Founding Fathers advocated a break from Britain and espoused ideals of republican government, none proposed significant changes to the fabric of colonial...

Essential reading for anyone interested in the leaders who shaped our nationPopular interest in the Founding Fathers has surged over the past decade and is beginning to rival interest in the Civil War. People are increasingly looking back to the generation that invented this country's political ideas and institutions for help in today's complex political world. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to the Founding Fathers presents the Founding Fathers throu...

**For every citizen who wants to understand the foundation of American democracy, this clear guide by acclaimed historian Ray Raphael explains the U.S. Constitution clause by clause, revealing how its words shape our rights, our government, and the issues that define civic life today.This edition offers:**A modern clause-by-clause reading of the Constitution that explains its origins, impact, and relevance to current eventsGuidance for understanding today’s ...

The little-known story of the dramatic political maneuverings and personalities behind the creation of the office of the president, with ramifications that continue to this day.On June 1, 1787, when the Federal Convention first talked of establishing a new executive branch, James Wilson moved that “the Executive consist of a single person.” To us this might sound obvious, but not so at the time. Americans had just won their independence from an autocratic monarch, and they feared t...