Apostles of Revolution: Jefferson, Paine, Monroe, and the Struggle Against the Old Order in America and Europe

(Hardback)

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From acclaimed historian John Ferling, the story of Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and James Monroes championing of the most radical ideas of the American and French Revolutions. Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and James Monroe were in the vanguard of revolutionary ideas in the 18th century. As founding fathers, they risked their lives for American independence, but they also wanted more. Each wished for profound changes in the political and social fabric of pre-1776 America, and hoped that the American Revolution would spark republican and egalitarian revolutions throughout Europe, sweeping away the old aristocratic order. Ultimately, each rejoiced at the opportunity to be a part of the French Revolution, a cause that became increasingly untenable as idealism gave way to the bloody Terror. Apostles of the Revolution, spans crucial time in Western Civilization. The era ranged from the American insurgency against Great Britain to the Declaration of Independence, from desperate engagements on American battlefields to the threat posed to the young democracy by the Federalists Tory leanings. With the French Revolution devolving into anarchy in the background, the story culminates with the tumultuous election of 1800, the outcome of which, Jefferson claimed, saved the American Revolution and assured that its most radical ideals would carry into the future. Written as a sweeping narrative of a pivotal era, Apostles of the Revolution captures the turbulent spirit of the times and reminds us that the liberty we take for granted is ours only because we, both champions and common citizens, have fought for it.

Reviews

A nuanced study of the American Revolution . . . accomplished scholar [John] Ferling employs his extensive knowledge . . . A first-rate historian's masterful touch conveys the profound changes to colonists' 'hearts and minds.' -- starred review, finalist for 2015 Book Prize, "Best Books of 2015" * Kirkus Reviews on WHIRLWIND *
[A]n objective history . . . Ferling has created another accessible yet scholarly work on the American Revolution. * Library Journal on WHIRLWIND *
Ferlings vivid descriptions will compel you to read this treasure repeatedly. * San Francisco Book Review on WHIRLWIND *

Author Bio

John Ferling is professor emeritus of history at the University of West Georgia. He is the author of many books on American Revolutionary history, including The Ascent of George Washington; Almost a Miracle, an acclaimed military history of the War of Independence; and the award-winning A Leap in the Dark. His most recent book on American history is Whirlwind: The American Revolution and the War that Won It. He and his wife, Carol, live near Atlanta, Georgia.