This was a fabulous overview of the interwoven lives of some of the most prominent founders of America from the 1760s to the 1820s. Joseph Ellis expertly weaves these figures together by using some of the most significant moments in their private and political lives with events like the duel between Burr and Hamilton, Washington's farewell address, Jefferson's slightly treacherous years as VP, and Jefferson and Adams's dynamic. My only complaint is how long the chapters are, knowing that there are just six main points; several subpoints in each chapter make it hard to remember the main argument with everything going on.