American Connections: The Founding Fathers. Networked.
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Book Overview
Using the unique approach that he has employed in his previous books, author, columnist, and television commentator James Burke shows us our connections to the fifty-six men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Over the two hundred-plus years that separate us, these connections are often surprising and always fascinating. Burke turns the signers from historical icons into flesh-and-blood people: Some were shady financial manipulators, most were masterful political operators, a few were good human beings, and some were great men. The network that links them to us is also peopled by all sorts, from spies and assassins to lovers and adulterers, inventors and artists. The ties may be more direct for some of us than others, but we are all linked in some way to these founders of our nation. If you enjoyed Martin Sheen as the president on television's The West Wing, then you're connected to founder Josiah Bartlett. The connection from signer Bartlett to Sheen includes John Paul Jones; Judge William Cooper, father of James Fenimore; Sir Thomas Brisbane, governor of New South Wales; an incestuous astronomer; an itinerant math teacher; early inventors of television; and pioneering TV personality Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, the inspiration for Ramon Estevez's screen name, Martin Sheen.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0743282264
ISBN13:9780743282260
Release Date:July 2007
Publisher:Simon & Schuster
Length:368 Pages
Weight:0.98 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"
Customer Reviews
2 ratings
History surprises.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
Love the little know history and the subtle connections that helped form our history. Great trivia for parties! Really enjoyed it.
James Burke Does It Again
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
James Burke, well known for pursuing the stranger paths of history, has done just that once more. This time, he follows the signers of the Declaration of Independence, following paths leading away from each one to something within the last fifty years sharing that name. If what you want is a straight history book, try a different author. This is Burke's area of expertise, and he has done a wonderful job. Again.
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