Joseph Ellis presents the personalities of John Adams, Aaron Burr, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington beautifully and in tremendous detail. ... In the second chapter, "The Dinner," Ellis exploits a secret compromise between Alexander Hamilton and James Madison in the scene of a dinner party hosted by Thomas Jefferson. ... At the College of William and Mary in 1965, Ellis acquired his B.A. ...

• Word Count: 1379
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

James Otis The Revolutionary War brought out dynamic personalities of men, which have made freedom a reality for us. One such man was James Otis who had a sincere concern for liberty and who believed in man's singular sovereignty, while publicly guarding against the practice of absolutism in government found in England under the rule of Charles II and James II. ... Patrick Henry was a superb example of a patriotic orator, educated by the College of William and Mary and apprenticed in the law. ...

• Word Count: 2505
• Approx Pages: 10
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

William Fowler on the Samuel Adams book let as see that the revolution was not something that just pops out in one day. ... The eight most influential leaders he focuses on are: George Washington, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr, and Abigail and John Adams. ...

• Word Count: 1140
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

McCullough uses his opening chapters to summarize the state of the opposing armies and to introduce some of his major characters: Washington, Nathaniel Greene, Henry Knox, and William Howe. ... Howe had served under General James Wolfe, who called him "the best officer in the King's service....

• Word Count: 1576
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate