Get to Know the Founding Fathers of the United States With These 10 Books

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These well-researched biographies paint clear pictures of larger-than-life historical figures like George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Alexander Hamilton. But they also dip into the complex lives and ethics of these men and their political brethren—men who found time for unique hobbies and intellectual interests, pursued passionate (and sometimes scandalous) love affairs, and in some cases participated in egregious institutions such as slavery.

Far from placing the nation’s first politicians on high pedestals, the best books about founding fathers help readers more fully understand the fallible human men behind the birth of the United States of America. Whether your reading leaves you with a newfound appreciation for these storied political figures or some complex food for thought, these books about founding fathers are sure to enrich your understanding of the United States and its governance.

'Washington: A Life' by Ron Chernow

Forget reading about founding fathers, plural: What about the founding father himself? Winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Biography, this definitive book on the life of George Washington paints a well-researched, nuanced portrait of the nation’s first president.

Celebrated biographer Ron Chernow draws on extensive research, including primary sources such as Washington's letters and diaries, along with the existing work of historians and biographers.

'Alexander Hamilton' by Ron Chernow

Award-winning author Ron Chernow’s landmark biography of Alexander Hamilton is in a league of its own. While presidential biographies were long considered light reading by only the biggest of history buffs and political science wonks, Chernow’s book sparked an international phenomenon by inspiring the Broadway sensation Hamilton by Lin Manuel Miranda. The book dives into Hamilton’s unlikely marriage, his historic sex scandal, and his ill-fated rivalry with fellow founding father Aaron Burr.

'Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave' by Ona Judge

Historian Erica Armstrong Dunbar provides the eye-opening account of Ona Judge, a young woman enslaved by George Washington and Martha Washington. When the first president and his family moved to Philadelphia — the temporary capital — state law held that enslaved people be freed after six months of residence.

Washington skirted the law by sending Judge and others back to Mount Vernon periodically. When Judge escaped to freedom, the Washingtons hunted her relentlessly as lost property.

'Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power' by Jon Meacham

This definitive biography of Thomas Jefferson portrays him as a complex philosopher and politician who mastered the art of governance. But critics praise Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jon Meacham for grappling with Jefferson’s hypocrisy on the subject of race and slavery.

Meacham deftly contextualizes Jefferson’s personal and political decisions by showing them through the lens of the founding father’s vision for America—without forgiving his ethical lapses.

'Fart Proudly: Writings of Benjamin Franklin You Never Read in School' by Carl Japikse

As a founding father and an avid inventor, there are countless biographies and essay collections you can read to learn more about Benjamin Franklin. This book stands out, promising to introduce readers to a whole new side of the brilliant, hilarious, and at times problematic founding father.

This irreverent collection of Franklin’s satirical writings includes essays like "On Choosing a Mistress,” "Rules on Making Oneself Disagreeable," and more.

'John Adams' by David McCullough

This bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of John Adams served as the basis for the critically acclaimed HBO series of the same name. Historian David McCullough explores how Adams — the first vice president and second president of the United States of America — helped guide the first steps of the new nation.

Adams’ zealous belief in the American experiment makes the book a gripping read, as does McCullough’s account of the president’s devotion to his wife, Abigail Adams.

'Thomas Paine and the Dangerous Word' by Sarah Jane Marsh

Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense” helped sway public opinion in favor of the American Revolution. But as this engaging, colorfully illustrated book for young readers explains, Paine had no formal education.

As the son of a corset-maker from England, Paine was instead trained to sew women’s undergarments. Aimed at Elementary School readers, this biography is no mere picture book. It’s packed with research to show how Paine came to change the world with his words.

'The Quartet: Orchestrating the Second American Revolution' by Joseph J. Ellis

In a follow-up to his Pulitzer Prize winning book “Founding Brothers,” historian Joseph J. Ellis makes the case that America didn’t truly come to be until 1789—when the states all agreed to adopt the Constitution of the United States.

Ellis traces how John Jay, George Washington, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton worked to shape the 13 colonies into a fully-fledged nation.

'1776' by David McCullough

Written as a companion volume to author David McCullough’s award-winning biography of John Adams, this book zooms in on one momentous year in the fight for American independence.

Sweeping from tales of King George III’s redcoat army to tales of American heroes like Nathan Hale and Ethan Allen, the book immerses readers in the tenacious military struggles of George Washington and his men.

'Founding Gardeners: The Revolutionary Generation' by Andrea Wulf

Were the founding fathers also… plant dads? That’s the claim of bestselling author Andrea Wulf. This book is an engrossing exploration of the founding fathers’ shared obsession with gardening, agriculture, and botany.

Wulf recounts George Washington’s wartime letters to his estate manager, James Madison’s passion for environmentalism and more to show the men who shaped America in a new—and greener—light.

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