In this landmark work of history, the National Book Award—winning author of American Sphinx explores how a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed individuals–Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison–confronted the overwhelming challenges before them to set the course for our nation.

The United States was more a fragile hope than a reality in 1790. During the decade that followed, the Founding Fathers–re-examined here as Founding Brothers–combined the ideals of the Declaration of Independence with the content of the Constitution to create the practical workings of our government. Through an analysis of six fascinating episodes–Hamilton and Burr’s deadly duel, Washington’s precedent-setting Farewell Address, Adams’ administration and political partnership with his wife, the debate about where to place the capital, Franklin’s attempt to force Congress to confront the issue of slavery and Madison’s attempts to block him, and Jefferson and Adams’ famous correspondence– Founding Brothers brings to life the vital issues and personalities from the most important decade in our nation’s history.

约瑟夫•J. 埃利斯著有多部美国历史著作，包括《激情满怀的圣人：约翰•亚当斯的品性和遗产》（Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams）和《美国的斯芬克斯：托马斯•杰斐逊的品性》（American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson），这本书赢得了1997年国家图书奖。埃利斯毕业于威廉•玛丽学院和耶鲁大学，他与妻子和三个儿子一起居住在马塞诸塞州的阿默斯特。

邓海平，律师，北京大学法学学士及硕士，美国佐治亚大学LL.M。

邓友平，律师，武汉大学理学士，北京大学法学硕士和加拿大英属哥伦比亚大学M.A。