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.

約瑟夫•J. 埃利斯著有多部美國曆史著作，包括《激情滿懷的聖人：約翰•亞當斯的品性和遺産》（Passionate Sage: The Character and Legacy of John Adams）和《美國的斯芬剋斯：托馬斯•傑斐遜的品性》（American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson），這本書贏得瞭1997年國傢圖書奬。埃利斯畢業於威廉•瑪麗學院和耶魯大學，他與妻子和三個兒子一起居住在馬塞諸塞州的阿默斯特。

鄧海平，律師，北京大學法學學士及碩士，美國佐治亞大學LL.M。

鄧友平，律師，武漢大學理學士，北京大學法學碩士和加拿大英屬哥倫比亞大學M.A。