1776

Empire of Liberty: A History of the Early Republic, 1789-1815
By Gordon S. Wood

This book is the latest volume in the Oxford History of the United States. It covers 1789 to 1815, from the ratification of the Constitution to the end of the War of 1812.

Gordon S. Wood has written several well-regarded books on the early history of our country. He won the Pulitzer Prize for The Radicalism of the American Revolution - a landmark book that I love. However, even if you were ignorant of his previous work, reading this book would make it obvious that Wood has spent a lifetime studying the founding era.

Empire of Liberty is the story of how our nation shaped its identity after the Revolution. This time in our history is often glossed over. It is too complex, and it doesn’t stir people’s emotions the way the Revolution or the Civil War can.

Despite the complexity of the period that it covers, it is an engaging read. Especially considering the book’s size. It isn’t as breezy as many pop history narratives, but much better than most academic history titles.

I just finished this book, and it is a lot to absorb. I am already planning to reread it. That is a good indication of my opinion - it is worth multiple readings. Wood doesn’t debunk any ideas or other historians. Nothing shocking is revealed, but my knowledge was deepened. I can’t imagine a better overview of this period.

More info:

• An article by Gordon S Wood for The Washington Post on writing history.
• See the book at Oxford University Press.
• See the book on Amazon.

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