Apostles of Revolution: Jefferson, Paine, Monroe, and the Struggle Against the Old Order in America and Europe

History professor Ferling (Whirlwind: The American Revolution and the War That Won It) effectively blends narrative history with analysis to provide a new perspective on the U.S.’s founding. He traces the evolution of “three politically engaged Founders who shared a sense of hopeful possibilities about liberating and empowering ordinary people” and the consequences of their ambitions. Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, and James Monroe had all hoped that the revolt against England would catalyze political upheaval throughout Europe, and they struggled to accept both the disappointing results of the French Revolution and forces within their own country that they considered antidemocratic. Ferling walks readers through the arc of each man’s life, injecting nuance and avoiding idealization; for example, he contrasts Jefferson’s advocacy of treating people equally with his persistent refusals to publicly condemn slavery. Ferling brings the political struggles of his subjects to life, enriching readers both familiar and unfamiliar with the period’s history with discussion of the now-obscure Federalist schemes to deny Jefferson the presidency in 1800. By noting present-day parallels to the risks that 19th-century oligarchs posed to democracy, Ferling has produced the best kind of popular history, one that illuminates why remembering the past is vital for the present. Agent: Geri Thoma, Writers House. (May)