The last signatory to the Declaration of Independence was one of the earliest to sign up for the Revolution: Thomas McKean lived a radical; boisterous; politically intriguing life and was one of the most influential and enduring of America's Founding Fathers.Present at almost all of the signature moments on the road to American nationhood; from the first Continental Congress onward; Thomas McKean was a colonel in the Continental Army; president of the Continental Congress; governor of Pennsylvania; and; perhaps most importantly; chief justice of the new country's most influential state; Pennsylvania; a foundational influence on American law. His life uniquely intersected with the many centers of power in the still-formative country during its most vulnerable years; and shows the degree of uncertainty that characterized newly independent America; unsure of its future or its identity.Thomas McKean knew intimately not only the heroic figures of the Revolutionary era—George Washington; John Adams; Thomas Jefferson; and Benjamin Franklin—but also the fascinating characters who fought over the political identity of the new country; such as Caesar Rodney; Francis Hopkinson; and Alexander Dallas. His life reminds us that America's creation was fraught with dangers and strife; backstabbing and bar-brawling; courage and stubbornness. McKean's was an epic ride during utterly momentous times.
#233046 in Books Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 2014-09-02 2014-09-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.31 x 1.14 x 6.14l; 1.00 #File Name: 1608194027432 pagesBloomsbury Publishing PLC
Review
45 of 47 people found the following review helpful. A convincing depiction of slavery's place in early American societyBy jay k.Focusing on the highest level educational institutions in early America; which were almost always closely connected to churches; Wilder provides a very strong demonstration of how deeply ingrained slavery was as not only a legal and normal institution; but an institution which was accepted by those considered to be society's highest intellectual and ethical leaders. This very readable book reflects the author's extensive research and balanced use of his findings. I would recommend it highly.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Slavery at Yale; Harvard; and PrincetonBy Lowell DodgeWilder's history of slave-holding by the early leaders and students at Ivy League colleges shatters any remaining illusions that slavery was a creature of the South. Imagine a Harvard man currying favor in a court of Europe by offering an American Indian slave. Wilder explores how the slave trade and the establishment of plantations in the South and West Indies that used slaves were driven by the interests of northern industrialists and merchants of the time. Beyond all of this; the book's accounting of the subjugation and enslavement of the Pequots and other Indian tribes of New England in the name of converting them to Christianity should be enough to force a re-writing of the history of the area. All painstakingly documented. It's about time we had a history of the times that tells it like it was.33 of 36 people found the following review helpful. Ebony Ivy: The Educational Soul of AmericaBy frenchielEbony Ivy demonstrates the beauty of truth-telling and scholary research in a most dignified manner. It does not assign blame; it powerfully connects how things that happened in the past is embodied in the present; and continues to exist in the future.I believe that Dr. Craig Steven Wilder has gifted us; human kind; with a wealth of knowledge about the creation of educational institutions in America ... the soul of our American civilization.I am still amazed at how money is raised in the name of one group; but the money is mainly used to finance yet another group.I would highly recommend this book for all; especially professional educators ... the so called; "keepers-of-the-gate." At this time; I cannot imagine a masters or doctoral degree being conferred without a class using Ebony Ivy as its core.Thank you; Dr. Wilder. Thanks to the many who helped to facilitate this scholary work.In addition; Dr.Wilder; your interview with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now! is gracious; scholarly; magnificent ...!
