During the 1790s, which Ellis calls the most decisive decade in our nation's history, the greatest statesmen of their generation came together to define the new republic and direct its course for the coming centuries. Ellis focuses on six moments that show the most crucial issues facing the fragile new nation: Burr and Hamilton's deadly duel, and what may have really happened. Hamilton, Jefferson, and Madison's secret dinner, during which the seat of the permanent capital was determined in exchange for passage of Hamilton's financial plan. Benjamin Franklin's petition to end the "peculiar institution" of slavery and Madison's efforts to squash it. George Washington's precedent-setting Farewell Address, announcing his retirement from public office and offering his country some final advice; Adams's difficult term as Washington's successor and his alleged scheme to pass the presidency on to his son. Finally, the sixth episode covers the correspondence between Adams and Jefferson, who wrote letters back and forth for over twelve years.
             This Narrative shows the real character between these men. The public was not fully shown how the founders got along during this great struggle. Adams, the ever-combative politician, whose closest collaborator was his wife, Abigail. Hamilton's manner and deep economic knowledge masked his humble origins. Jefferson, renowned for his greatness of political thought, but so reclusive that he rarely spoke more than a few sentences in public. Madison, small, sickly, shy, yet one of the most effective debaters of his generation. Finally, the book covers George Washington, one of the great symbols of our country, and a true American figure.
             The subject matter of this book is informative yet somewhat easy to read. All six episodes cover with great detail how these men shaped our young country while in great turmoil. The reader is shown how the
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