The revolutionary era produced some of the most important political texts and autobiographies in American history. This four-evening book discussion series offers the chance to learn about, read, and informally discuss three classics of the period by Founding Fathers and one too-often-overlooked masterpiece by an ordinary American soldier.
Join Richard Bell, a professor of history at the University of Maryland, for short and vivid lectures about each work followed by an inclusive discussion driven by your own comments and questions. Participants should read the week’s text before each session. Sherry and cookies are available for refreshment.
Note: Individual sessions are now available for individual purchase.
APR 16 The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Written as a long letter to his son, Franklin’s 1771 memoir hums with energy as it describes his early years in Boston, his decision to run away from home, and his extraordinary new life in Philadelphia.
MAY 7 Common Sense, Thomas Paine
The call to arms that catalyzed the Revolution, Paine’s 1776 masterpiece of political argumentation made independence—something previously unthinkable and improbable—seem imminent, urgent, and necessary.
MAY 21 Ordinary Courage, Joseph Plumb Martin
A Connecticut farmhand who joined the Continental Army when he was just 15, Martin produced the best first-person account written by an enlisted soldier during the Revolution. His memoir brims with color and life, and offers profound insight about the cost of war and the working people on whom that burden falls.
JUN 11 The Federalist Papers, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay
Written by three authors but published under a single pseudonym—“Publius”—The Federalist Papers promoted the 1787 Constitution to a decidedly skeptical reading public, laying out its provisions and protections clearly and persuasively.
4 sessions
