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.
FEATURED TEXT
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.
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