| |  | Books Ladies of Liberty: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation |  | | | | | | | | | | Rating:  - Excellent--very well researched and written.
Fascinating book about early American history, specifically the lives of a number of prominent and not so prominent real women who lived it. Ms. Roberts quotes from the letters and journals of the first American women, and although this is a factual and well-researched history it is very interesting to read. I wish my American History classes had assigned this book! Highly recommended for anyone who liked the John Adams or Ben Franklin biographies, especially as companion books because the same events are frequently mentioned from different perspectives in each. Besides the prominent women of the era, Roberts includes fascinating accounts from the actual journals of a number of interesting women that I know you have never heard of.
Rating: - Ladies of Liberty
A great sequel to Founding Mothers.Wouldn't it be great if history were taught this way?We forget that those starched and stuffy people, with sophisticated speech and elaborate manners, were just as real as you and me.Only they had a good deal more adversity in their lives than we can begin to imagine.Especially the women. A must read.
Rating: - Vibrant American History
By focusing on "the women who shaped our nation," "Ladies of Liberty" gives a fresh perspective to American history.With her thorough research and insightful style, Cokie Roberts does a magnificent job of bringing to life women, men, and children in the era from John Adams to the election of John Quincy Adams.
In the women's letters quoted in this book, the subject matter can move from political and military crises to personal triumphs and tragedies.At the same time, the ladies were sharing gossip on the early capital's social scene, including who wore what (or sometimes who wore too little, such as Napoleon's sister-in-law).We see the tension between Abigail Adams and her daughter-in-law Louisa Adams over who should raise Louisa's children.(For many years, Abigail won that contest!)Thomas Jefferson asked his married daughters to leave their families and come to the nation's capital to help draw attention away from the Polly Hemings stories.(They did.)Eliza Hamilton endured many tragedies, including losing both a son and her husband in duels, yet still managed to help form an Orphan Asylum Society.Dolley Madison's entertaining set such a precedent in Washington society that "etiquette wars" began when Elizabeth Monroe refused to call on newcomers to the nation's capital. "Ladies of Liberty" includes many other women, from Aaron Burr's daughter, Theodosia, to Sacajawea, plus early reformers and writers, to make for a very dynamic cast.
Just as Cokie Roberts offers practical insights into contemporary American politics, she obviously delights in reporting on earlier political days. I give this book five stars for the liveliness of its style, for its stories of courage, and for its effectiveness in adding a more human dimension to our nation's early years.
Rating: - Good Gift Purchase
I bought this as a gift. The cost was good and it shipped in the promised time. I am happy with this purchase.
Rating: - A HUGE Okee-Dokee to Cokie
Fans of the recent HBO production "John Adams" should run, not walk, to get their copy of Ladies of Liberty (or double click in a hurry as the case may be)Students (past and present) of Howard Zinn (A Peoples' History of the United States) should do the same.Anyone who enjoys and has a keen interest in the real history behind the scenes of how our Great Nation came to be will savor this recent work of the wonderful Cokie Roberts.I have a very early morning, sixty minute commute; Ladies of Liberty has made this long drive a pleasure.I have listened to the entire recording twice in the past week; it is pleasantly addictive.Roberts's voice is perfect for telling this fascinating history of the great women behind the great (and sometimes not so great) men who wheeled and dealed in order to form "a more perfect union."The text is rich but lively, the chapters are sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, always fascinating, and totally filled with anecdotes that will entertain and enlighten all readers. Had I purchased the hard copy I would not have been able to put it down.Listening to the audio edition I was sorry when I arrived at work each morning.I highly recommend Ladies of Liberty.Chris Wood, Maine
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