In this landmark work of history, the National Book Award8212;winning author of American Sphinx explores how a group of greatly gifted but deeply flawed individuals8211;Hamilton, Burr, Jefferson, Franklin, Washington, Adams, and Madison8211;confronted the overwhelming challenges before them to set the course for our nation.The United States was more a fragile hope than a reality in 1790. During the decade that followed, the Founding Fathers8211;re-examined here as Founding Brothers8211;combined the ideals of the Declaration of Independence with the content of the Constitution to create the practical workings of our government. Through an analysis of six fascinating episodes8211;Hamilton and Burr8217;s deadly duel, Washington8217;s precedent-setting Farewell Address, Adams8217; administration and political partnership with his wife, the debate about where to place the capital, Franklin8217;s attempt to force Congress to confront the issue of slavery and Madison8217;s attempts to block him, and Jefferson and Adams8217; famous correspondence8211;Founding Brothers brings to life the vital issues and personalities from the most important decade in our nation8217;s history.