The Founding Conservatives: How A Group Of Unsung Heroes Saved The American Revolution,

A nation at war. A financial crash, and an endless economic crisis. A congress so divided it can barely function. Welcome to the world of the founding fathers. In this 'splendid narrative history,' as The Washington Times calls it, David Lefer profiles the forgotten founders who saved the Revolution. Combining a novelist's touch with years of archival research, he reveals that in their fight against tyranny, the nation's first conservatives battled both the British and homegrown radicals who wanted to change too much, too quickly. In doing so, they forged a new political creed that tempered revolutionary zeal with political pragmatism. Interweaving the stories of John Dickinson, author of the Articles of Confederation; Robert Morris, America's first banker; James Wilson, the champion of free-market capitalism; and John Rutledge, the savior of South Carolina; among others, Lefer shows how the founding conservatives stayed faithful to their ideals. The Founding Conservatives is an intellectual adventure story and an extraordinary reminder of the punishing battles our predecessors fought to create the free and prosperous nation we now today. 'Groundbreaking history not to be missed - a book to quote and to keep, as the material is rich enough to merit rereading.' Kirkus Reviews 'David Lefer has done a wonderful service by focusing attention on the conservatives among our founders, such as John Dickinson. The lessons he draws are relevant not just to conservatives but to all Americans.' Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs and Benjamin Franklin 'A compelling argument for a new appreciation of America's founding conservatives. The book reminds us that conservatives have never been the 'party of no' but rather the voice of reason and an idealism tempered by the practical.' Larry Schweikart, co-author of A Patriot's History of the Modern World, vols. 1 and 2 'Even if you consider yourself a buff, The Founding Conservatives will change your understanding of the political and philosophical dynamics of the American Revolution and the early days of the Union.' The National Review

About David Lefer