Inventing a Nation Washington, Adams, Jefferson Gore Vidal

One of the master stylists of American literature, Gore Vidal now provides us with his uniquely irreverent take on America’s founding fathers, bringing them to life at key moments of decision in the birthing of our nation.

• A Los Angeles Times Book Review Bestseller
• A New York Times Bestseller

Gore Vidal, novelist, essayist, and playwright, is one of America's great men of letters. Among his many books are United States: Essays 1951-1991 (winner of the National Book Award), Burr: A Novel, Lincoln, and the recent Perpetual War for Perpetual Peace.

"Vidal invites candid reappraisal of the achievements of the so-called 'Founding Fathers'. His timing is splendid...a fast-paced, highly entertaining political history" - Times Literary Supplement

"Vidal's wit occasionally comes across as facetiousness in his brilliant study of Washington, Adams and Jefferson, founding fathers of the Republic and its first three presidents" - The Times

"Pure Vidal. . . . Inventing a Nation is his edgy tribute to the way we were before the fall."--Los Angeles Times Book Review

"[Vidal offers] details that enliven and . . . reflections on the past that point sharply to today." --Richard Eder, New York Times

"An engaging [and] . . . unblinking view of our national heroes by one who cherishes them, warts and all."--Edmund S. Morgan, New York Review of Books

"[Vidal's] quick wit flickers over the canonical tale of our republic's founding, turning it into a dark and deliciously nuanced comedy of men, manners, and ideas."--Amanda Heller, Boston Sunday Globe

"This entertaining and enlightening reappraisal of the Founders is a must for buffs of American civilization and its discontents."--Booklist

"Gore Vidal . . . still understands American history backwards and forwards as few writers ever have."--David Kipen, National Public Radio