Empire of Liberty

A History of the Early Republic

By: Gordon S. Wood

Narrated by: Robert Fass

Length: 30 hrs and 58 mins

Publisher's summary

In Empire of Liberty, one of America's most esteemed historians, Gordon S. Wood, offers a brilliant account of the early American Republic, ranging from 1789 and the beginning of the national government to the end of the War of 1812.

As Wood reveals, the period was marked by tumultuous change in all aspects of American life - in politics, society, economy, and culture. The men who founded the new government had high hopes for the future, but few of their hopes and dreams worked out quite as they expected. They hated political parties but parties nonetheless emerged. Some wanted the United States to become a great fiscal-military state, like those of Britain and France; others wanted the country to remain a rural agricultural state very different from the European states. Instead, by 1815 the United States became something neither group anticipated. Named a New York Times Notable Book, Empire of Liberty, part of The Oxford History of the United States series, offers a marvelous account of this pivotal era when America took its first unsteady steps as a new and rapidly expanding nation.

The Oxford History of the United States is considered the gold standard for serious historians and general readers (and listeners) alike. Three of the titles have won the Pulitzer Prize for history; two have been Pulitzer Prize finalists, and all of them have enjoyed critical and commercial success.

Please note: The individual volumes of the series have not been published in historical order. Empire of Liberty is number IV in The Oxford History of the United States.

Listen to more of the definitive Oxford History of the United States.

©2009 Gordon S. Wood (P)2009 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

• Audie Award Winner - Best History Audiobook, 2011

Great

This was an extremely interesting book Well read. I learned much from it and is a great coverage of the time period.

Fascinating

This is a wonderful book not only for anyone interested in this particular period of history, but for all those who despair of today's politics and who think the country may not survive whatever current political conflict is occurring. Gordon Wood shows us that we Americans have been fighting the same political fights, exhibiting the same cultural flaws and virtues, struggling with the same social problems as we do today. And the country's survival was much more fragile than it is now, being only a decade or two old. The writing style is very entertaining, and the narration is perfect for the text. I enjoyed it tremendously.

spectacular history of the period

this is a great overview of the period it covers form an incredibly knowledgeable and detailed scholar. If you are interested in American history, you need to read this book. If you aren't, this is a great book to read a little beyond your usual comfort zone. I'd guess you will be pretty interested in American history by the time you finish.

An Account of a Decisive Period of America History

The book refers to the firsts decades of America Republic. The story relates to the presidencies of Washington, Adams, Jefferson and Madison. The challenges and the struggles of the early Republic are exposed with clarity and enable the listeners to understand the development of America's political institutions. The performance is fair, providing a good listening experience.

This is when American became America

This book opened my eyes to how American became what it is today, for better and for worse, and why. I highly recommend this book. It’s fascinating.

A book clearly written and with energetic breath

Robert Fass gives a well modulated narration to this illuminating and compelling book that is clearly written and has an energetic scholarship and breath of topics.

Fantastic book

I loved the audiobook with the exception of a few chapters such as the one on religion, which I found boring. Very insightful and interesting otherwise.

Interesting perspective

I read "John Adams" by David McCullough before I listened to this book. Such a striking difference on the perspective of John Adams. Wood obviously does not think much of Adams, commenting that Adams was interested in his own importance, which is in stark contrast to other opinions. It was an interesting book, but colors the characters too much with his (Wood's) opinions.

This Is A Book Every American Should Read

The excellent volume in the Oxford History of the United States covers the period from the creation of the Constitution through the War of 1812. This 26 year period saw many changes take place in the United States. During this time George Washington served as President and helped to define that office. The first three presidents managed to keep the United States out of the wars that defined and tore Europe apart for over 25 years. Under Thomas Jefferson the nation doubled in size with the Louisiana Purchase. Advances were made in science, literature, religion, law, and politics. Few realize how important these years were. During this time an experiment in governing a large number of people spread out over a vast territory with a representational government.

Gordon Wood is an excellent historian and this volume is proof that he is a great writer. The book covers a great deal of material, but never comes across as a dry academic text. The various sections give a great overview of the period and the people. The book is organized along topics more than a strict timeline, though the topics do follow a chronological order. The chapters on the Judiciary and on Religion were very good and quite balanced. There is a lot of helpful information that many Americans would do well to learn. This is a book that every American ought to read.

Heroes of the homeland, warts and all

I enjoyed this work as long as I didn't take it too seriously, and can thus recommend it.