Books in Real Revolutionaries series

These days it seems everyone is singing the praises of Alexander Hamilton, but what’s the all the fuss about? After all, Hamilton was never a president, nor was he a beloved figure in his time. After rising from humble origins, he won powerful friends and made powerful enemies during his life, which ended in his infamous duel with Aaron Burr. Still, the United States is indebted to Hamilton for his actions as the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, when his leadership set the new nation on a course toward prosperity and economic power.

Thomas Jefferson set the course for a new nation ruled by and for the people. In the Declaration of Independence, his words explained that all people are created equal and all deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson's vision continues to guide the United States, but his own life wasn't always inspiring. There are hard truths about Jefferson, just as there are towering achievements. In that sense, many people believe Jefferson was very much like the nation he helped create.

George Washington did not throw a silver dollar across a mile-wide river, but he did suppress the first rebellion against the government of his newly formed nation. In Washington's case, the true stories are more interesting than the myths. And many people today may not realize that, in the end, the way he left public life was just as important as anything he did in it.

Thomas Jefferson set the course for a new nation ruled by and for the people. In the Declaration of Independence, his words explained that all people are created equal and all deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson's vision continues to guide the United States, but his own life wasn't always inspiring. There are hard truths about Jefferson, just as there are towering achievements. In that sense, many people believe Jefferson was very much like the nation he helped create.

Benjamin Franklin led a productive life, but is it possible his accomplishments include everything attributed to him? The answer is yes, for the most part. He never did suggest the wild turkey should be the national symbol of the United States. He did, however, lend his wisdom to the founding of the country, and he was the only person to sign four of the documents most critical to the creation and character of the nation.

Che GuevaraCuban revolutionary Che Guevara has long been revered as a hero by countless teenagers with an ax to grind. You can see them wearing his t-shirts with the iconic image of Che with long unkempt hair stylishly sticking out of a jauntily slanted beret on his head. For many, he is the standard bearer of a revolution that they know very little (if anything) about. Many who have pointed to the exploits of Che Guevara as a revolutionary ideal, don’t have much of an idea of what his revolution was about. What did Che Guevara actually stand for? What was he trying to achieve? Inside you will read about...- The Minds of Revolution- The Proudest Man in the World- This is Not Communism- Friendly Enemies- The Roving Revolutionary- Betrayed by the Proletariat- A Captive AudienceAnd much more!In this book, we will explore the man behind the revolution, explore the good and the bad of the man who—despite his lionization—was still a man with all of the foibles and complexities that can plague us all.From his days as a carefree medical student roving the South American countryside to his tenure as the most preeminent revolutionary in the world, the true story of Che Guevara is finally uncovered. Beyond all of the hype and hyperbole, the real man behind the beret is revealed. This book takes a refreshing and unbiased approach in presenting the men who became the legend: Che Guevara.

James Madison was a man of contradictions. The fourth president of the United States was quiet but his brilliant ideas are seen throughout the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He was criticized as being a small, weak man, yet he was the only sitting U.S. President to lead his troops into battle. His quiet strength and active mind helped establish the United States as a strong nation.

These days it seems everyone is singing the praises of Alexander Hamilton, but what’s the all the fuss about? After all, Hamilton was never a president, nor was he a beloved figure in his time. After rising from humble origins, he won powerful friends and made powerful enemies during his life, which ended in his infamous duel with Aaron Burr. Still, the United States is indebted to Hamilton for his actions as the first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, when his leadership set the new nation on a course toward prosperity and economic power.

George Washington did not throw a silver dollar across a mile-wide river, but he did suppress the first rebellion against the government of his newly formed nation. In Washington's case, the true stories are more interesting than the myths. And many people today may not realize that, in the end, the way he left public life was just as important as anything he did in it.

Benedict Arnold may be the most prominent villain in United States history. But was he the truly evil man that American folklore has made him out to be? In the beginning of the American Revolution, he was a staunch patriot and military hero, but by the end of the war his frustration led him to betray his nation. The bad reputation that resulted has lived on in infamy.