Revolutionary Characters by Gordon S Wood - Book Report/Review Example

Wood. Wood, in this book, sheds light on the six revolutionary leaders in the course of American history, whose contributions greatly changed the landscape of the modern world to such an extent that they may be called the founding leaders of the modern day American political system. Wood brings the life of these men into focus and retells a story from their perspective. In the opening paragraphs of the book, Wood comments that life in modern America hampers the development of true visionary leaders such as the ones he discusses subsequently in his book.

The most interesting aspect and a contradiction in Wood’s book develop right from the beginning when Wood remarks on the absence of revolutionary men in today’s world. He wonders as to why the world does not have leaders such as Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson when the political system has gone to such a level. While Wood passes this statement at the beginning, he goes on to construct his book based on how history and men within this history progressed from wilderness to a modern way of living and how, with a change in the functioning of the society, it progressed.

When it is progression that Wood is discussing in his book, it is a contradiction that Wood believes that there is a need for leaders of the past in today’s world when today’s world is a much better world in the view of Wood. It may also be possible that when Wood wrote the book, his question may have been to doubt the world about the lack of men such as America’s founding fathers in today’s political system. Wood may have asked the question in all honesty and by writing the book, he may have inspired politicians of today.

This book serves as an excellent point of example for today’s politicians and tells them frankly what they lack. Thus, Revolutionary Characters does not only provide information to history lovers but also serves as inspiration for today’s political leaders. It tells the aspiring leaders what made America a superpower today, and if they wish to continue ruling as a superpower, they need to take example from the founding fathers and their characters. That being said, Revolutionary Characters by Wood was an interesting book to read.

This is because of the manner Wood presents his view in the book. He explores a characteristic of the founding leaders, which is often ignored. In most history books that we usually come across, leaders are shown as people with a great mass following. What prompted his following is often left remarked upon. Writers assume that the readers know what makes leaders so great. Wood, however, explored the basic premise when he said that character is the one main driving force behind these leaders. Wood has, thus, brings a personal touch to the book when he explores characters rather than history.

Even though many books have been written on these founding leaders and some have even explored the personal motivation factors behind these leaders, Wood does it with reverence. When he discusses leaders such as George Washington, he lets his own opinion run free. He remarks that Washington was perhaps the greatest president. Since Wood does not back up with statement with ample proof about the greatness of Washington, it becomes clear that when calling Washington the greatest president, Wood is merely giving his own view of the leader.

Also, when Wood excludes Thomas Paine and Aaron Burr from his list of great founding fathers, this again points to how Wood presents his own biased version of the founding fathers of American history. Additionally, Wood’s reverence to leaders is limited to their political greatness. It does not extend into their personal lives. This is evident in the way Wood presents the information of the illicit affair of Hamilton but does not let this