This witty exploration of the most volatile period in the history of the American press tells of how the era s raucous journalism was essential in creating a lasting nation. Includes: Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, & Sam Adams -- all leading journalists; George Washington & John Adams, the leading disdainers of journalists; & Thomas Jefferson, the leading manipulator of journalists. Also includes the incendiary James Franklin, Ben s brother & one of the first muckrakers; the high-minded Thomas Paine; the hatchet man James Callender; & a rebellious crowd of pamphleteers & publishers. The participants publicly aired the issues that would lead America to declare its independence &, after the war, determine what sort of nation it would be.

This witty exploration of the most volatile period in the history of the American press tells of how the era s raucous journalism was essential in creating a lasting nation. Includes: Ben Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, & Sam Adams -- all leading journalists; George Washington & John Adams, the leading disdainers of journalists; & Thomas Jefferson, the leading manipulator of journalists. Also includes the incendiary James Franklin, Ben s brother & one of the first muckrakers; the high-minded Thomas Paine; the hatchet man James Callender; & a rebellious crowd of pamphleteers & publishers. The participants publicly aired the issues that would lead America to declare its independence &, after the war, determine what sort of nation it would be.