Dinner at Mr. Jefferson's
“An often overlooked fact of American history is how close the fledgling United States came to dissolution in its early years. Charles Cerami tells this fascinating story in a book that is based on meticulous research and written in a fast-moving anecdotal style. Both the professional historian and the curious layman will find it a joy to read.”
Joseph C. Goulden, author, The Best Years and The Money Lawyers
Soon after the new Constitution took effect and George Washington became president, the United States was in serious danger of disaster. A bitter political rivalry between two men who had once been allies and two surging issues that inflamed the nation led to grim talk of breaking up the fledgling republic. Then, a single great evening-arguably the most important dinner party in American history-achieved the compromises that led to America's mighty expansion. Though often mentioned, that dinner has not been recognized as a milestone in the nation's history, setting the stage for the next few years in American history. This book will give life to host Thomas Jefferson and his two guests, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, as well as the dinner itself-the courses, the wines, the nature of the conversation-and the rapid results that followed.
Praise