Writing History with H. W. Brands

Our First Civil War: Patriots and Loyalists in the American Revolution

An Extended Q&A with H. W. Brands

Tuesday, December 7

Presented in partnership with Massachusetts Historical Society and Porter Square Books

The best-selling historian and Pulitzer Prize finalist shares insights on his research and craft of writing history following a discussion of his new, page-turning narrative of the American Revolution.

In a fresh and dramatic recasting of the American Revolution, H. W. Brands reveals how the war was not simply a conflict between the American colonists and British redcoats. It was also a violent battle among neighbors, friends, and family members, affecting Ben Franklin and his relationship with his son; George Washington’s standing at the apex of Virginia society; and the lives and friendships of royal governors such as Thomas Hutchinson. Native Americans and the enslaved had daunting choices to make, too, as civil war broke out around them. Those committing sedition were ultimately remembered as heroes and Founding Fathers.

In this intimate Zoom meeting, the best-selling historian will share an illustrated presentation, join in a discussion, and answer your questions about his inspirations, research, and process behind writing his new book and other celebrated works of American history. Don’t miss this informative and inspiring literary event, which comes with a signed and personalized copy of Our First Civil War. 
 

H. W. Brands holds the Jack S. Blanton Sr. Chair in History at the University of Texas at Austin.
He has written more than a dozen biographies and histories, two of which, The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin
Franklin and Traitor to His Class: The Privileged Life and Radical Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, were finalists for the Pulitzer Prize. 
The General vs. the President: MacArthur and Truman at the Brink of Nuclear War was a New York Times bestseller.

Ryan J. Woods is Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of American Ancestors New England Historic Genealogical Society (American Ancestors).
A dedicated researcher, Woods has authored pedagogical articles about the use of historical biographies to teach character and ethics.
He has also contributed genealogical articles and several book forewords for historical and genealogical publications; he regularly presents at
national historical and genealogical conferences and events.

Catherine Allgor is President of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Previously, she had been the Nadine and
Robert Skotheim Director of Education at the Huntington Library in San Marino, CA, and a former Professor of History and
UC Presidential Chair at the University of California, Riverside.

Learn more about this program and other authors in our American Inspiration series at AmericanAncestors.org/Inspire.

The Extended Q+A literary-educational event is hosted by American Ancestors with partners Massachusetts Historical Society and Porter Square Books.

For more information, questions, or feedback contact Courtney Reardon, Events Manager, at courtney.reardon@nehgs.org or 617-226-1215.