The Whiskey Rebellion brought the young United States to the brink of civil war. Caught up in the chaos, Hugh Henry Brackenridge—famous wit and first great American novelist—found himself relying on his keen knowledge of psychology, and his wicked sense of humor, to keep himself alive.
This is the story of a time when the American republic could have unraveled almost before it came together. It’s a priceless piece of American history. But it’s also an edge-of-your-seat suspense thriller, a story told by a master storyteller caught up in the greatest story of his life.
Hugh Henry Brackenridge (1748–1816) was one of the first great literary figures of the United States. His Modern Chivalry is the first important American novel. In 1781 he moved to Pittsburgh to practice law there, and in 1794 found himself caught up in the Whiskey Rebellion. By trying to steer a sensible course, he made enemies on both sides. He wrote this book to explain himself, and in the process gave us an indelible portrait of the Western frontier in the time of President Washington.
This is the most important primary source for the history of the Whiskey Rebellion, and the Franklin Head brings you the only well-edited edition in print today. With an introduction by H. Albertus Boli.
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Read the introduction by H. Albertus Boli below.
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