Infamous Scribblers: The Founding Fathers and the Rowdy Beginnings of American Journalism

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.