Read this book several years ago…and just reread again recently. Solid biography of one of the least famous, but hugely important, Founding Fathers. Thanks to NetGalley for this book.

Fascinating biography of Patrick Henry. I enjoyed learning more about his life, and this book is very in-depth. The author went to great lengths to fully research his subject, and it shows in the writing. Highly recommended!

A book about Patrick Henry “Give me liberty or give death”, but he was also a lawyer, farmer and later a governor, he was in support of the revolution and as governor would help to raise funds to keep it supplied. Afterward, he would stay in politics not always agreeing with everyone. He was not in favor of the Constitution. He also had an issue with slavery. Felt it was wrong but own slaves. He supported Washington once the government was formed and would help him when possible. Found this to be an interesting read about a man who would get men, money and anything else needed to fight in the revolution and though he might not have agreed with everything when the new government was being formed he still supported Washington which was important also at the time. Overall a good book.

I've been enamored with Patrick Henry since I learned about him in third grade. I jumped at the chance to read more about him. A Revolutionary War hero who stood for liberty? Sign me up. Jon Kukla really lays out a very comprehensive & detailed look at Patrick Henry. While this book is long, it's definitely your go-to spot if you're looking to learn more about Patrick Henry.

Special thanks to Jon Kukla, Simon & Schuster & NetGalley for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.

Authoritative and comprehensive but unfortunately rather dull. I appreciate that it’s an important examination of a man who has been overshadowed by his more well-known peers, but this is probably a book more for the academic or serious historian than the general reader. I learnt a lot but the journey was slow-going and tedious at times.

Well written, well researched, and highly enlightening. If you really want to know more about our founding fathers, you should read this wonderful book.

This detailed biography of Patrick Henry takes the reader on an in-depth tour of the life of one of our greatest founding fathers—taking the reader beyond the famous cry of “Give me liberty, or give me death!” Because Patrick Henry never became a president, diplomat, or author, unlike his contemporaries George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or Benjamin Franklin, many history books overlook his contribution to the founding of our country.

In actuality, Henry set the stage for revolution as far back as 1765, when he first served as a representative in the Virginia House of Burgess. His oratory skills enthralled his listeners, and he worked hard to refine his delivery as well as deliver ideas that the common man could understand.

Kukla draws on letters to and from Henry, newspaper accounts, early biographies, and diaries to form a picture of a man passionate about his country and ideals of representative government.

As Kukla protests, people don't know Patrick Henry although we know his famous saying 'give me liberty of give me death' - and to know more of him is utterly valuable - as it is contextualised by the scholarly author - he is attentive to fact and atmosphere, and sets those alongside motivations and cultural mores of the time - a very difficult task. The other important thing this book does is to remind us that it is in the real event and close observation of events and people that we leave our record behind. Despite its being a bit dry, the colour of his personality shines through and the overwhelming research that has fleshed out the story of his life in its time is utterly captivating. You will also learn about other american politicians at the time and about slavery and the habits on the patrician style of living. Very worthy and engrossing.

The author captures your attention immediately within n the first few pages.