Blood of Tyrants: George Washington & the Forging of the Presidency

by Logan Beirne

Blood of Tyrants reveals the surprising details of our Founding Fathers’ approach to government and this history’s impact on today. Delving into the forgotten—and often lurid—facts of the Revolutionary War, Logan Beirne focuses on the nation’s first commander in chief, George Washington, as he shaped the very meaning of the United States Constitution in the heat of battle.

Key episodes illustrate how the Founders dealt with thorny wartime issues: Who decides war strategy? When should we use military tribunals over civilian trials? Should we inflict harsh treatment on enemy captives if it means saving American lives? How do we protect citizens’ rights when the nation is struggling to defend itself? Beirne finds evidence in previously-unexplored documents such as General Washington’s letters debating torture, an eyewitness account of the military tribunal that executed a British prisoner, Founders’ letters warning against government debt, and communications pointing to a power struggle between Washington and the Continental Congress.

Vivid stories from the Revolution frame Washington’s pivotal role in the drafting of the Constitution. The Founders saw the first American commander in chief as the template for all future presidents: a leader who would fiercely defend Americans’ rights and liberties against all forms of aggression.

Blood of Tyrants pulls the reader directly into the scenes, filling the void in our understanding of the presidency and our ingenious Founders’ pragmatic approach to issues we still face today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Politics, American Revolution, American History, Presidents

420 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Logan Beirne is an Olin Scholar at Yale Law School. Prior to this appointment, Logan practiced as an attorney with the law firm of Sullivan & Cromwell in New York City and was a Fulbright Scholar at Queen’s University. He received his JD from Yale Law School, where he was a Coker Fellow and awarded the Edgar M. Cullen Prize for his constitutional scholarship. He and his writings have been featured in USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, The Daily News, The Washington Times, Reuters, Fox News, CSPAN, and numerous other media outlets. Logan has served on the boards of directors for multiple charities and is admitted to the New York and Connecticut Bars.

Logan’s passion for the Revolution is in his blood—he is directly descended from Revolutionary War patriots and his family tree includes the “Father of the Constitution,” James Madison. Some of Washington’s papers were discovered in Logan’s ancestor’s storage chest.

Reviews

[Mylan Dawson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do not care, generally, to write a review of a book I did not enjoy; I simply admire and respect the process of writing and those that complete a book of this magnitude. I am here only because there are so many positive reviews that I am sure this one will be lost in the shuffle.

I was intrigued by the premise of this book and was very interested to read about G.W. and his role in establishing the Presidency. However, while the research seemed to be complete, the writing was more in line with a college thesis than that of the higher quality narrative histories.

Also, I found that the author was often repetitive and perhaps was adhering to the old college essay or legal brief theory of "tell them in the beginning what you are going to say, say it again in the body and then in the conclusion tell them what you just told them."

I, too, found some of the arguments be a stretch and often the main body of a chapter only slightly, if at all, supported the conclusions reached.

Worse of all, I simply was bored reading the book. That is likely more a reflection on me than the author, but it is hard to enjoy a book when bored.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan Beirne's Blood of Tyrants: George Washington & the Forging of the Presidency is a Pulitzer Prize nominated look into George Washington, the American Revolution and the start of a new nation and a new political power. Through little known details and stories, Beirne vividly chronicles key themes in Washington's military career and in the molding of the new nation.

This book has become the modern day equivalent of the "glasses" that Washington wore in 1783. It has allowed us to see the human side of him, flaws and all while still capturing the essence of the larger than life character we have known him to be.

This book definitely gives one reason to think about where our government started and where we are today. I believe our founding fathers tried to anticipate growth in the country and I think those original principles are what all Americans want to see continue, to be "...completely free and happy" (p. 319). We definitely have interesting times ahead of us, just as we had interesting times before.

I had the pleasure of reading/discussing this book with the author and other history enthusiasts. The experience certainly broadened my understanding of those early years of our nation, the struggles and triumphs our founding fathers endured and celebrated and brought George Washington to life.

I received the book for free from the publisher through the History Book Club on Goodreads.

[Mark Mortensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like a superior law scholar author Logan Beirne displays full command of the English language along with a multitude of adjectives to describe the highlights of the American Revolutionary War. Beirne brings George Washington, America’s first commander-in-chief, to light in this vibrant 21st Century non-fiction book by filling a void in such a grand subject. Each concise chapter is a revelation of its own enticing one to read on. I savor the final notation in the book, a remarkable quote by Washington, which I had never heard before. The book is granted my highest complement in that I look forward to reading it again someday.

I received this complementary book through the Goodreads History Club; however this did not alter my review. It was fitting that I finished reading such a historical patriotic piece on the eve before July 4th, America’s Independence Day.

[Wisteria Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Independence Day approached this year, I searched my backlog of TBR books and without hesitation selected BLOOD OF TYRANTS. Skeptics may question whether another book about our first president would offer new insight. Logan Bierne has written a dramatic and entertaining history of George Washington pulled from his research. It is a completely enveloping read, with lesser known anecdotes and stories about George Washington to satisfy the curious. For example, Did you know his teeth were made from hippopotamus ivory and human teeth, not from wood?


As our country struggled to emerge as a united collection of states, Congress wanted to micromanage the war through Washington’s leadership. This approach failed miserably. It became clear to Congress that they needed to delegate full control for the armed services to George Washington, their Commander in Chief. With this decision, the American Revolution changed direction with the outcome destined for success in the hands of George Washington. That Congress would grant such absolute power to one individual is surprising. Just imagine how difficult it would be to change the Commander in Chief’s job description today, in the middle of a war. Had Washington faced our current divisive partisan politicians on Capitol Hill what results might the country have suffered?


BLOOD OF TYRANTS shows how the Presidency of the United States and the role of Commander in Chief merged as a result of the American Revolution. When deciding the role of America’s President, the people looked to the brilliant leadership shown by George Washington, a proven success. According to Bierne, some believed Washington had an immortal bullet-proof shield of protection that kept him safe. He was known to be an active inspirational commander, brave and fearless who wanted to protect all Americans, Patriots and Loyalists for the good of the new nation.


Logan Beirne has a deliberate purpose as he presents a focused approach specifically on the role of Commander in Chief in America’s early political theater. BLOOD OF TYRANTS will astound readers with new awareness. Without a doubt it promises to provide much discussion and reflection among readers, both students and historians. One of my best pick reads for 2013.





© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2008-2013].

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner] with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

[Will Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to be reckoned with. Reading this stirs up all one's lost interest in governmental history without the boredom that went with it. His writing style is lively, fluid and factual without being sterile. His descriptions draw vivid images of our forefathers hard at work freeing themselves from British rule, but not in the way our high school textbooks describe it. This Revolutionary War is fraught with unique and interesting descriptive anecdotes and side notes. It's like going back to History class but with a twist - this history is fun, relevant, and has a direct impact on modern day politics.

Blood of Tyrants shows you why George Washington is often referred to as the "Father of Our Country." Without George Washington, there would be no Constitution, no independence from British rule, no Union. Additionally important, what does it really mean to be Commander in Chief? How it began with the election of George Washington to the Presidency and how it relates in our contemporary government today. Interestingly enough, General Howe's concubine was responsible for George Washington's eventual success in battle, and Mary's wine helped save Army troops from slaughter. Dive into the story behind West Point and how it held the fate of the nation. While these are all unique reasons to read Beirne's Blood of Tyrants, more than that, the reader will get a new education from his "inside looking out" version of the founding of America.

I particularly found interesting his description of George Washington, along with our other forefathers, both physically and intellectually. It changed my opinion of what I had previously understood about them. You will also enjoy reading about the formation of the Continental Congress and the "fly on the wall"; look at their approach to drafting the first Constitution of the United States of America. The description of the sacrificial lamb that provided the parchment for the first drafting of the Supreme Law of the Land, the Constitution that the initial Delegates signed, really brings home the importance of what our Constitution truly stands for. When and why was it really drafted? What you thought you knew will quickly fade and a new found knowledge will take its place.

I truly enjoyed this book, and for those who enjoy historical reading, this is it! And, even if you think you don't, it will change your mind.

[Relstuart · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look at some of the challenges faced by Washington and how the way he dealt with them provides insight into some of our modern challenges we are dealing with. One example was torture and care of prisoners of war. While the author places Washington in our sights as a great man he doesn't shy away from humanizing him and pointing out what he sees as flaws. Overall a decent read.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very novel approach to recounting the history of the revolution. Much of what is available in the History aisles today is very sanitized. We see George Washington as someone who told no lies. He had no warts or blemishes. He was the perfect ideal for the founder of our country.

But, understanding reality would dictate that this cannot be true. Like you and me, Washington was first a human being, and humans are flawed.

What I found most interesting is the relevance the topics covered have to modern times. Beirne covers everything from the foundations of going to war to treatment of prisoners, to how a country should respond when conventions of war are broken. A great deal of time in the book is spent discussing Washington's personal history - or where his warts come in.

Washington developed the model for "commander in chief". The author chronicles the various stages Washington went through from when he first became commander in chief at the start of the revolution, where he was subservient to a politically charged continental congress. He eventually learned that he could not wait for decisions, or bow to political pressures. Battlefield decisions must be made hastily and without regard to the politics of the moment. The war was being lost until Washington asserted himself and Congress relinquished day to day power to him.

So, were the founding fathers the models of how we should all behave? No - they drank, swore, mistreated others, and many held slaves. They used torture when necessary. They lied to get their ways. They treated prisoners of war poorly. But, at the end of the day, the war was won and a model for commander in chief was created that largely remains unchanged through today.

The book was great - hard to put down. My apologies to the History Book Club. I was unable to keep at the pace of three chapters a week and I'm afraid I finished the book long before I was supposed to. But, the book was really that good.

[Cary Kostka · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Blood of Tyrants” was a fantastic journey in the mindset, thoughts, and actions of George Washington, as well as his interactions with our Founding Fathers. The author’s writing style pulls you in and keeps you engrossed in the history; it was quite masterfully presented, and “Blood of Tyrants” can readily be used as an example of entertaining and audience captivating non-fiction writing.

This beautifully constructed history dives into the many nuances and maneuvering that then General Washington needed to deduce and put into place in short order and mostly in times of duress. We see through Mr. Beirne’s research a new understanding of the many issues Washington faced in working with the Continental Congress, the Continental Army, and the British.

I do hope that Mr. Beirne does not make us wait too long for his next book.

[goddess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read on George Washington during the Revolutionary War years. It felt like every sentence was written on purpose.....like it was carefully constructed with facts, tidbits, insights, etc....not to mention beautifully crafted with fantastic word choice and language. I don't normally comment on sentence structure, but this book packed substance and linguistics on every page. This is how history should be written. And there were so many things that I had never known before about my favorite Founding Father. I loved learning these little morsels....whether about Washington or those around him. Great addition to my library.

[Sam Honeycutt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!!! It was well written and researched. Even the notes are entertaining as well as informative. Can't wait till he writes another one. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable and interesting book on the evolution of Washington’s own views on various thorny wartime issues. Beirne’s narrative is engaging. At school we learn a lot about Washington’s establishment of “precedent” , but always in reference to how his own presidency forged that institution for future presidents, not on how his own wartime experiences forged the institution itself. As the narrative progresses, complex issues are illuminated more and more.

The book reveals how Washington faced numerous challenges to his own ideals and authority during the war. Many feared that he would establish a military dictatorship after the war was over, something he probably could have done easily due to his popularity. John Adams had his suspicions, and Jefferson’s relations with Washington were especially contentious. We often read in other accounts that Washington got along best with Alexander Hamilton, but Washington had several differences with him as well.

Beirne shows us how Washington struggled to preserve the rights of Americans, both patriot and loyalist, in order to maintain the moral high ground during the war. He describes Washington's great restraint in preventing destruction of civilian property, even as his soldiers were languishing without food, shelter, clothing and supplies, because of his belief in the ideals of the Revolution. He also shows Washington's willingness to executive swift military justice against deserters and Native Americans in order to preserve his army and protect the American people.

As our country struggled to emerge as a union of states , Congress wanted to micromanage the war through Washington’s leadership. This approach failed miserably. It became clear to Congress that they actually needed to delegate full control for the armed forces to Washington. That Congress would grant such absolute power to one individual is surprising. Just imagine how difficult it would be to change the Commander in Chief’s job description today, in the middle of a war.

Beirne writes that Benedict Arnold stood trial for corruption charges in 1799, when he means 1779. A slight error, but a glaring one.

But in all, quite an interesting book.

I received this complementary book from the publisher in conjunction with the History Book Club, but this did not sway my review

[Melinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of Tyrants reveals the surprising details of our Founding Fathers��� approach to government and this history���s impact on today.

This masterfully written nonfictional book tells the facts both unknown and known of the Revolutionary War primarily focusing on George Washington, our country's first commander in chief. We learn of how the constitution was established during trying times in vivid detail.

We have a clearer understanding of the issues Washington faced in dealings with the Continental Congress. We learn how vital Washington's role was in creating the Constitution.

Blood of Tyrants is a wonderfully written book from Logan Beirne. Mr. Beirne gifts us with his stellar writing, pulling the reader into scenes of days gone by in our country's history. Information unfolds to better explain the position of presidency and of our Founding Fathers in establishing our nation then and now. Washington respected and admired by all, exemplified the attributes as our first leader and of future leaders.

Mr. Beirne explores many questions our founding fathers grappled with during wartime and responds in vigorous detail. He educates the reader on the importance of what was established in the past impacts our future today. Extensive research is evident, some previously unexplored only adding to the readers knowledge of our history and creating an all enthralling account of our country's amazing history.

[Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

As time rolls on, I think we have a tendency to look back at the past as clear cut black and white. The right decisions were obvious, and the good guys were clearly separated out from the bad guys. Our present may be murky, the right decisions may have to be sorted out through a big mixture of grayish haze, and the line between the good and bad guys may be finer than we'd admit; but the past, now THAT was clear.

Beirne does an incredible job of bringing George Washington to life, and laying out the issues that he had to deal with clearly. The truth is that George Washington's time (as well as every other time) is shrouded in the gray murkiness. The black and white, cut and dry setting that we envision didn't exist. It takes great men to sort through the haze, make the right decisions, and be able to stand on principle, even when that may involve some difficulty.

Blood of Tyrants is an engaging read. It reads like a story, and Beirne deals with concepts as the story of the Revolution brings them up. This book brings you into contact with George Washington: his good and bad decisions, as well as his humanity. It also left me struck at how much of our current system is only here because of the restraint he showed in not grabbing the power that he probably could have.

Disclosure: I received this book for free through The History Book Club on Goodreads.

[victor harris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part hagiography of Washington and part history, it seeks to demonstrate how Washington established the precedent for the role of Commander In Chief via his conduct in the Revolutionary War. Although repetitive in spots, it does a good job of showing the power struggle between Washington and the Continental Congress. Power that would eventually shift to Washington's control. For a lesser man, this would have been dangerous, Washington used such amassed power prudently. He was certainly admirable in that respect, though some of his application of that power in individual cases - torture, executions, etc. were less admirable. Unfortunately, many " originalists" of Scalia mindset and other ideologues in the political area claim to have a monopoly on intent and history while ignoring the special circumstances of the Revolution. Thus, they apply interpretations that fit their narrow world view, justifying human rights abuses and the rights of individual citizens en route. Washington would surely have been appalled.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The introduction immediately engages you by showing all sides of this great leader, from his early inexperience and own inner conflicts to how he ends up pulling the country together. This book highlights how our forefathers and George Washington encountered similar political issues that we still face today, from the role of torture in warfare to addressing the national debt. Berne shows you just how fragile the founding of our great nation was and even at times allows you to get a feeling for what it may have been like, and how easy it could have been, to remain a Loyalist. The only reason I couldn't quite give it 5 stars is because at times it cited a few too many examples that were so similar in nature it began to feel a little repetitive. Still, this book leaves you wanting more with it's peek into all those little known facts that make Washington seem so real, so human that our history books never taught us. I received a copy of this book through The History Club's Goodreads giveaway.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books where George Washington was the main character. 1776 by David McCullough, Almost A Miracle, Angels in The Whirlwind, to name a few. Forgive me if they aren't cited properly. Logan Beirne brought new life to a fun subject. It's great to read these accounts with all of their different perspectives. Logan brought a new perspective in a very engaging, readable format, with new insight that I hadn't experienced before. He sums it all up by bringing the story full circle wherein it's message is so poignantly relevant today. It challenges our government leaders to perhaps give deeper consideration to the thought processes of our forefathers when making decisions for today's society, something I think is of the utmost importance yet a very rare practice today. I think this should be required reading for every elected official. Great job Logan! Keep up the good work!

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Logan Beirne writes a vivid, compelling, engaging analysis of George Washington and how he would set the precedent for the presidency. Drawing on today's parallels, such as the hot button issue of the legality of torture, Beirne carefully guides the reader through history without injecting bias. The story of Washington is a fascinating tale that has been told countless times but this book presents a different way of telling the story. While the author goes into much detail about the Revolutionary War and the struggles of the colonists and Washington himself had to endear, he provides a fresh perspective that brings to life the fine line the commander-in-chief had to -- chose to -- walk, with regard to the civilian authority of Congress.

This is a wonderful book and if you can, give it a read and take a chance on Logan Beirne!

[Nicholas Aune · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another conflicting read about the Founding Fathers. Beirne has a very provocative reason for writing this book:To piss off originalists. Beirne thoughtfully argues that if originalists looked at the primary source documents of the Revolutionary War, they wold see that advancing beyond a poorly organized militia system, establishing spy networks, and utilizing "advanced interrogation methods" were all precedents set by General Washington during the War, and that by examining the documents you would find that the Founding Fathers were hardly in agreement on anything. On the other hand, this books heaps on the Washington as God, the British are evil, and Indians are savages malarkey to the point where the purpose of the book becomes undermined by its insistence of being another glorification of 1776.

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was given to read by the history bookclub. I would like to extend my thanks to the group and the author. Onto the book itself.

I was impressed by the author's ability to frame the actions of General Washington into how we our new Republic would form its government. This so far has been the only book on the American Revolution to pursue this course of thought. Using some obscure portions of the Revolutionary War the author provides numerous examples to give his theories factual evidence. I am usually solely devoted to military history, however the author has brought numerous examples of military commissions, dealing with traitors, torturing POWS and others that our military must deal with today. I quickly read the book and enjoyed every page.

Thanks again.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of Tyrants was an extremely interesting and enjoyable read following the early career of George Washington prior to his ascension to the Presidency. Many of the decisions he made are analyzed and left up to debate if they were the proper course of action or a necessary evil. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in U.S. History, the Revolutionary War, or George Washington and the founding fathers. Thank you to Goodreads and the History Book Club for the opportunity to read this book.

[Marguerite · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was disappointed with this book. I was intrigued by the premise, but found the results did not live up to expectations. I felt a lack of true analysis here - too much of the book devolved into Washington:good, British: bad. And where Beirne did touch on some of Washington's less exemplary actions, I felt they were often glossed over as "of course he was forced into these actions, but they went against his nature..." The result is more hagiography than what could have been an interesting study of the pragmatic side of GW.

[Paul Arbogast · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. The intent is to show how George Washington set the precedent as 'commander in chief', and how some of his decisions relate to modern times. But I found it far more interesting in just the stories it told of decisions he made through the course of his life and the Revolutionary War. I think it was very interesting reading and included quite a bit of history that I had not previously read about.

[Josh Blackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read nearly every book about the Founding Fathers, and this book stands out. Beirne has a unique talent of weaving together a gripping narrative, while offering the reader a treasure trove of knowledge. I would highly recommend this book to all students of history, and those who want to know how our Republic was established.

[Heather Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood of Tyrants is a historical thriller with facts.It draws you in and you can see the images in your mind.Logan Beirne takes us back in time on a journey to George Washington and the colonists.This is wonderfully written.

[Clayton Brannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent short read on the powers of the President as Commander and Chief.

[Tomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book with lots of anecdotes about Washington, his times, and the Revolutionary War. I won this and participated in a Goodreads discussion, which was educational and fun.

[David Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent from start to finish

[Steven Kaminski · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are supposed to learn from history. But sometimes we end up repeating it and we don't even know it. What do we really know about George Washington BEFORE he went to fight in the revolutionary war? And sometimes war like the Revolutionary war brings forward arguments that we are still arguing about even today. This book gets into those really well.

- George Washington as a LT Col in the British army led the attack that very likely caused the Seven Years War between the French and the British. He linked up with an Indian Chief and attacked a group of French citizens who happened to be a diplomatic mission. The Indian Chief once having all the French captive slaughtered them in front of Washington's disbelieving eyes.

- After the US won independence in Massachusetts 'Shay's Rebellion' led to the militia of the state being summoned to put down a revolt by an American citizen and his fellow farmers who were having land seized while their money was almost worthless.

- Washington was opposed to torture and persuaded Congress to pass laws opposing it...UNTIL some of his prized soldiers were captured and threatened with torture. Not only did Washington threaten, he did use torture to get his people back.

- Congress during the Revolutionary war restrained Washington as he reported to a committee for war strategy. At one point when he was losing to the British (and I didn't know this) he was poised to burn Manhattan to the ground. Set the whole area on fire to allow his soldiers to escape and keep it out of British hands.

- As the war raged on though (and Congress fled the Capitol) they had to give Washington latitude to operate freely on his own. The surprise attack on the Hessians (the famous crossing of the Delaware) occurred because Congress led him act on his own. He started rolling up more victories after being unchained and this turned the tide of the war.

- Washington set up a systems of military tribunals to try citizens who were hardcore loyalists to Britain. He was using military officers to sit in judgment of his fellow Americans. Sound familiar? Didn't we just have these arguments a few years ago?

The book is interesting because it divides into sections (torture, military tribunals, executive power, etc.) And just like me you will find yourself wondering why we didn't learn from history and what we learned...

[Jeremy Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this book is entirely misleading, and its conclusions seem woefully disconnected from their starting point. In essence, Blood of Tyrants is an occasionally well-written and moving account of George Washington through the end of the American Revolution. In other words, up to and not after he became its president, when “forging the presidency” would have seemed a more fitting title. Moreover, in a book that comes with so many page-turning anecdotes in American history, I found myself puzzled by the absurdly high number of editing errors, from “1799” instead of “1779” to “where” instead of “were” that threw off the rhythm of an otherwise solid narrative tale. But even if the author had titled the book something more akin to George Washington as our nation’s first Commander-in-Chief, acknowledging the many diverse realities that his life embodies, Beirne still spends the Epilogue talking about Congress and SCOTUS, rather than the presidency itself. I’ll concede, as already mentioned, that there were moments in the text when I was enraptured, when I felt like the author managed to pull me into the past to feel the weight of Washington’s most difficult experiences, but I would be remiss if I didn’t also concede my disappointment overall, especially when the author drifted at times into political and moral preaching, rather than letting the history stand alone as a marker for the reader’s reflection.

[Steve Cataggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Blood of Tyrants" is an excellent look in the modern day foundations of the presidency and the executive powers that come with the title. The author makes a clear thesis question in the beginning and subsequently follows Washington's actions throughout the Revolutionary War to support his argument.

If anything, I believe the topics the author covered, while important, could have gone further into different subjects. Or rather, I wish the book was ironically longer and looked into Washington's views on international diplomacy rather than a narrow (though important) views on torture, civilian rights during military action, and military tribunals. I would recommend this book to those who want to properly pair what the meaning "Founding Fathers" had in mind in crafting today's presidential office and the powers granted by the Constitution that are inshrined.