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Patrick Henry: American Statesman
Who is Patrick Henry? Most Americans recognize Patrick Henry as “The Orator” who delivered the “give me liberty or give me death” speech which thus delivered the United States a free and independent nation. This view of Henry’s life is rather like believing that George Washington’s signature achievement was chopping down a cherry tree. Patrick Henry’s public life is an exciting, inspirational and uniquely American story that is unfortunately nearly unknown, until now. Patrick Henry-American Statesman takes you on a biographical thrill ride through the revolutionary formation of the State of Virginia and the United States. Henry’s closeness to Washington, both John and Samuel Adams and his rocky friendship with Thomas Jefferson are all revealed. In Patrick Henry-American Statesman readers will be fascinated to learn:
Henry was mocked behind his back by Jefferson and was believed by some to be illiterate
Henry was nearly accused of treason in 1765 for opposing the Stamp Act
Henry attended & was instrumental in calling the 1st Continental Congress
The Virginia Assembly elected him as its first governor and 4 times
afterward
His warnings over ratifying the
Constitution have all come to pass
The Bill of Rights were insisted on by James Madison to silence his
criticism of the Constitution
The term “gerrymander”
(for Ellbridge Gerry) should be “henrymander”
There is but one portrait of Henry taken from life. The most popular Henry painting is of Capt. Cook!
Henry was a devout Episcopalian and resented rumors he was a “Deist”
Patrick Henry-American Statesman is not a history book, it is an exciting biography of the second greatest American who ever lived.
Originally published in 1887 this book is that rare biography that explores the critical parts of its subject’s life while allowing the hero to emerge without cheering him on. Patrick Henry explores the obscure, famous and infamous parts of Henry’s life with equal energy a mere 90 years after his death at the tender age of 63.
Tyler’s detailed exploration of Henry’s three terms as the first Governor of Virginia elevate him to a level that is subordinate only to George Washington in the Old Dominion’s rich history and pantheon of heroes. Of equal importance was Henry’s leadership in the rally for Independence in the First and Second Continental Congresses. His once-famous call for unity on the second day of that body’s first meeting is indicative of that leadership. “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American.”
No less a dominating figure than Washington wrote of Henry’s reputation as an American leader. “I have ever been happy in supposing that I had a place in your esteem, and the proof you have afforded on this occasion makes me peculiarly so. The favorable light in which you hold me is truly flattering.”
Thomas Jefferson was not so effusive in his praise and delighted in tarnishing Patrick Henry’s reputation during and after his life. To Daniel Webster Jefferson said his “pronunciation was vulgar and vicious”. In 1824 Jefferson incorrectly reported that Patrick Henry “...was a man of very little knowledge of any sort. He read nothing, and had no books.” Tyler corrects these “sneers” with the facts but unfortunately Jefferson’s pen tainted people’s imaginations, until now.
Henry was mocked behind his back by Jefferson and was believed by some to be illiterate
Henry was nearly accused of treason in 1765 for opposing the Stamp Act
Henry attended & was instrumental in calling the 1st Continental Congress
The Virginia Assembly elected him as its first governor and 4 times
afterward
His warnings over ratifying the
Constitution have all come to pass
The Bill of Rights were insisted on by James Madison to silence his
criticism of the Constitution
The term “gerrymander”
(for Ellbridge Gerry) should be “henrymander”
There is but one portrait of Henry taken from life. The most popular Henry painting is of Capt. Cook!
Henry was a devout Episcopalian and resented rumors he was a “Deist”
Patrick Henry-American Statesman is not a history book, it is an exciting biography of the second greatest American who ever lived.
Originally published in 1887 this book is that rare biography that explores the critical parts of its subject’s life while allowing the hero to emerge without cheering him on. Patrick Henry explores the obscure, famous and infamous parts of Henry’s life with equal energy a mere 90 years after his death at the tender age of 63.
Tyler’s detailed exploration of Henry’s three terms as the first Governor of Virginia elevate him to a level that is subordinate only to George Washington in the Old Dominion’s rich history and pantheon of heroes. Of equal importance was Henry’s leadership in the rally for Independence in the First and Second Continental Congresses. His once-famous call for unity on the second day of that body’s first meeting is indicative of that leadership. “The distinctions between Virginians, Pennsylvanians, New Yorkers, and New Englanders are no more. I am not a Virginian, but an American.”
No less a dominating figure than Washington wrote of Henry’s reputation as an American leader. “I have ever been happy in supposing that I had a place in your esteem, and the proof you have afforded on this occasion makes me peculiarly so. The favorable light in which you hold me is truly flattering.”
Thomas Jefferson was not so effusive in his praise and delighted in tarnishing Patrick Henry’s reputation during and after his life. To Daniel Webster Jefferson said his “pronunciation was vulgar and vicious”. In 1824 Jefferson incorrectly reported that Patrick Henry “...was a man of very little knowledge of any sort. He read nothing, and had no books.” Tyler corrects these “sneers” with the facts but unfortunately Jefferson’s pen tainted people’s imaginations, until now.
386 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1887
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90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 3, 2021
Stirring and scholarly account of a hero of America
I had already had a good deal of respect for Patrick Henry, but after reading this book, he is even more highly esteemed in my eyes. Most people know Patrick Henry as the man who said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” Yet there is not so much more about this patriot in our history books.
Patrick Henry was one of the early proponents of independence from Great Britain, yet he also understood the importance of timing, unity among the colonies and a healthy alliance with England’s rivals, Spain and France. He helped form Virginia’s government and her militia. He led one of the first strikes against British rule in his state. He served in the legislature and as governor during America’s struggle for independence and thereafter.
Patrick Henry was one of the men who staunchly resisted the centralization of powers proposed by the US Constitution. And he agitated tirelessly for the Bill of Rights to be added. Brilliant as an orator in the statehouse and the courtroom, he was one of the greatest heroes of Virginia, second only to George Washington, and envied by Thomas Jefferson.
This book not only discloses many of Patrick Henry’s political and professional triumphs. It also reveals his personal faith and convictions. I believe now that not only was this man a great patriot, but also a committed Christian gifted with discernment, wisdom and quite possibly a gift of prophecy. I thank God for his foresight and tenacity in fighting for the freedom and the future of this country. And I look forward to meeting him in heaven.
If you are looking for a well-researched and well documented biography about this man, I highly recommend this book. It’s free as an eBook and reasonably well formatted. It would be a great resource for any student of history and a wonderful inspiration for anyone aspiring to leadership.
I had already had a good deal of respect for Patrick Henry, but after reading this book, he is even more highly esteemed in my eyes. Most people know Patrick Henry as the man who said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” Yet there is not so much more about this patriot in our history books.
Patrick Henry was one of the early proponents of independence from Great Britain, yet he also understood the importance of timing, unity among the colonies and a healthy alliance with England’s rivals, Spain and France. He helped form Virginia’s government and her militia. He led one of the first strikes against British rule in his state. He served in the legislature and as governor during America’s struggle for independence and thereafter.
Patrick Henry was one of the men who staunchly resisted the centralization of powers proposed by the US Constitution. And he agitated tirelessly for the Bill of Rights to be added. Brilliant as an orator in the statehouse and the courtroom, he was one of the greatest heroes of Virginia, second only to George Washington, and envied by Thomas Jefferson.
This book not only discloses many of Patrick Henry’s political and professional triumphs. It also reveals his personal faith and convictions. I believe now that not only was this man a great patriot, but also a committed Christian gifted with discernment, wisdom and quite possibly a gift of prophecy. I thank God for his foresight and tenacity in fighting for the freedom and the future of this country. And I look forward to meeting him in heaven.
If you are looking for a well-researched and well documented biography about this man, I highly recommend this book. It’s free as an eBook and reasonably well formatted. It would be a great resource for any student of history and a wonderful inspiration for anyone aspiring to leadership.
May 14, 2022
My feeling is that this book was written both too many years after Patrick Henry's life and too few years after his life. Moses Coit Tyler seems most intent on correcting a few beliefs that had sprung up about Henry: he was not much of a lawyer, he began his adult life without direction and lazily, and all he had going for him was eloquence - he was not much of a thinker. Tyler convinced me that at least these beliefs had to be considered extreme, though there may be have been kernels of truth to each of them.
Had Tyler lived closer to Henry's time, especially had he been a contemporary, he could have brought Henry to life for the reader; he fails to do so. I don't feel like I know the man very well at all. Had Tyler lived in our day, I feel he would have tried harder to develop a picture of Henry's political philosophy, especially what turned him into one of the leading anti-federalists. How did what made him anti-federalist inform his other actions as revolutionary leader and Virginia governor? What faction of political life would he ally with in today's America?
As to an overview of Patrick Henry's life, his relationships with several other politicians of his day, and his role in government, Tyler does an admirable job. Especially interesting is the relationship he had with fellow Virginian George Washington of which we get a glimpse.
The Christian publisher that reprinted this book which was penned in 1887 and whose text is in now in the public domain probably chose to do so because there are numerous positive references to Patrick Henry's faith and Christian character.
Had Tyler lived closer to Henry's time, especially had he been a contemporary, he could have brought Henry to life for the reader; he fails to do so. I don't feel like I know the man very well at all. Had Tyler lived in our day, I feel he would have tried harder to develop a picture of Henry's political philosophy, especially what turned him into one of the leading anti-federalists. How did what made him anti-federalist inform his other actions as revolutionary leader and Virginia governor? What faction of political life would he ally with in today's America?
As to an overview of Patrick Henry's life, his relationships with several other politicians of his day, and his role in government, Tyler does an admirable job. Especially interesting is the relationship he had with fellow Virginian George Washington of which we get a glimpse.
The Christian publisher that reprinted this book which was penned in 1887 and whose text is in now in the public domain probably chose to do so because there are numerous positive references to Patrick Henry's faith and Christian character.
August 10, 2019
Do not read this. This biography devoted a scant amount of time to his legal career (maybe 10 %?). He had 17 children from two marriages, but you wouldn't get that from reading this exhausting tome. Two of the children from his first marriage died in 1792 and 1792, however; the book makes no mention of their passing or any impact it might have had on his life. The book devotes 2 sentences to his second marriage. I suppose that wasn't a really big deal either although they were married for about 22 years. In short, this "biography" totally hit the mark. We know about his famous speeches -but who was that man? What life events made that person and what other decisions did he struggle with throughout his life that made him "great." Great historical figures don't just come out a vacuum.
October 4, 2019
This book was written long ago and is a good example of how writing styles have changed, for the better, over the past 100+ years.
January 15, 2011
Inherited from my Dad, this is an excellent book considering it was written more than 100 years ago. I was not aware of how important of a role Patrick Henry played in the revolution. He was the first politician to suggest independence from the king, which was a radical idea at the time. His strong oratory skills enabled him to sway the opinions of even the most aggressive opposition. He was an antagonist to the original unamended constitution and was the main force behind The Bill of Rights. His only questionable behavior was as a trial lawyer. He was regularly able to use his speaking skills to successfully defend murderers and other similar characters. This is a great book and is full of interesting information from a unique historical context.
February 9, 2012
I read this book because I felt I had gaps in my understanding of the life of this great patriot known for saying "Give me liberty or give me death."
Tyler's biography is friendly toward Patrick Henry and takes his side on the conflict between him and Thomas Jefferson.
Tyler also reinforces the evangelical nature of Henry's faith that kept his integrity in line (most of the time), and kept him from responding to his opponents in kind.
My appreciation for Patrick Henry has grown since reading this text, and so I recommend it without hesitation. If you take on this task, know that the writing is over 100 years old and though not difficult to read, it will reflect the thought and writing of that time.
Tyler's biography is friendly toward Patrick Henry and takes his side on the conflict between him and Thomas Jefferson.
Tyler also reinforces the evangelical nature of Henry's faith that kept his integrity in line (most of the time), and kept him from responding to his opponents in kind.
My appreciation for Patrick Henry has grown since reading this text, and so I recommend it without hesitation. If you take on this task, know that the writing is over 100 years old and though not difficult to read, it will reflect the thought and writing of that time.
February 16, 2012
I loved reading this book although I found it most difficult toward the latter parts where there was much discussion about the particular issues in America and in the Virginia lesgislature at the time. As I read the book, I kept thinking "This book should be required reading by every President of the USA." It's a scholarly book and difficult to read. It took me several weeks, but I do recommend it. I think few books today go into this much depth. It was interesting, and I feel I understand Patrick Henry from a different perspective than what I previously thought or knew about him.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews