A Son of Thunder: Patrick Henry and the American Republic

by Henry Mayer

Patrick Henry was a brilliant orator whose devotion to the pursuit of liberty fueled the fire of the American Revolution. As a lawyer and a member of the Virginia House of Burgess, Henry spoke eloquently of the inalienable rights all men are born with. His philosophy inspired the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and, most significantly, the Bill of Rights. Famous for the line "Give me liberty or give me death!" Patrick Henry was a man who stirred souls and whose dedication to individual liberty became the voice for thousands. A Son of Thunder is as eloquent, witty, charged, and charismatic as its subject.

Genres: History, Biography, American History, Nonfiction, American Revolutionary War, American Revolution, 18th Century

544 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1986

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Henry is one of the forgotten founding fathers despite heralding one of the most famous lines of the revolution "Give me Liberty or give me Death". His role in military affairs, government as an anti-federalist, and as governor of Virginia was pivotal acts in the revolution. Henry served with George Mason as the primary anti-federalist and arguing against the addition of a large government with enumerated powers and felt the only way to defend liberty was through a bill of rights. This bill would guarantee the peoples freedoms against an encroaching government. Patrick Henry was the master of back door politics despite his distaste for it and even carried on an illegal war in the Virginia back county almost leading to a siege of Detroit. The state of Virginia at the time of the Civil War was largely through his efforts and his expedition that took significant territory from what might have been PA or MD.

One of the most interesting parts of this book is the idea that Patrick Henry represented the common man and was truly the peoples voice during the debates in Virginia and Philadelphia always arguing for the rights. The author does a very good job of making this case and I find it very hard to refute. Henry's speaking ability was undisputed as a man of the people and a person who could get crowds energized and excited. He seemed to thrive off that attention using his background as a man of the people (not of the landed gentry) to draw his audience in.

For those looking for a different take not often discussed in the literature and really seeing something from the anti-federalist point of view I highly recommend this book.

[Kevin Bache · Rating 5 out of 5]

In what is perhaps the single greatest biography ever written about any of America's "Founding Fathers", Henry Mayer's A Son of Thunder skillfully weaves the basic chronology of Patrick Henry's life in with the politics that existed in he American colonies under late-18th century British Imperial Law, the Colonists' rationale for revolting against them, and just how fragmented that sentiment was if not for the forcefulness of purpose given by men such as Henry. The result is not only a deep and richly satisfying portrait of a man, who, much like Jefferson, had a demi-god-like personality, but also like most of the founders, he still lives with almost hyperbolic contradictions in being both a voice of the common-man's desire for liberty yet also a slave-holder. Even more so than Jefferson, Henry feared the new Constitution would allow unadulterated Federalism, which would then pry into every facet of citizens' private lives.

Individual rights and government intrusions on those rights have always been issues in America. But, as we live with the modern realities of a predatory tax system, unwarranted wire-tapping, double-standard bans on religious and self-expression, among other challenges to liberty, Patrick Henry's has never and will never lose his relevance to our American lives.

If I could rate this book "10 stars" instead of only "5" of them, I would.

[Eric Atkisson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good biography, but surprisingly lacking when it comes to some of the more controversial aspects of Henry's career--including his animosity toward Thomas Jefferson, which the author lightly dismisses as more a grudge on Jefferson's part, not Henry's, and his rumored support for a southwestern confederacy. At the very least it would have been nice to see the author offer some evidence that these allegations were unfounded, rather than just saying so. Still, it's a well written, general account of Henry's career and succeeds in giving the reader a much better understanding of his role in, and impact on, American political history.

[Robert E Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written and researched biography

[Jim Gallen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Henry’s place in American history is largely limited to two lines, ““If this be treason, make the most of it!”, spoken to the Virginia House of Burgesses and “I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” addressed to the Second Virginia Convention. He is one of those characters who, though never president nor military hero, were influential and essential in the develop of the nation. More respected in his day than remembered now, Henry was a driving force on the roads to Independence and the Constitution under which we are still governed.

Henry was born in 1736 Virginia into a legacy that provided opportunity, but not the landed aristocracy who inherited a smooth path to fame and fortune. A successful career as a lawyer with a reputation for oratory, Henry made his own way into politics and power as a representative of his non-aristocratic and non-established church citizenry. Service in the House of Burgesses, as Governor of Virginia and a member of the Continental Congress was his instrument of exercising power. A consistent and strident advocate for colonial rights through the 1760s and 1770s, he encouraged opposition to the Stamp Act and other measures directed at the colonies and guided an unsure people to military preparedness. While Lexington and Concord are emblazoned in memory as the spark of the Revolution, Henry was involved in similar resistance to British seizure of military supplies in that same April of 1775.

Though a biography, “A Son of Thunder” focuses largely on Henry’s political life. Author Henry Mayer has skillfully woven a life into a history from which a student may glean much. Henry’s activity was concentrated in Virginia, reflective of the relative importance of the colonies or states and the nation in his day. Much revolutionary activity originated in Massachusetts, but Henry is shown as one who generated continental support for Bay State activists. Though not a delegate to the Second Continental Congress that declared Independence, much of the military strength of the nascent Revolutionary American republic was raised and organized at the State level and, as Governor pf one of the largest states, Henry’s role was crucial. Henry’s Virginia was involved in three wars: support to the Continental cause lead by George Washington, defense of Virginia’s shore and tidewater from British raids and protection of frontier areas from Indian attack, some instigated by British officials.

With Independence won, Henry continued to guide his state during the period of loose Confederation until adoption of the Constitution. Originally and Anti-Federalist who opposed the Constitution as an unneeded and unjustified restriction of states’ rights, he eventually supported ratification at the Virginia Constitutional Convention by providing the recommendation for a Bill of Rights, a recommendation made by no previously ratifying state, but followed by every subsequent one.

The American Revolution and early Republic have more complicated stories than is generally appreciated. I recommend “Son of Thunder” for those seeking a deeper understanding of the personalities and political forces that shaped our germinating nation.

[Peter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historian Henry Mayer’s biography of Patrick Henry illustrates how he was a very influential politician of the American Revolutionary era. Mayer is sympathetic to Patrick Henry. Mayer seems to admire several aspects of Henry’s life, but he does cover some of the more troubling sides of Henry’s life. For example, Henry’s complex views of slavery and his slave trading. The book also covers his land speculation and his relationship with American Indians. The book also covers why several other political figures of the post-revolutionary era, such as James Madison, were suspicious of Patrick Henry. I agree with the Goodreads reviewer Eric Akisson that Henry falling out was Thomas Jefferson was uncovered. That being said, I agree with Akkisson’s review that Mayer’s biography of Henry is well done. The book has a section of notes and an index. Mayer writes, “Henry combined an actor’s flair with a preacher’s flair, and he evoked a rapport with ordinary folk that changed the face of Virgina’s politics” (Mayer xiii). The book mainly focuses on Henry’s political career. The book does give the reader a view of Henry’s personal life. For example, the mental state of his first wife, Sarah Shelton, is unknown because the family did not write much about the wife’s mental illness (Mayer 264). I read the book on the Kindle. Mayer’s biography of Patrick Henry was well written. I found the review by Goodreads reviewer Eric Akkisson helpful in writing this ‘review.’

[John Thyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story about a patriot we don't study near enough. Washington, Jefferson, Mason, Madison all knew Henry and respected him. He was the first governor of VA and went on to serve 5 terms. Known for his ..."give me liberty..." speech, he should be known for much more. Perhaps the first Virginian among some very strong men. At least by his contemporary Virginia's. Led the effort to include the Bill of Rights into the original constitution. That failed due to politics and the Whigs led by Madison. But constant pressure forced the Bill of Rights to be the first Amendments added. Again against stiff Whig opposition. What a man.

[Brian Vandegrift · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very complete digest of the life and times of Henry. I bought the book while visiting Red Hill. Much thought and research went into the writing. While a bit dry at times, it accurately portrays the most minute details of his life story.

Reading this also prompted a trip to Scotchtown for a visit. Seems Henry moved around many times and I was very surprised in the modest dwelling at Red Hill.

[Cindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had this on the shelf for a long time but finally decided to pick it up. Unfortunately I found two racist slurs in the first two chapters. Perhaps he was quoting someone or simply using terms that were common at the time, but it was distasteful enough that I don't care to read more.

[Joe Longfellow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard to read but very inspiring. The man lived as he thought he should. He gave no quarter nor asked one.

[David Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book on a great American. Most of us only know the name but little about the person. Once you have read this book you will have a much better understanding of the man and the times he lived in and shaped.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most thorough biography of Henry I have yet read. Very concerned with who Henry is and does a very good job of placing him firmly in his world, so that the reader is cognizant of the flow of history through which they are viewing Mr. Henry's life.

[Craig Bolton]

A Son of Thunder: Patrick Henry and the American Republic by Henry Mayer (2001)

[Josiah Courter · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Americans should know about Patrick Henry, what he did and fought for.
Great book!

[Jud Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A work of art of a biography: Mayer fully and vividly shows Patrick Henry to be both expression and expresser of his time and place. Full review here.