George Mason, Forgotten Founder

“Fills a major gap in modern biographies of significant Revolutionary figures. . . . Thoroughly researched and well-written.” — Town & County

“A compelling case.” — Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

“Our understanding of the American founding is impoverished by neglecting the thoughts, words, and deeds of forgotten founders like George Mason. Broadwater’s biography rightly gives the gentleman planter from Gunston Hall his due.” — The Virginia Magazine of History and Biography

“Broadwater produces a carefully drawn, balanced account of the career of the intelligent but crotchety figure.” — American Historical Review

“The author does justice to Mason . . . particularly as opposition leader against statism, power elitism, and the slave trade and as champion of individual rights.” — CHOICE

“Broadwater’s biography of George Mason is important because of the subject. It is also important because it shows us in great detail the foundation of Virginia and American government at a time when many of us seem to be wandering in the wilderness without a map.” — Roanoke Times

“Broadwater has written a solid . . . political biography of this important figure. . . . The book is a worthwhile contribution to the growing body of 'Founders literature.' . . . A good book with wide appeal. Students interested in the founding generation will find it valuable.” — Georgia Historical Quarterly

“Broadwater’s excellent and thorough portrait testifies to the high regard in which Mason was held during his life and to the profound influence his thinking had on Americans and on the Constitution he did so much to create.” — North Carolina Historical Review

“Broadwater offers an insightful and elegantly written biography restoring George Mason, often dismissed as being an Anti-federalist obstructionist, to the pantheon of revolutionary-era leaders.” — Journal of American History

“This engrossing biography[’s]. . . . greatest strength is Broadwater’s treatment of the post-Revolutionary years, specifically his nuanced discussion of Mason’s role at the constitutional convention. . . . Broadwater’s prose is vigorous and his assessment of Mason judicious; this biography is a standout." — Publishers Weekly, starred review