Tempest at Dawn [Paperback]

James D. Best (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 15, 2010

As featured on The Glenn Beck Show. Tempest at Dawn is on the Glenn Beck Reading List.

The United States is on the brink of total collapse. The military has been reduced to near extinction, economic turmoil saps hope, and anarchy threatens as world powers hover like vultures, eager to devour the remains. In a desperate move, a few powerful men call a secret meeting to plot the overthrow of the government. Fifty-five men came to Philadelphia in May of 1787 with a congressional charter to revise the Articles of Confederation. Instead they founded the longest lasting republic in world history. Tempest at Dawn tells their story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The novel captures the real drama that ensued behind closed doors as they hammered out what is now the oldest living constitution. Read it for its historical value. Read it for its dramatic value. But read it! --Bookviews, by Alan Caruba

It's a truly great read and is one of the few books I've picked up in the past year that I ended up reading more than 200 pages from in one sitting. --Militant Reviews

The dialog will surprise the reader with its eloquence and understatement. Any reader conversant with history will have both his affection and appreciation for the Constitutional Convention deepened. --What Would The Founders Think? by Martin Sielaff

I find hope and confidence in the wonderfully written Tempest At Dawn, by James D. Best. Mr. Best sheds light on a time when it was necessary to revise the Articles of Confederation. He does it with eloquence. I wanted to read Tempest At Dawn, from cover-to-cover, after reading the first couple of pages.

As I read Tempest At Dawn, I felt as though I was present at the proceedings of the Convention and the private meetings of James Madison, George Washington, Robert Sherman, and others. You cannot help but feel pride as an American, as Tempest At Dawn reminds us of the impeccable integrity of our Founding Fathers. The delegates regarded one another with utmost respect and civility.

If you want to know the truth about the character of those gentlemen and you want to learn about the evolution of one of the greatest documents ever created by man--the Constitution of the United States--relax in your bed, favorite chair or recliner, and enjoy Tempest At Dawn, by James D. Best. --Beaufort Observer, Ballpoint column by Allen Ball

About the Author

James D. Best is the author of The Shopkeeper, Leadville, and Murder at Thumb Butte in the Steve Dancy Western series. His other books include Tempest at Dawn, Principled Action, The Shut Mouth Society, and The Digital Organization. Tempest at Dawn is a dramatization of the 1787 Constitutional Convention and Principled Action is a non-fiction companion book. James has written monthly columns for two magazine and numerous journal articles. He lives with his wife, Diane, in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

You can learn more about James and his books at jamesdbest.blogspot.com

Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Wheatmark (February 15, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1604943440
• ISBN-13: 978-1604943443
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 0.9 x 9.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (68 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #465,299 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James D. Best is the author of The Shopkeeper, Leadville, and Murder at Thumb Butte in the Steve Dancy Western series. His other books include Tempest at Dawn, Principled Action, The Shut Mouth Society, and The Digital Organization. Tempest at Dawn is a dramatization of the 1787 Constitutional Convention and Principled Action is a non-fiction companion book. James has written monthly columns for two magazine and numerous journal articles. He lives with his wife, Diane, in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

You can learn more about James and his books at jamesdbest.blogspot.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

109 of 110 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Let's Learn from History May 16, 2010

By Sandy Castle

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I just finished James D. Best's 'Tempest at Dawn' and want to thank him for a good story that:
* Developed insight into what it took to create our Constitution,
* Presented characters who personally sacrificed to do their work,
* Honored delegates who gave their efforts from the soul, and
* Documented strong-willed men who had the courage to debate, argue, and sometimes concede to create this country. `Never Give Up' comes to mind.
Reading this book along with the Constitution should be required reading for all USA students. There is much to be learned about the 'dawn' of our government and about how we have strayed from the government created by these men. One which was based on trust in the people, checks and balances, and limited powers.
Since I never opened my eyes to the real life stories of history, I haven't spent much time reading or learning it. Mr. Best has created a story which makes history come alive and makes me appreciate what happened in Philadelphia at a whole new level. I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

63 of 64 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Facinating novel of our country's founding January 3, 2010

By Martha Prybylo

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Best does a wonderful job bringing the likes of Madison, Washington, Franklin, Sherman and Hamilton to life as compelling characters in the important drama that brought forth our Constitution. The book was well researched. Even though you know how it all turns out in the end, Tempest at Dawn keeps you glued to the pages. Best captures the core issues and debates that were hammered out in Philadelphia. More important, he provides the context and character of those who so passionately crafted it. I learned a ton and never had more fun with a history lesson, which came wrapped in a novel. Highly recommend it to those with an any interest in U.S. history or to anyone who loves a good read with strong characters and a lively plot.

46 of 47 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning History Can Be Fun May 5, 2010

By C. Sharp

Format:Paperback

As someone who disliked History in school, I learned more about the founding of our country and the Constitution that I ever did in History Classes. And I enjoyed every minute of it. James Best did a supurb job of bringing to life our founding fathers. In Tempest at Dawn, they became real people with families, hopes, dreams and problems just like everyone else. But Best also portrayed the characters' greatness by describing their sacrifices and strong determination to create a Constitution that has endured for over 200 years and has made America the great country it is. I highly recommend Tempest at Dawn to every American, especially young people.