Portraying the man behind the myth, A True Republican goes beyond the famous "ride" to explore Paul Revere's larger role in the American Revolution, the evolution of his political thought, and his transformation from Revolutionary artisan to entrepreneur in the early republic. Jayne E. Triber's insightful reading of both primary and secondary sources-including government documents, Masonic records, and Revere's personal and business papers-illuminates the social, cultural, and economic factors that shaped Revere's Revolutionary activities as well as his ardent interpretation of republicanism. Through the lens of one man's life, Triber explores the meaning and attraction of republicanism for artisans, the social structure of Revolutionary and post-Revolutionary America, the importance of Free-masonry, and the development of political parties in the newly formed republic.
"The best full biography we have of Revere."-Gordon S. Wood, author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution
"Based on extensive work in the papers of Revere and his contemporaries, as well as in the Boston press, this book provides a solid, believable picture of Revere. It will become the first resort for scholars looking for information on Revere and his connections and will fill an important gap in the literature of the period. Its clear writing and relative brevity should make it valuable for classroom use and there should be a broader interest from general readers."-Steven C. Bullock, author of Revolutionary Brotherhood: Freemasonry and the Transformation of the American Social Order
