First published 2009
Bruce Feiler argues that Moses stands as America's true founding father, shaping the nation's character more than any other figure. The New York Times bestselling author journeys across the country to examine how the biblical prophet influenced American identity from the colonial era to the present day. Feiler explores the island where Pilgrims observed their first Sabbath, ascends the bell tower housing the Liberty Bell with its Mosaic inscription, and follows the Underground Railroad where "Go Down, Moses" became the anthem of enslaved people seeking freedom. He even wears Charlton Heston's costume from The Ten Commandments. His travels take him from Gettysburg battlefields to Selma's civil rights landmarks, from Hollywood studios to the White House. This book combines adventure narrative with historical investigation and contemporary faith exploration. Feiler demonstrates how Moses shaped American character through centuries of struggle and triumph, offering readers a fresh perspective on the nation's spiritual and political foundations.
Genres: biography, history, non-fiction, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: adventure-narrative, historical-investigation
Setting: America, Gettysburg, Liberty Bell, Pilgrims, Selma, Underground Railroad, White House
Period: Colonial Era, Present Day
368 pages · Hardcover · William Morrow