Here's How Not to Write About Slavery and the American Revolution

Joseph Ellis' new book purporting to confront "the downside of the founding" leaves much to be desired.

The United States is gearing up for the celebration—if that’s the right word—of the country’s 250th birthday next year, and already there has been a noticeable rise in the number of books, documentaries, museum exhibits, and other cultural products that promise to take some new, unappreciated approach toward the much-studied events that culminated with …