The American founding Book

Probably one of the most lucid products of the republican synthesis, not least because Ketcham doesn't strain to place people or policies in ideological boxes. This study of the presidency is a useful guide for understanding early American culture in general. It's also an unusually clear explanation of key points in Jacksonian democracy. I recommend Shane's review as a summary of the book.

Of course, Ketcham's book should be a read as a study of political ideals, not a study of politics.