A review by judyward
America's Prophet: Moses and the American Story by Bruce Feiler

4.0

I've read several books by Bruce Feiler and was intrigued with the theme of this book--that Moses has been linked with the history of the United States since the beginning. Feiler begins to build his case by looking at the way in which both the colonists in Jamestown and Plymouth referred to themselves in terms of leaving England to find the Promised Land much as Moses led the Jews out of bondage from Egypt. Moses was frequently referred to during the colonial period, the Revolution, the Federal Period, the Great Awakening, the Underground Railroad, the Civil War, the Civil Rights period, and right up to the election of 20008. It was interesting to follow this theme through American history. Feiler feels that Moses can almost be considered one of the Foundating Fathers because he represents the promise of beginning a new life in a new land, the struggle between freedom and law, and the hope of a better future. Feiler has illustrated the importance of the idea of Moses in American history and has highlighted some fascinating themes in American history.