The lives and contributions of 18 Americans of the Revolutionary period are discussed. Among those covered are Franklin, Samuel and Abigail Adams, Washington, Marion, Lopez, Webster, Peale, Bulfinch, Backus, Rush, Banneker, Whitney, Astor, Clark, Wilkinson, Tecumseh, and Jefferson. Risjord (University of Wisconsin-Madison) relates their individual biographies to the national history, with emphasis on the political events of the Revolution, the crafting of a national identity, and the economic development and territorial expansion of the new country. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)