Eric Niewoehner -- Writer

Welcome.

Expect to find here a line-up of essays, technical guides, biographies and historical fiction novels.

If you are curious, feel free to send me a note.

Thanks,

Eric Niewoehner

Bookcover of The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution

Introducing a new series -- Old Friends.

Posted the first of many essays on authors who have had the most profound influence on my life. I think you will find what they offer to be insightful.

An Old Friend: Bernard Bailyn's book The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. He offers some interesting insights into what motivated the colonists to rise up against the British.

The Contagion of Liberty

The fight for liberty could be a good thing. But contagions are generally uncontrollable. They seem to have a life of their own and can travel in unexpected directions.

American soldiers fighting the British in the American Revolution

Transformation

How is it that the Americans standing in Lexington in 1775 came to the point of shooting a British soldier?

Photo from Creative Commons of 1984 painted on wall

A Note on Conspiracy

Bailyn would argue that there is a "logic" to revolution. But conspiracy seems a bit mystical. It was in the air in 1775. Is it in the air today?

Painting of Boston Harbor prior to the Revolution

The Logic of Rebellion

How did we move from the loss of confidence in our government, to the contemplation of rebellion?

Power and Liberty

What is the greatest threat to liberty? Why is it the Founding Fathers were so concerned about their liberty?

Ionic poster showing the leading figures of Communism

Sources and Traditions

Ever wonder what is behind a person's thinking? Join me in my Old Friends series as we explore the reading list of the founding fathers.