No two men are more synonymous with what it means to be “American”. From leading the Continental Army in the battle for American Independence and being the first president of the United States to the writer of the Declaration of Independence and one of the most popular leaders in American History, these two embody what it means to be free.

In this two-book set, you'll learn not only what made them American legends, but also what shaped their early years and made them who they were. From their childhood struggles and what kept them moving forward to their early years in politics and the personal battles they fought. It’s all here.

George Washington

We’ve learned a lot about George Washington - some of it myth, most of it true. What we often forget to understand are the motivations that caused him to drive the quest for independence to its successful conclusion. The causes can’t be distilled into a few areas or moments in time; rather, it is best to look at his life and understand the elements that surrounded him and preceded him.

Washington’s life was unlike most men in his position. He had an uncommon zeal for life and an unrelenting quest for justice and truth. It was that strain of his soul that finally overflowed the boundaries of his patience and caused him to undertake what some would call a treasonous journey.

But, it was never about the disloyalty that he had for Britain. It was about the sense of right and wrong that put him in the position to fight the battles that he did and take up a cause that finally saw the severing of ties that bound us to tyranny.

He was, somehow, at all the places that lead to this one outcome. He was at the first reconnaissance mission that alerted him to French intentions. He was at the point where the French commander was scalped, which sparked retribution. That retribution spilled over into the French and Indian War, which then spilled over into the Seven Years’ War. That war dwindled the Bank of England’s resources, which led to taxes on the colonies without representation, and that kicked off the realization in the colonies that only they could stand up for themselves.

This audiobook contains that story - a biography of a man and a country.

Thomas Jefferson

Much is misunderstood about the man who bequeathed us with a framework of what it means to be free and live in a democracy. As a founding father, Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in defining and disseminating what it meant to be an American before an America existed. Washington may have won the battles on the field, but Jefferson won the battles in our hearts. That is why he is still fondly remembered and cherished.

Born in Virginia, Jefferson lived a privileged life and received the best education money could buy. He was schooled in many languages and grew up under the force of a classical education. He learned to think for himself and conducted his affairs with dignity and grace. This audiobook leaves out most of what is commonly known about Jefferson and focuses on the environment he was raised in and the circumstances that guided his mind toward the accomplishment that bears his name.

The battles he fought with himself had to do with things we take for granted on most days. His mind was filled with matters of freedom and elements of democracy. His love was reading, his challenge was writing, and he did both with distinction. To understand America, one has to understand Jefferson. It is a course in citizenship.