[Talisker]

How about Albion's Seed ?

The difference is the emphasis on sociology versus psychology.Albion's Seed is a fascinating observation of the four basic cultures that became one to form America. But I still feel that The Radicalism of the American Revolution is the best focus on the the particular psychological traits that were distilled and fused into the essential American Spirit, and especially their concrete reality in those who are referred to as "Patriots" or "Founders," and what came to be known around the world as American. It's what Bogey distilled in his WWII movies, and what people saw in John Wayne - not the hokey externals, but the inner, shining personal dignity that our country is really all about.

[gusopol3]

Although I've read here through the years Wood is a bit suspect and find that plausible in that he teaches at Brown, this book does seem just as you describe, and your endorsement carries a lot of weight. I really did enjoy his Revolutionary Characters , though only on audio book.

[Pelham]

You might like Bernard Bailyn’s “The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution “.