As an aside, my favorite period to read about is the pioneer era. From Lewis and Clark up to the 1870s. The mountain men, the plains indians, Kit Carson, the gold rush, the mormons, etc. Amazing time.
I have been reading the Partriot’s History of the United States. I am about half way. I have enjoyed reading about every era. The founding fathers were brilliant men but they were also flawed humans and knew it.
I highly recommend it. My wife is also amazed that I would take on a 900 page book. I’m not much of a bookie.