One of the master stylists of American literature, Gore Vidal now provides us with his uniquely irreverent take on America's founding fathers, bringing them to life at key moments of decision in the birthing of our nation.''Pure Vidal. . . . ''Inventing a Nation'' is his edgy tribute to the way we were before the fall.''--''Los Angeles Times Book Review''''[Vidal offers] details that enliven and . . . reflections on the past that point sharply to today.'' --Richard Eder, ''New York Times''''An engaging [and] . . . unblinking view of our national heroes by one who cherishes them, warts and all.''--Edmund S. Morgan, ''New York Review of Books''''[Vidal's] quick wit flickers over the canonical tale of our republic's founding, turning it into a dark and deliciously nuanced comedy of men, manners, and ideas.''--Amanda Heller, ''Boston Sunday Globe''''This entertaining and enlightening reappraisal of the Founders is a must for buffs of American civilization and its discontents.''--''Booklist''''Gore Vidal . . . still understands American history backwards and forwards as few writers ever have.''--David Kipen, ''National Public Radio''