The Book-Peddling Parson: An Account of the Life and Works of Mason Locke Weems Patriot, Pitchman, Author and Purveyor of Morality to the Citizenry

Parson Weems is one of early America's great rascal characters, an original chameleon and grifter: minister, pamphleteer, and roving bookseller. Leary's accessible account of his varied life is an easy tour of the new Republic and its cultural pretensions. No wonder historians hate him. He recognized the need for an American mythology and eagerly dove in to help craft it. Great fun.