Norine Dickson Campbell

"Patrick Henry: Patriot & Statesman" by Norine D. Campbell (1969) is probably the most definitive biography of Henry. Campbell's book deserves praise for her well-researched and exhaustive biography of the great American patriot Henry. I always have this book in safe keeping, for it truly is an American treasure.
The earliest biography of Patrick Henry by William Wirt "Life and Character of Patrick Henry" (1816) was poorly researched and was influenced directly by Thomas Jefferson. Evidence that Henry was hated so much by Jefferson is found in "Thomas Jefferson: An Intimate History" by Fawn Brodie (1974) p. 203. Jefferson wrote to Madison in code that they should "pray for his death". Jefferson wanted nothing to do with Henry and shelved his copy of Wirt's biography under fiction.… (mer)

An excellent study of the life of this great and unique founding father. Campbell is at pains to rescue Patrick Henry from the misrepresentations of history and display his very patriotic spirit. The book is one of detailed research and for that reason can be a bit dry. There are a few quotes from Patrick Henry the chiefest of which is in the chapter entitled, "Foe of the Federal Constitution". Here in Campbell quotes Henry at length to show his argument against ratification before amending the document. This quote is an excellent window into Henry's thought as well as his rhetorical style. A highly recommended book fro anyone interested in early American history and especially the life of Patrick Henry.… (mer)

I ended up not finishing this one, because it was due back at the library and while I was interested in the subject matter, the author became so annoying about half way through, I couldn't keep reading. I learned much about Patrick Henry, but this is hagiography at it's worst. The entire point of the book seems to denounce or discredit anyone who ever criticized or even disagreed with Patrick Henry, while attributing credit to Henry for any positive event which he or his allies were remotely involved with. Again there was much interesting and useful information in the book, but the author's agenda became difficult to tolerate.… (mer)