Nobody writes about America's early days better than Joseph J. Ellis, the Mt. Holyoke history professor whose latest book, "American Creation: Triumph and Tragedies at the Founding of the Republic" (Knopf), is a vigorous and fascinating exploration of what he calls a "politically creative" era, filled with names such as Washington, Jefferson and Adams. They weren't perfect -- but they did pretty well, all told. Ellis has a wonderful knack for making his argument through stories, not statements, so you can sink back in your chair and just enjoy the tale.

And speaking of tale-telling, Ellis ran into trouble in 2001 for exaggerating his resume to his students and in media accounts. Anyone who believes there are no second acts in American lives is ignoring Ellis' example: He apologized, took a leave of absence and then got back to doing what he does best: ruminating about this incredible country, and then sharing his insights with the rest of us. Atonement bestows gifts not only on the forgiven, but also on those who do the forgiving.