The Constitutional Convention: A Narrative History from the Notes of James Madison

by Michael P. Winship, James Madison, Edward J. Larson, et al.

Book Overview

In 1787, the American union was in disarray. The incompatible demands of the separate states threatened its existence; some states were even in danger of turning into the kind of tyranny they had so recently deposed. A truly national government was needed, one that could raise money, regulate commerce, and defend the states against foreign threats-without becoming as overbearing as England. So thirty-six-year-old James Madison believed. That summer,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812975170
• ISBN13: 9780812975178
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Random House Group
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Great Overview

This was for me a good first iteration overview of the Constitutional Convention. An easy to read introduction in preparation for a graduate level course.

good basic information

larson and winship provide a very good accounting of the constitutional convention. i presume that all of madison's notes are accurate and complete, unless otherwise noted. editorial comments are helpful to this reader - aiding in the understanding of the process of the convention. while the authors provide an excellent annotated bibliography, i felt like, well, there was much missing from this piece. i wish that the authors might have begun with a couple of chapters on the political backdrop as well as the socioeconomic factors. you know, one of the things that i wonder, is this - of all the guys at the convention, who all went to the tavern afterward? to what extent did they discuss constitutional issues with family, aides ... what documents exist from each of the state legislatures that directed delegates addressing scope of authority / responsibility. what were the developments and publications that affected the delegates' thinking? this is a fine basic text but i guess i wanted a more comprehensive examination ...