The Constitutional Convention: A Narrative History from the Notes of James Madison (Modern Library Classics) [Paperback]

James Madison (Author), Edward J. Larson (Author), Michael P. Winship (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0812975170 | ISBN-13: 978-0812975178 | Publication Date: November 8, 2005

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, the Virginian was instrumental in organizing the Constitutional Convention, in which one of the world’s greatest documents would be debated, created, and signed. Inspired by a sense of history in the making, he kept the most extensive notes of any attendee.Now two esteemed scholars have made these minutes accessible to everyone. Presented with modern punctuation and spelling, judicious cuts, and helpful notes–plus fascinating background information on every delegate and an overview of the tumultuous times–here is the great drama of how the Constitution came to be, from the opening statements to the final votes. This Modern Library Paperback Classic also includes an Introduction and appendices from the authors.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1787, the fledgling American nation was in the throes of a serious economic depression, at least partly because the Articles of Confederation were too weak to make a stable republic. At the initiative of 36-year-old Virginian James Madison, delegates convened in Philadelphia that year to draft the much stronger U.S. Constitution. This book tells the convention's turbulent story in Madison's own words, drawn from the notes he took at the scene and giving us a daily blow-by-blow. Along the way, modern readers begin to understand just how much of the government's role was up for grabs. Should the executive be a single person, or was that too much like a monarchy? Would all members of Congress be elected by the people—a potentially dangerous and anarchic proposition—or would senators be appointed by the state legislatures? How would slaves be counted for government representation? Larson (a professor of history and law at the University of Georgia) and Winship (a professor of English at the University of Texas–Austin) steer readers through the fierce debates with helpful explanations and editorial asides, as well as a cogent epilogue, making this primary source far more than a tidy civics lesson. (On sale Nov. 8)
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From Booklist

James Madison's record of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 has circulated since 1840 in various forms; this volume claims to be the "first abridged and annotated" edition. Addressing modern readers likely to become disoriented in the parliamentary thicket of the unexpurgated version, Larson and Winship distill the most salient differences that emerged in the convention--the representation of states in the national legislature, the form of the executive branch, and the status of slavery. The text thereby linked becomes more dramatic than the delegates' dry discussion of enumerated powers, as when at a contentious moment Benjamin Franklin unsuccessfully moved that the convention hire a minister to offer prayers. Delegates preferred nondivine assistance in their arguments, citing the history of republics, liberty's relation to human nature, or various parochial interests. Bringing forth the flow of deliberations around particular words, which regularly ignited strenuous debate, on slavery in particular, the editors instill both an understanding for the Constitution's underlying compromises and an appreciation for what a vital document Madison's record is. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Modern Library (November 8, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812975170
• ISBN-13: 978-0812975178
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #245,159 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Overview, February 26, 2009

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D. Franchuk - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Constitutional Convention: A Narrative History from the Notes of James Madison (Modern Library Classics) (Paperback)

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.

9 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars good basic information, March 22, 2008

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Robert W. Smith "Robert Smith, Ph.D." (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Constitutional Convention: A Narrative History from the Notes of James Madison (Modern Library Classics) (Paperback)

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 ...