Jefferson & Madison: Three Conversations from the Founding (The Merrill Jensen Lectures in Constitutional Studies) [Hardcover]

Lance Banning (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0945612427 | ISBN-13: 978-0945612421 | Edition: First edition.

In this thought-provoking book, Lance Banning examines the reflections of Jefferson and Madison on the purpose and need for a bill of rights, their discussion of the nature and necessity of 'public spirit' in a republic, of the usefulness of political rebellion, and Jefferson's reminder that 'the earth belongs . . . to the living.' The author adds selected primary documents to enhance each chapter. This interchange between two of America's greatest thinkers reveals the way in which the two men thought about democracy, public debt, the ownership of property, and the relationship between the present and future generations. Banning provides a glimpse into the intellectual world of the Founders, as well as insight into our own.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Banning (The Jeffersonian Persuasion: Evolution of a Party Ideology, 1978) examines Jefferson's views on the Bill of Rights, private property, public debt, and public spirit in relation to the writing of the Constitution. He compares them with James Madison's views using several primary sources, including the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson's First Inaugural Address, and their correspondence. Both men were concerned with problems that still face us today-individual rights and the national debt. Half the book is a reprinting of the author's sources, and the reader should read the documents first and then Banning's essays. In his preface, Banning says that his target audience is not only scholars but Americans who feel that Jefferson and Madison are relevant today. Here he misses his mark because his dry, scholarly style makes this book suitable for academic library purchase only.
Grant A. Fredericksen, Illinois Prairie Dist. P.L., Metamora
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Both Jefferson and Madison were concerned with problems that still face us--individual rights and the national debt. . . . [Banning's] target audience is not only scholars but Americans who feel that Jefferson and Madison are relevant today. (Library Journal )

A well-crafted work of history that not only gives insight into the lives and thoughts of the two men but also stimulates thought about the public institutions they helped create. (Kirkus Reviews )

Both Jefferson and Madison were concerned with problems that still face us--individual rights and the national debt. . . . [Banning's] target audience is not only scholars but Americans who feel that Jefferson and Madison are relevant today..... (Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers; First edition. edition (April 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0945612427
• ISBN-13: 978-0945612421
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,737,859 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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