A Machine That Would Go of Itself: The Constitution in American Culture (Hardcover)

by Michael Kammen (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
A timely historical survey of American lay thought and attitude toward the Constitution from the 1780s to the present by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kammen ( People of Paradox ). With a mix of reverence and ignorance, Americans have fashioned a constitutional pattern of conflict within consensus. Kammen traces this pattern: initial ambiguity, slow emergence as a national symbol, conflict and the Civil War, etc., accelerating change after 1940. Throughout he emphasizes the role of the Supreme Court. Past constitutional anniversary celebrations provide a fascinating perspective on the upcoming fete. As Kammen notes, the Constitution has not been a popular topic. But with the bicentennial so near (1987), this wide-ranging scholarly account, which breaks new ground yet is suitable for general readers, should be in most libraries. History Book Club alternate. John Cudd, Sch. of Library & Information Science, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"Michael Kammen's brilliant book is the most helpful contribution to the emerging Bicentennial [of the federal Constitution of 1787] thus far because it demythologizes the Constitution in a responsible manner.... This is a very important book" - Stanley N. Katz, Washington Post "Michael Kammen has focused his vast learning and erudition on the cultural impact of the American Constitution. The result is unique, refreshing, and highly rewarding." - Stanley I. Kutler, American Historical Review" --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 532 pages
• Publisher: Knopf; 1st edition (September 12, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0394529057
• ISBN-13: 978-0394529059
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,965,195 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Difficult to Read and Boring., March 6, 2007

By	James B. Johnson (HUDSON, FL United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: A Machine that Would Go of Itself: The Constitution in American Culture (Paperback)

My criteria for good books are few and simple. I want an interesting topic. I want well-written prose in words that are clear. I want to be entertained OR sufficiently informed, if the book is more of a reference source. And I prefer that the book be logically and coherently organized. What I dont want is to edit the book in my mind as I'm reading.

This book fails most of my criteria. The topic is interesting! But it's not a joy to read, and I found myself correcting the writing in my head. This, and it's an ordeal to read, and boring in how the material is presented.

There is a lot of material in the book, but it's not well organized or coherently presented.