Taking the Constitution Seriously [Paperback]

Walter Berns (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1991

The seven formidable essays that make up this new analysis explore the Constitution and its central place in the development of the first nation to be built on the foundation of the rights of man. Of particular interest is Berns's view of minorities under the Constitution. Overall, the book will be well received by serious students of the American political experience, but others might find it difficult going.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Berns, a distinguished constitutional scholar and Olin professor at Georgetown University, does indeed take the U.S. Constitution seriously. The seven formidable essays that make up this new analysis explore the Constitution and its central place in the development of the first nation "to be built on the foundation of the rights of man." Of particular interest is Berns's view of minorities under the Constitution. Overall, the book will be well received by serious students of the American political experience, but others might find it difficult going. Recent recommended works on the Constitution of broader appeal are Michael Kammen's A Machine That Would Go of Itself ( LJ 10/1/86) and Christopher and James Lincoln Collier's Decision in Philadelphia ( LJ 5/1/86). Kenneth F. Kister, Pinellas Park P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 525 pages
• Publisher: Madison Books (January 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819179701
• ISBN-13: 978-0819179708
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,012,767 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Constitution - What We Shouldn't Forget, May 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Taking the Constitution Seriously (Paperback)

This is an important book. Insipid writing? This is a serious book that goes to the heart of our country and its political institutions. Specifically, it tell us why the Constitution is still vitally important and relevant to our political institutions and discourse. Dr. Berns is an elegant writer dealing with a serious topic. A must read for someone who wants to understand why the Constitution still matters.

7 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Need to know the constitution front and back? This is it!, July 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Taking the Constitution Seriously (Paperback)

If you really need to know the meaning of our nation's most important and founding document like the back of your hand, then this is what you're looking for. The language can at times be insipid, but then again, who says that something like this has to be extremely intriguing; if it serves its purpose, then it has done what it needs to: to help you learn about the constitution. Very helpful tool on in detail projects, etc.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Constitution - What We Shouldn't Forget, May 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Taking the Constitution Seriously (Paperback)

This is an important book. Insipid writing? This is a serious book that goes to the heart of our country and its political institutions. Specifically, it tell us why the Constitution is still vitally important and relevant to our political institutions and discourse. Dr. Berns is an elegant writer dealing with a serious topic. A must read for someone who wants to understand why the Constitution still matters.