by M. E. Bradford (Author)



Book Description

One was a shoemaker, surveyor, lawyer, jurist, lay theologian, and
statesman. Two became president, one vice president. Over half were
experienced in the legal profession. The majority were well off and, for
their time, well educated. And when they came together in Philadelphia in
1787, they produced the framework for the most influential document in the
history of the United States.

Yet, says M. E. Bradford, the fifty-five original Framers of the U.S.
Constitution didn't view themselves as demigods out to "invent" a country.
Instead they tackled the nuts and bolts of constitution building by
relying on a shared philosophical legacy inherited from more than 1,000
years of British history and culture.

In this concise and valuable reference work--the only compilation of
biographical sketches for all fifty-five Framers who attended the
Philadelphia Convention--Bradford examines the Framer's constitutional
theories, their visions for the newly founded union, and their opinions on
ratification of the document that would address such paramount issues as
national revenue, public debt, currency, removal of trade barriers between
the states, and provisions for the common defense.

Delving into the political and philosophical principles of the founders,
Bradford illuminates their motives, thoughts, and actions and illustrates
how their political decision-making was influenced by religion, education,
environment, economic circumstances, and personal background.

From the Back Cover
Originally published as A Worthy Company
"As the only concise compilation of these biographies available, this is
an invaluable reference work done by a scholar who devoted his life to the
study of the founding of the American Constitution."--John P. Kaminski,
Director, Center for the Study of the American Constitution

Product Details

Paperback: 244 pages
Publisher: University Press of Kansas; (March 1994)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0700606572