To the original text of what has become a classic of American historical literature; Bernard Bailyn adds a substantial essay; "Fulfillment;" as a Postscript. Here he discusses the intense; nation-wide debate on the ratification of the Constitution; stressing the continuities between that struggle over the foundations of the national government and the original principles of the Revolution. This detailed study of the persistence of the nation's ideological origins adds a new dimension to the book and projects its meaning forward into vital current concerns.
#1169093 in Books 2014-05-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.23 x 1.26 x 6.14l; .84 #File Name: 0674284100496 pages
Review
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. Fiscal FailingBy VA DuckThis is a well written - though terse pair of biographies of two Secretaries of the Treasury. I found the book 'disappointing' for the same reasons as the first reviewer (R. Albin) on this list: the promise (or implication?) of the title is not delivered.The biographies are short - fact filled and interesting; but contain nothing that hasn't been said before. And in the case of Hamilton; it is vastly trumped by Ron Chernow's epic "Alexander Hamilton" (though; in fairness; Chernow spends 800 pages on that 'trump'). Author Thomas McCraw does provide occasional insight that the immigrant nature of these men gave them unique perceptions of government; military; taxation; and banking. But... if you hope to learn more about the minds of these men as it relates to the details of finance you may come away disappointed. In a much earlier work; Professor Clinton Rossiter was able to analyze Hamilton's political mind with astonishing effectiveness in Alexander Hamilton and the Constitution. That kind of dissection is not even attempted here.The book is; however; an easy read and informative. McCraw shows an even-handed approach to the Federalist - Republican political brawl (Hamilton - Jefferson); a subject on which some historians fall prey to airing their own convictions. If the read is your first for either of these two great men - you very well may rate this book higher than my tepid 3-star "Its OK"; but as earlier said; these biographies have been done before and for me the promise (hope?) of financial analysis was not delivered; or at most reflected in broad philosophies rather than a detailed examination.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. US Government Financial History - The First 50 years!By Tenchi in DCThomas McCraw's book is an great illuminating look into the United States first generation of government financiers. Readers who aren't familiar with Alexander Hamilton's accomplishments will find this is a useful book to read. McCraw doesn't delve into complicated financial instruments. He does take the time to explain Hamilton's actions. He smoothly transitions to the career of Gallatin giving a the reader a uninterrupted view of US financial developments in the 1st 50 years of the 19th century. A second line of analysis which winds its way through the book is the fact that the US had no experts in finance initially and had to rely on recently arrived immigrants to get the federal on a sound financial footing. Any student of the time period and subject will also find the book has a wealth of bibliographical foot notes pointing readers of this tome towards other avenues and aspects of American financial history. These notes consume about half the actual book; McCraw also tacks on several unifying chapters to explain common threads in the lives of these men. Little time is spent on their personal lives except where it figures into their professional lives. Still a great read for those unfamiliar with this aspect of US History!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. So this is how our capitalist society developed in AmericaBy Roger ShermanThe book should be a requirement in our school system and quotable by every politician. This was a great read.
