America's Founding Fathers shared similar beliefs on the nature of civic life and the character of those supposed to be able to self-govern. Although they studied the failed republics of the ancient world; they believed that classical ideals were still applicable to politics. This unique contribution to the literature on American Founding gathers leading thinkers who set out not to relate its history; but its intellectual underpinnings. They explore the Founding Fathers' assumptions about civic life; human nature; political institutions; private morality; aesthetics; education; and history. Chapters on natural law; the Judeo-Christian conception of human nature; the influence of Aristotle and Cicero; the symbolic role of architecture; and the importance of education help understand the foundations that led to the Declaration of Independence and a constitutional charter that aimed to be universal in its human aspirations.This authoritative work provides a conservative response to more liberal interpretations of America. It will enrich the debate on civic life and be a key resource to anyone interested in America's "experiment in ordered liberty."
#59228 in Books Simon Schuster 2012-05-15 2012-05-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.44 x 1.00 x 5.50l; .85 #File Name: 1439154252416 pagesSimon Schuster
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Expertly crafted; expertly researched; expertly writtenBy Zé do BorogodóBear in mind the following: this is not a book only about the famous gunfight (or plain one-side murder - it depends on your point of view) at Fremont Street in Tombstone. The gun fight per se only appears at page 204!The book is also about the founding of Tombstone; its history and downfall; a lot of supporting characters; a lot of myth-destruction (without bring mean); a lot o US history.And it is a HUGE book. Typos are very small.This is the first book about Wyatt Earp; and that's enough for me.Great book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A very well written and researched book on a subject ...By Tex CaledoniaA very well written and researched book on a subject that has been treated on films filled with inaccuracies and lies. If you're either a fan or detractor of the Earp brothers then this book is for you.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Insight into human nature helps this author connect the dotsBy Marvin D. PipherI've read quite a few books concerning the `Gunfight at the OK Corral' and the resulting inquiry and its aftermath; and about Wyatt Earp; Doc Holliday; Tombstone; and America's western frontier in general; and this is one of the better ones.The author has clearly done extensive research; perhaps over a broader range than any other western author that I have read; and knows his subject(s) well. He couples that understanding with a deep insight into human nature and seems to have an uncanny knack of putting two and two together. This has allowed him to flesh out the characters in the OK Corral saga and; by placing them in the proper context of their times; to make their decisions and actions appear logical; consistent; and appropriate to the given circumstances.This makes the story much more comprehensive and much more compelling. But at times I had to question the extent to which the author carried this approach: most particularly by putting thoughts into various people's minds to explain their actions. In a similar vein; I had some difficulty with his highly detailed description of the immediate actions preceding and during the actual gunfight. He seemed to provide much more unique and specific detail than is available anywhere else; and; in my view; some detail that I'm not sure anyone has any way of knowing. He also gives the impression that a great many people were in position to watch the actual gunfight. In all previous accounts which I have read; this was not the case and based on the testimony at the hearing wasn't the case.Having said that: It's still hard to find fault with this book or with its author. Unlike some authors; Mr. Guinn appears to have taken a fairly even handed approach to his subject; letting the chips fall where they may. The result is an excellent book which should advance many reader's knowledge of the "Gunfight at the OK Corral;" and; to make things still better; it is an easy and enjoyable book to read.
