Here; on a scale unmatched by any previous collection; is the extraordinary energy and eloquence of our first national political campaign: During the secret proceedings of the Constitutional Convention in 1787; the framers created a fundamentally new national plan to replace the Articles of Confederation and then submitted it to conventions in each state for ratification. Immediately; a fierce storm of argument broke. Federalist supporters; Antifederalist opponents; and seekers of a middle ground strove to balance public order and personal liberty as they praised; condemned; challenged; and analyzed the new Constitution Gathering hundreds of original texts by Franklin; Madison; Jefferson; Washington; and Patrick Henry—as well as many others less well known today—this unrivaled collection allows readers to experience firsthand the intense year-long struggle that created what remains the world’s oldest working national charter.Assembled here in chronological order are hundreds of newspaper articles; pamphlets; speeches; and private letters written or delivered in the aftermath of the Constitutional Convention. Along with familiar figures like Franklin; Madison; Patrick Henry; Jefferson; and Washington; scores of less famous citizens are represented; all speaking clearly and passionately about government. The most famous writings of the ratification struggle — the Federalist essays of Hamilton and Madison — are placed in their original context; alongside the arguments of able antagonists; such as "Brutus" and the "Federal Farmer."Part One includes press polemics and private commentaries from September1787 to January 1788. That autumn; powerful arguments were made against the new charter by Virginian George Mason and the still-unidentified "Federal Farmer;" while in New York newspapers; the Federalist essays initiated a brilliant defense. Dozens of speeches from the state ratifying conventions show how the "draft of a plan; nothing but a dead letter;" in Madison's words; had "life and validity...breathed into it by the voice of the people." Included are the conventions in Pennsylvania; where James Wilson confronted the democratic skepticism of those representing the western frontier; and in Massachusetts; where John Hancock and Samuel Adams forged a crucial compromise that saved the country from years of political convulsion.Informative notes; biographical profiles of all writers; speakers; and recipients; and a detailed chronology of relevant events from 1774 to 1804 provide fascinating background. A general index allows readers to follow specific topics; and an appendix includes the Declaration of Independence; the Articles of Confederation; and the Constitution (with all amendments).
#271175 in Books Italica Press 2008-09-29Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .92 x 5.50l; 1.04 #File Name: 0934977259368 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Pilgrimage and RelicBy Ashley BrasierWilliam Melczer's guide includes an introduction to Book V of the Codex Calixtinus; followed by his translation. In the introduction; Melczer situates the book within the social; cultural; and religious fabric of the Middle Ages to shed light on the medieval mindset towards pilgrimage and the cult of relics. Because relics were known as a "source of spiritual power and miracle;" believers would journey to reliquaries for prayer and penance (2). This interdependence between pilgrimage and relic forms the basis of the pilgrim's journey to Santiago de Compostela; the monumental cathedral built over the remains of St. James. The medieval pilgrim's journey to Santiago begins at his doorstep; and continues on foot or horseback across France and Spain; following the routes of St. James. On the way; he stops at various towns to eat and rest; but more importantly to visit their saintly remains. Accordingly; Book V of the Codex Calixtinus details not only the route to Santiago and Santiago itself; but also the towns and the saints one must visit along the way. Chapters VII and VIII read like an ethnography of these towns; as they vividly describe the customs and habits of the townsmen and the narratives surrounding their saints. In a number of towns; monumental basilicas have been built over the relics as hagiographic markers; which attract pilgrims seeking spiritual power on their way to Santiago. The author of Book V strikes a careful balance between content on the physical pilgrimage and the accompanying relics in order to provide the medieval pilgrim with the most practical advice. Because the Camino de Santiago involves the body and soul; the pilgrimage is not just about the destination; but the journey to the destination. Relics imbue the pilgrim with a steady source of divine power throughout the pilgrimage.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book but probably better after one's first CaminoBy Chris YavelowI read this book after walking the Camino; and I feel that if I had read this before my Camino; I would not have appreciated or even fully understood; the material it covers. Having walked the Camino; I was able to relate to many of the names; places; and events included in this book in a way that would not have been possible without prior experience. On the other hand; this text includes the first English translation of first Camino guidebook (14th Century); the "Liber Sancti Jacobi" or "Codex Calixtinus;" and some may wish to have read this in order to provide context for whatever contemporary guidebook he or she will carry on the way. Note: This book would not be something to carry with you on the path because it weighs 519 grams (18.3 ounces). Besides; you can find copies of this in the "libraries" of many albergues; hostels; and even hotels along the way.7 of 7 people found the following review helpful. "Concerning the Silver Antependium"By frumiousbThis book is comprised of a translation of Book V of the Codex Calixtinus; and abundant notes; commentary and introduction of same. If you have traveled to Santiago; then you have most likely already read extensive quotations; citations or information from this work. It is probably the single most important historical source of information about the pilgrimage. Or at least the most famous.The translated work itself is only a small fraction of the total book. I urge you to go to the effort of reading the Notes to the Codex. Do this at least for the value for money in the experience since the Notes section is almost twice as long as the actual text. Even past that; I found the notes good reading; and only wish that they had been published in situ with the text and not at the back since it would have saved me a lot of really endless flipping back and forth.The book is also published with a Hagiographical register of the relevant saints and a Gazetteer of the locations. Either of those sections might be of more use to the prospective pilgrim than is the text itself. I have to say that reading the Codex after I completed my trip made it funnier and more illuminating.This is one of those fabled must-reads if you are interested in the Camino. If you aren't; it still might be interesting as an example of medieval travel writing. Melczer seems to do a good job with the book and the translation. Recommended.
