The Constitutional Convention: A Narrative History from the Notes of James Madison (Modern Library Classics)

In 1787, the American union was in disarray. The incompatible demands of the separate states threatened its existence; some states were even in danger of turning into the kind of tyranny they had so recently deposed. A truly national government was needed, one that could raise money, regulate commerce, and defend the states against foreign threats–without becoming as overbearing as England. So thirty-six-year-old James Madison believed. That summer, the Virginian was instrumental in organizing the Constitutional Convention, in which one of the world’s greatest documents would be debated, created, and signed. Inspired by a sense of history in the making, he kept the most extensive notes of any attendee.Now two esteemed scholars have made these minutes accessible to everyone. Presented with modern punctuation and spelling, judicious cuts, and helpful notes–plus fascinating background information on every delegate and an overview of the tumultuous times–here is the great drama of how the Constitution came to be, from the opening statements to the final votes. This Modern Library Paperback Classic also includes an Introduction and appendices from the authors.

• The Summer of 1787: The Men Who Invented the Constitution (The Simon & Schuster America Collection)
• Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787-1788
• Notes of Debates in the Federal Convention of 1787
• The Anti-Federalist Papers and the Constitutional Convention Debates (Signet Classics)
• The Framers' Coup: The Making of the United States Constitution
• Plain, Honest Men: The Making of the American Constitution
• Miracle At Philadelphia: The Story of the Constitutional Convention May - September 1787
• The Federalist Papers (Dover Thrift Editions)
• The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall, and the Battle for the Supreme Court
• Bill of Rights: with Writings that Formed Its Foundation (Little Books of Wisdom)