Reseñas proporcionadas por Syndetics

Library Journal Review

A timely historical survey of American lay thought and attitude toward the Constitution from the 1780s to the present by Pulitzer Prize-winner Kammen ( People of Paradox ). With a mix of reverence and ignorance, Americans have fashioned a constitutional pattern of conflict within consensus. Kammen traces this pattern: initial ambiguity, slow emergence as a national symbol, conflict and the Civil War, etc., accelerating change after 1940. Throughout he emphasizes the role of the Supreme Court. Past constitutional anniversary celebrations provide a fascinating perspective on the upcoming fete. As Kammen notes, the Constitution has not been a popular topic. But with the bicentennial so near (1987), this wide-ranging scholarly account, which breaks new ground yet is suitable for general readers, should be in most libraries. History Book Club alternate. John Cudd, Sch. of Library & Information Science, Univ. of Missouri-Columbia (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

Kammen's book is in the first wave of the inundation that will surely reach us in the bicentennial year of the Constitution-his effort is a singularly fitting early arrival. It is comprehensive in scope as a study of the way the Constitution has been received, perceived, and understood in American society. The book is also a powerful voice in the argument over the intentions of the framers, which animates so much discussion about the Constitution currently in the academy, in Washington, in the newspapers and magazines, and, indeed, in some of the grousing and voices of approval we hear around us. Furthermore, the book is a thoroughly researched guide to the study of the Constitution and to some of the unexplored primary sources containing information that may extend and deepen our understanding of nation making, political development, and social contract theory and practice. In short, a rich, almost overwhelming store of information is offered for study and consideration in this book. If there is one note of displeasure that may be sounded, it is this: Kammen's own leading themes and reflections are sometimes lost sight of or minimized in the spate of references and citations that pour from his pen (or typewriter or word processor). Still, this is an excellent work, recommended for libraries at all levels, with copious notes and a useful index.- L. Weinstein, Smith College

Notas de autor provistas por Syndetics

Michael Gedaliah Kammen was born in Rochester, New York on October 25, 1936. He received a bachelor's degree in history from George Washington University and master's and doctoral degrees in history from Harvard University. He was a professor of American history and culture at Cornell University since 1965. He wrote numerous books including A Season of Youth, A Machine That Would Go of Itself, Mystic Chords of Memory: The Transformation of Tradition in American Culture, Visual Shock, and Digging Up the Dead: A History of Notable American Reburials. He received the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for history for People of Paradox: An Inquiry Concerning the Origins of American Civilization. He died on November 29, 2013 at the age of 77.

(Bowker Author Biography)