The Essential Antifederalist by William B Allen

The Essential Antifederalist by William B Allen

At the pivotal moment in the history of the United States of America, ratification of the Constitution was championed by James Madison, John Jay and Alexander Hamilton in a series of newspaper articles known as the Federalist Papers. In answer to these arguments and as a way of pointing up flaws and weaknesses in the Constitution itself, a number of political thinkers (who mostly used pseudonyms) argued against ratification through articles and speeches which have collectively come to be known as the 'Antifederalist Papers.' This edited collection of readings from Antifederalist thought was first published in 1985. Here presented with a completely revised and updated interpretive essay from the editors and expanded to cover the period of the founding from 1776-91, this book is the most complete one-volume collection of its kind.

The Revised Edition of The Essential Antifederalist continues the original, important contribution to the history and thought of the founding, now with an importantly expanded interpretive essay comprehensively reviewing recent scholarship, very helpful apparatus, such as an index, and readier identification of individual entriesThis is a MUST for teaching the founding. -- Colleen Sheehan, Villanova University
A review of the original Constitutional debate and especially Antifederalist criticisms help bring focus to other, less-often discussed issues that may have some bearing on the study of the contemporary presidency. * Presidential Studies Quarterly *
[This] book is a real service to our profession. The readings [the editors] have selected are very useful ones. -- John Koritansky, Hiram College
[This book] has been designed specifically for classroom use and provides a coherent expression of some of the principle themes of Antifederalists. -- Eugene W. Hickok, Jr., United States Undersecretary of Education
The most comprehensive one-volume access to Antifederalist thought, this volume offers a selected anthology of readings excerpted from the body of Antifederalist writing. * American Spectator *
This work is solid with all of the major essays by Antifederalist . . . an excellent selection because it can be readily digested by the general public. They will understand who the antifeds were and what they wrote. -- Independence National Historical Park
A compact yet comprehensive and judiciously balanced introduction to Antifederalist thought, perfect for teaching purposes and essential for adoption. -- Leonard W. Levy, Southern Oregon State College, author of Origins of the Fifth Amendment
A splendid collection of documents, in highly useable form. An excellent and convenient tool for teaching. -- Forrest McDonald, University of Alabama; author of We the People