Miracle at Philadelphia

After reading this book, not only do I have a greater respect for our Founding Fathers, but I also understand why Ms. Bowen used the word "Miracle" in her title. It's remarkable to think that our Constitution, which has proven durable over the past two centuries in spite of its flaws, arose out of those intense debates in Philadelphia's sweltering summer.This book is particularly valuable for its perspective. Learning about the delegates' personalities and backgrounds was fascinating, and seeing the Convention in the context of the social and political conditions of early America was especially insightful. I also enjoyed seeing the early colonies through the eyes of foreign visitors.If you're interested in the history of the U.S. Constitution, this book is a must (my condolences to the disgruntled high school students of previous reviews).

This is the story of the formation of our constitutional govenrment.Catherine Drinker Bowen's book is a classic that tells how America's founding fathers debated, compromised and struggled to create a permanent system of rebublican government in a world ruled by monarchs and absolutists. The debates are here, as well as the personalities. The story of how various elements of our governing structure were arrived at is fascinating as well as illuminating to any serious student of the American system. Important debates regarding the nature of the presidency, small state versus large state interests (how we got our Senate), the desirability of direct democracy versus state interests (part of how we got the Electoral College), the finessing of the slave issue -- its all here.I read this book and was filled with a profound sense of pride and amazement at the story of how the "gentlemen of Philadelphia" were able to navigate such complex issues and arrive at the masterpiece that is our Constitution.In Bowen's hands, this moving and patriotic story is well told and thoroughly explored. I imagine many of you reading this review have this book on a political science syllabus, but it should be read by any with an interest in our Constitution or our government's history.

This book is honest, intriguing, well written history. Bowen does an excellent job of mixing patriotism with honest history. This book tells the story and lets the reader/student make decisions about how to regard the subject(s). There is no comparison to this book on the Miracle at Philadelphia!

I purchased this book over ten years ago and for various reasons, I did not get to read it until last summer. A pleasant surprise! The book places the Constitutional Convention within the context of the times, political and social climate and the beliefs and personalities of those responsible for its creation. Reading this, I developed a flavor for the circumstances which brought about the Constitution. One develops a true appreciation for the ultimate collective wisdom of the founding fathers. The book has been in print for many, many years. If you read it, you'll find out why.