Spirit of 1787: The Making of Our Constitution

by Milton Lomask

5-6

Genres: Nonfiction

181 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Raised in Maquoketa, Iowa, Milton Nachman Lomask earned a BA in journalism at the University of Iowa. After working in a succession of newspaper jobs in Texas, St. Louis, New York City and Chicago, he earned an MA degree at Northwestern University in 1941. Lomask served in the United States Army's Chemical Warfare Service during World War II, after which he worked in advertising and publicity before quitting in 1950 to work full-time as a writer.

Reviews

[justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat on the lightweight side, this book weighs in at a trim 170 pages that I was able to read most of on the treadmill at the gym. That's not intended to disparage this fine work, however. Some of us don't have the time, attention span, or wherewithal to take the scenic route through the framing of the constitution, and it's convenient to have Milton Lomask out there working for us. This book is divided into three sections, one for time period spanning from the end of the revolutionary war up to the drafting of the constitution, one for the drafting of the constitution itself, and a comparatively brief section dedicated to the contentious process of ratifying the constitution. The writing is for the most part objective, although Lomask seems to bear some kind of grudge against John Hancock (who for fear of making an unpopular move, Lomask alledges, feigned illness and even went so far as to have his doctors mummify him to avoid having to vote on whether or not to ratify the constitution. what a coward!)I'd recommend this for anyone looking for a general introduction to the major players and events surrounding the origins of the U.S., as well as a basic understanding of the arguments at the time for and against a strong central government. By the time you finish, you may even find yourself wondering if the right choice was made.

[Emily D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great background to the generalized story learned in history class in middle school. I never realized how long and volatile was the fight to create and ratify the U.S. Constitution. It really is a miracle that the original states finally agreed on it.

[Micheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be an amazing base for a period drama about America and its early development. It has drama, scandal, and political intrigue (obvi). Not what I was expecting regarding a book about the start of United States. Almost reads like a fiction book.

Intellectually, it was provoking and interesting but not dense. Some parts felt like a lot was being thrown at you but it then cleared itself up a little more down the lane.

Wasn’t blown away but thoroughly enjoyed the story.

[Tracey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel is a straight-forward story, really a written documentary of the creation of the constitution. It is the time line in written form. No personal drama, no personal events, no side stories. This is a great book to read if you want to know how the Constitution came to be.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. Quite informative for the short length and while it cannot possibly be all-encompassing, it definitely gave a lot of information. Recommended as a great refresher for the framing of our Constitution.

[superawesomekt · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I quite enjoyed this engaging little vignette (<200 pages) on the making of the US constitution. It was a great history refresher. I will very likely read it again at some point.

[Barbara Mader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read this book a few times; am rereading it now. Just a good, accessible history of the four years in which the U.S. Constitution was formed. A good read that shows a lot of the personality of many of those involved in creating and ratifying this document. Every time I read this book, I'm startled all over again by the achievement--and how it hung by barely a thread on so many occasions.

[stevenallenmay · Rating 3 out of 5]

fast read, informative, nice pacing. didn't break a sweat once.