New York Times Literary Treat of the Week....

Maier, Pauline. Ratification: The People Debate the Constitution, 1787-1788.

When the Constitutional Convention adjourned in Philadelphia September 17, 1787 those Federalists bent on state ratification must have taken to heart a saying of that city’s favorite son Benjamin Franklin: “Lost time is never found again.” M.I.T. American History professor Meier depicts a movement lasting four days short of a year driven by the fear that another opportunity to replace the Articles of Confederation may not ever come to pass. A roadblock was the Antifederalists that forced conventions in nearly every state (in Pennsylvania they insured a quorum at a Statehouse vote) and denounced the lack of a Bill of Rights. Their chief spokeman Patrick Henry at the Virginia convention was backed in his remarks by a sudden thunderstorm. Federalists such as John Jay used backroom genteel politics to gather more New York supporters than his brash colleague Alexander Hamilton at the podium. Sadly other backers of the new Constitution utilized censorship and mob violence against their rivals in debate. George Washington is depicted as ready to become President of whatever government resulted from the deliberations.

Also by Pauline Maier at Merrick Library:

American Scripture: Making The Declaration of Independence

The Library also has in its Reference section:

The Federalist Papers - Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay

Reviewed by librarian, Bob.