The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89...

The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89...

Publisher
University Of Chicago Press
Published
1993
Pages
—
ISBN-13
9780226537573
Format
print
Language
English

In one remarkable quarter-century, thirteen quarrelsome colonies were transformed into a nation. Edmund S. Morgan's classic account of the Revolutionary period shows how the chall…

Book Summary
Edmund S. Morgan's The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89 is a concise, authoritative history of how thirteen colonies became a nation. It traces the Revolution from British taxation to the Constitution, arguing that American constitutional principles emerged from practical experience, not abstract theory. This revised edition includes stylistic updates and an expanded bibliographic note, making it ideal for students and general readers seeking a clear, insightful overview.
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About The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89...

In The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89, Edmund S. Morgan offers a masterful synthesis of the American founding era. He shows how the colonists' resistance to British taxation sparked a search for constitutional principles to safeguard liberty, culminating in revolution and nationhood. Morgan argues that these principles were not abstract doctrines but grew from immediate needs and experiences, held with passionate conviction and embedded in state and federal constitutions. This revised edition preserves the original's core themes while updating text and expanding the bibliographic note. Morgan, a Sterling Professor of History emeritus at Yale, brings clarity and depth to a complex period, making the book an enduring classic for anyone interested in how the United States came to be.

Who should read The Birth of the Republic, 1763-89...?

This book is ideal for undergraduate and graduate students of early American history, as well as general readers seeking a reliable, well-written overview of the Revolution and Constitution. Teachers of U.S. history will find it a valuable resource for lesson planning. It also suits anyone interested in political theory, constitutional origins, or the intellectual history of the founding era. Readers who appreciate concise, authoritative scholarship will benefit most.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Concise and accessible narrative that covers a complex period clearly
  • ✓ Written by a leading historian, Edmund S. Morgan, ensuring scholarly authority
  • ✓ Argues that constitutional principles emerged from practical experience, offering a compelling interpretation
  • ✓ Revised edition includes stylistic updates and an expanded bibliographic note for further study
  • ✓ Ideal for students and general readers seeking a reliable introduction to the founding era
Cons
  • ✗ Some readers may find the focus on political and constitutional history too narrow
  • ✗ The book is relatively short and may not satisfy those wanting deep detail on social or cultural history
  • ✗ Original edition dates from 1956; while revised, it may not incorporate the latest scholarship
  • ✗ Assumes some background knowledge of the period, which could challenge beginners
  • ✗ Limited coverage of the experiences of women, enslaved people, and Native Americans
Frequently asked questions
Is this book suitable for someone new to the subject?
Yes, it is a concise and accessible overview, though some prior knowledge of the period helps. It is often assigned to undergraduates.
What is new in the revised edition?
The revised edition includes textual and stylistic changes and a substantial revision of the Bibliographic Note, reflecting updated scholarship.
Does the book cover the Constitution?
Yes, it covers the period through 1789, including the drafting and ratification of the Constitution.
Is this a textbook or a trade book?
It is a scholarly work written for a general audience, commonly used as a supplemental text in college courses.
How long is the book?
The book is relatively short, around 240 pages, making it a concise introduction to the era.

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