The Summer of 1787

Title: The Summer of 1787
Author: David O. Stewart
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2007
Pages: 284
Begun: February 3, 2009
Finished: February 7, 2009
Rating: *****

This work is an in-depth analysis of the making of the United States Constitution during the Summer of 1787. From the initial meeting of the Convention in Philadelphia on May 25 to the final meeting and signing of the Constitution on September 17, Stewart traces all the proceedings of the Convention and relates biographical sketches of the 55 delegates from 12 colonies (Rhode Island refused to send delegates).

Each chapter details the discussions and debates among the Framers of the Constitution during a given week. On average, each chapter covers about one week of meetings. Throughout the narrative, Stewart intersperses some insightful background on some of the key delegates in order that the reader would gain an understanding of a particular position that certain delegate took.

Stewart's approach in his account is straightforward and unbiased. As one would assume, he draws heavily from the journals and private writings of James Madison and a couple of other delegates to give the account. The result is a fascinating story of the countless hours, heated debates, and philosophical panderings that transpired in Independence Hall.

I was taken aback again by the ubiquitous issue of slavery during those meetings and the constant tension it would cause in the decision-making (from states' rights to taxes to representation). I was also struck by the selfishness involved among probably all the delegates as it related to pushing their own agenda for their personal gain. There was probably much more politicking and duplicity involved in creating the Constitution than most historians would want to admit. That is not to say that everything that transpired within those halls was crooked.

One section is worthy of posting here for its only reference to something of a religious nature in the book:

"Finally, Dr. Franklin [Benjamin Franklin] urged the delegates humbly to recognize the role of the Almighty by beginning each session with a prayer. Exhibiting the political tone-deafness that afflicted him through this phase of the Convention, Hamilton [Alexander Hamilton] opposed prayer. Its commencement, he cautioned, might lead the public to form 'unpleasant animadversions' about their progress. In any event, another chimed in, there we no funds to pay for a minister to lead them in prayer, so none was brought in" (103).

This was a very interesting and captivating read. Stewart has a scholarly, yet conversational style in his writing. I felt he fairly and unbiasedly treated the material. I am looking forward to his new book to be released in May entitled Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson and the Fight for Lincoln's Legacy.