The American Republic - by Bruce Frohnen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Many reference works offer compilations of critical documents covering individual liberty, local autonomy, constitutional order, and other issues that helped to shape the American political tradition. Yet few of these works are available in a form suitable for classroom use, and traditional textbooks give short shrift to these important issues.

The American Republic overcomes that knowledge gap by providing, in a single volume, critical, original documents revealing the character of American discourse on the nature and importance of local government, the purposes of federal union, and the role of religion and tradition in forming America's drive for liberty.

By bringing together key original documents and other writings that explain cultural, religious, and historical concerns, this volume gives students, teachers, and general readers an effective way to begin examining the diversity of issues and influences that characterize American history.

The result unquestionably leads to a deeper and more thorough understanding of America's political, institutional, and cultural continuity and change.

Bruce Frohnen is Associate Professor of Law at Ohio Northern University College of Law.

Review Quotes

The book can profitably be used as a text for introductory courses or seminars in political science or history for undergraduates, or legal or constitutional history for law students. Especially in the hardcover version it might also make a fine gift or coffee-table volume for any American history buff. Some of these pieces are not easy reading, but the effort is worthwhile, and Frohnen's comments elegantly illuminate the main themes in each...This is, in short, terrific stuff, and Frohnen's book now deserves a place among the four or five best teaching tools for the development of the American republic...This is a discriminating, judicious, and--one is tempted to say--inspired and now indispensable selection of primary sources that will enrich the mind and soul of any American lucky enough to be taught from them.

Stephen B. Presser
The University Bookman