The book “A Brilliant Solution: Inventing the American Constitution” by Carol Berkin can be evaluated as one of the best textbooks on the events of the creation of the American Constitution which occurred in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787. Within the book the audience will find a logical and coherent argument written in a chronological order and leading the reader through the achievements of great men who managed to create a basis for building the country which would soon become one of the most influential countries in the world. Carol Berkin, the book’s author is a well-known American historian who works at Columbia University and is a Presidential Professor of History there. Generally, the book can be described as a fine piece on history of the creation of the Constitution of the United States providing sustainable data and an interesting layout helping to feel as if you are a spectator of the events of those days.
The book begins with a review of the sad events of the initial period of the history of the United States which was full of serious failures and mistakes. The author relates the events of those days impartially showing all the vexation of absurd actions of American politicians in the early period of the country’s history1. Then the author shifts to the importance of creating a new team of politicians who managed to put the country out of this chain of sad occurrences. In the main part of the book, Berkin largely concentrates on the critical events of the summer of 1787 when the great men of American democracy developed their masterpiece of the triumph of human rights and freedoms which was embodied in the American constitution.
Discussing the events addressed in the book under consideration, it should be stated that they are addressed in a way easy for understanding and evaluating their results for the future of the country. Through the pages of the book it becomes clear that the great men who worked on the creation of the American Constitution went through a row of severe tests and hardships which, however, never weakened their burning love to their Motherland and the desire to create a basis for building a powerful state which would be a stronghold of democracy and liberty in the world. The author presents a well-developed argument on how exactly historical and political matters were involved into the process of the country’s liberation and democratization.
With regards to the author’s style, it should be said that it is rather interesting and easy for comprehension and perception. The strength of her style is in the ability to make every reader interested and involved into the process of studying. The book is developed in a way which helps to feel oneself a part of the events of those important days, to “listen” to dialogues of men of state and to feel the inspiring atmosphere existing in Philadelphia during those days.
As a final point, the book “A Brilliant Solution: Inventing the American Constitution” by Carol Berkin can be described as an efficient work on the history of creation of the American Constitution. Reading this book has gotten me into thinking about the abundance of efforts by the great forefathers of American democracy put in order to build one of the most powerful countries in the world.
Works Cited
Bruns, Roger. Introduction, A More Perfect Union: The Creation of the United States Constitution, Washington, DC: the National Archives Trust Fund Board, 1986. Print.
Footnotes
- Bruns, Roger. Introduction, A More Perfect Union: The Creation of the United States Constitution, Washington, DC: the National Archives Trust Fund Board, 1986. Print.