Glenn Beck revisited Thomas Paine’s famous pre-Revolutionary War call to action in his #1 New York Times bestseller Glenn Beck’s Common Sense. Now he brings his historical acumen and political savvy to this fresh, new interpretation of The Federalist Papers, the 18th-century collection of political essays that defined and shaped our Constitution and laid bare the “original argument” between states’ rights and big federal government—a debate as relevant and urgent today as it was at the birth of our nation.
Adapting a selection of these essential essays—pseudonymously authored by the now well-documented triumvirate of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay—for a contemporary audience, Glenn Beck has had them reworked into “modern” English so as to be thoroughly accessible to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Founding Fathers’ intent and meaning when laying the groundwork of our government. Beck provides his own illuminating commentary and annotations and, for a number of the essays, has brought together the viewpoints of both liberal and conservative historians and scholars, making this a fair and insightful perspective on the historical works that remain the primary source for interpreting Constitutional law and the rights of American citizens.
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From the Publisher
What book does David Barton say you should read if you love your country?: "The Original Argument is an incredibly important book not only for the times in which we live, but for future generations of Americans as well. It brings the message of our Founders to our ears again, loud and clear, and in a way that more people can understand and apply. The Federalist Papers are essential reading to anyone who seeks to understand our Constitution, and this re-working of this classic American text represents a monumental achievement. Anyone who loves their country, seeks to understand our history and our Constitution better, and who wants to pass down the American heritage to their children and grandchildren, should own and study this book." --David Barton, New York Times bestselling author of The Jefferson Lies
Library Journal
While Beck is cited as author, student Joshua Charles initiated the idea for updating the Federalist Papers. He found the original inspirational, while its dated language proved difficult to understand. His adaptation came to the attention of Beck, who secured publication. This is an accessible version of Hamilton's, Madison's, and Jay's appeal for the adoption of the federal Constitution. Useful commentary explaining references to historical events and characters in classical literature appears, and readers Pat Gray and Adam Grupper provide a solid presentation. This audiobook, however, is an abridged version offering less than half the print essays. And the intent to support Beck's vision of a small federal government limits its appeal mostly to listeners sharing his political and social views. Others should work their way patiently through the original work, which, as Beck and followers rightly point out, is as important today as it was in 1787–88.—Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Parkersburg Lib.
