Classics of American Political and Constitutional Thought, 2 Volume Set

From James I's "Address Before Parliament" (1610) to Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s "Learned Hand Dinner Address Before the American Jewish Committee" (2005), this two-volume set offers an unparalleled selection of key texts from the history of American political and constitutional thought. North American rights only.

Download the TOC (PDF) for volume 1.

Download the TOC (PDF) for volume 2.

SKU
26443g

Volume I: Origins through the Civil War
Volume II: Reconstruction to the Present

Edited, with Introduction and Notes, by Scott J. Hammond,
Kevin R. Hardwick, & Howard L. Lubert

2007 / (2021 with revised vol. II) - Vol. I: 1,232 pp.; Vol. 2: 984 pp.

Grouped product items
Format ISBN Price Qty
Paper 978-1-64792-042-5
$55.00
Instructor Examination (Review) Copy 978-1-64792-042-5
$10.00

Two volume set, each volume is also available for sale individually. 

From James I's "Address Before Parliament" (1610) to Joseph R. Biden, Jr.'s "Learned Hand Dinner Address Before the American Jewish Committee" (2005), this two-volume set offers an unparalleled selection of key texts from the history of American political and constitutional thought.  North American rights only.

Note about the current 2021 printing of volume II: Selections from the following texts have been removed from the 2021 revised printing of volume II (2021 edition ISBN: 978-1-64792-012-8): E. B. White, Freedom; Langston Hughes, selected poems; Hannah Arendt, Reflections on Little Rock; Whittaker Chambers, Witness; C. Wright Mills, The Power Elite; Kurt Vonnegut, Harrison Bergeron; Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Family and Nation. In all other respects, the 2021 printing of volume II is identical to the original edition published in 2007 (paperback ISBN of the now out of print 2007 edition: 978-0-87220-885-8).

Table of Contents: Download the TOC (PDF) for volume 1. Download the TOC (PDF) for volume 2.

 

Reviews:

"This collection surpasses anything else I have seen in its representation of the complexity, breadth and sheer intellectual splendor of United States political thinking. I have trouble imagining how the editors could improve on their skillful blending of vital texts and neglected gems; of legal documents and literary treasures; of poems, speeches, sermons and jeremiads. The European and American roots of U.S. constitutional thinking are displayed in a fashion that reflects the best recent scholarship while at the same time the spokesmen from Indian nations are given the broad and full presence they deserve. The torturous intersection of race and politics is explored in well-chosen texts by Black, Chicano and Indian writers and through a host of legal documents and decisions. Conservative and progressive voices, labor activists and libertarians, analytical political philosophers and Sunday editorialists; they all find their place within the editors' lucid arrangement. This will serve as a superb textbook for classes on United States political theory, for classes on constitutional history, and for overviews of the struggle for democracy in America. It is a great gathering of evidence for those who see the United States as having a political theory tradition of unique richness, range and relevance."
     —Brian Walker, UCLA

"This is easily the most comprehensive, thoughtful, and updated collection of primary source readings in American political theory.  It covers material typically excluded in existing edited volumes, particularly source documents for Native Americans, women, and African-Americans.  Not only is the founding period well represented, but so too are the most recent expressions of American thought and politics."
     —Jim Savage, University of Virginia

"A thorough and reliable compilation that nicely reflects both European antecedents and American regional contributors to a vibrant political and constitutional national story—and at a bargain price for so much content."
     —Jon Kukla, author of A Wilderness So Immense: The Louisiana Purchase and the Destiny
        of America
(Knopf, 2003)

"A fantastic, comprehensive collection of primary materials, perfect for classroom use.  Material is well-organized and presented with well-written, useful introductions contextualizing the documents and raising pertinent questions."
     —Ruth Grant, Department of Political Science, Duke University

"This is the finest set of documents for the classroom that I have seen.  This collection is complete, well balanced, and thought-provoking.  It is suitable for use in a variety of kinds of classes, including U.S. History on the survey and upper-division levels, U.S. Government, Political Theory, Religion, and Constitutional Development.  In a time of skyrocketing prices for texts, the moderate cost of these volumes is very attractive."
     —Paul Reddin, Department of History, Mesa State College

"The two-volume Classics of American Political and Constitutional Thought is incredibly comprehensive—I don't know of any collection that directly compares to it.  [This book] seems to have something for everyone."
     —Alan Houston, Department of Political Science, University of California, San Diego

"This is a fine collection of writings with a variety of viewpoints.  It is an excellent choice for courses on American political thought and courses in American philosophy with a significant component on political thinking.  It is also attractively priced for a work of this size and quality."
     —David Nice, Department of Political Science, Washington State University

"A masterful and comprehensive anthology.  I plan on assigning one or both [volumes] next year."
      —Russell Muirhead, Department of Government, University of Texas at Austin

"Outstanding!  A fine selection of primary sources from a true variety of individuals and institutions.  [The introductions] are very helpful. . . . Well done—a 'classic' itself."
     —Howard Fedrick, Department of History, King's College

About the Authors:

Scott J. Hammond is Professor, and Howard L. Lubert Associate Professor, of Political Science, James Madison University.

Kevin R. Hardwick is Associate Professor of History, James Madison University.