What kind of nation simon

It is often the case that what we know is limited to our perceptions. In the case of the United States our knowledge says it's always been what it is, then you read a book like this and you realize that the country was and is ever evolving.

The conflicting visions of Jefferson and Marshall vis a vis the shape of the United States is fascinating and key to understanding our history and our nation. Simon does a good job laying out a bit of biography of each, and then focusing on the rulings that highlighted their differences. What I didn't like was that Simon often stated as fact the Jeffersonian view of Marshall, and Adams and the rest of the Federalists for that matter, without explaining the ideological context in which his opinion was formed.

With such contentious material, historical, cultural and ideological context and background is really key to understanding both sides of the issues. Simon did not convince me that he was sharing the whole story. All that being said, learning about John Marshall is absolutely worth it. Although lay people non-lawyers may not know and appreciate Marshall's importance, it turns out that he had as much to do with shaping the United States as any founding father.

But, I would recommend reading Without Precedent to learn about this fascinating, important and inspiring man. The writer takes an inherently complex topic and makes it understandable for the rest of us. As a law student, it is a great start to your 0L summer reading. Heck it would even be worthwhile if you just really liked Hamilton and wanted to know more of what was going on during that time period.

Taking the AP exam? Give this a read and tie in some context to your studies. History provides perspective! Add to Cart failed. Please try again later. Add to Wish List failed. The American Prospect James Simon retells this splendid story in clear and elegant prose. For once the publisher's subtitle is not exaggeration -- the result is, at least in legal terms, an epic of the founding, featuring fascinating antagonists, enormous consequences, and alternating episodes of nobility and treachery.

Tell us what you like and we'll recommend books you'll love. Sign up and get a free ebook! Trade Paperback eBook.

Table of Contents Rave and Reviews. About The Book. About The Author. Photo by Marcia L. Product Details. Raves and Reviews. Resources and Downloads.

Get a FREE ebook by joining our mailing list today! A former correspondent and contributing editor at Time magazine and the author of several critically acclaimed books on judicial history, including The Antagonists and The Center Holds, he lives with his wife in West Nyack, New York.

Convert currency. Add to Basket. Book Description Hardcover. Condition: GOOD. Spine creases, wear to binding and pages from reading. May contain limited notes, underlining or highlighting that does affect the text. Possible ex library copy, will have the markings and stickers associated from the library. Accessories such as CD, codes, toys, may not be included. Seller Inventory More information about this seller Contact this seller. Condition: Good. No Jacket. Spine may show signs of wear.