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America's Founding Fathers

By: Allen C. Guelzo, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Allen C. Guelzo
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Summary

Today, the US Constitution is the oldest, continually-operating instrument of government in the world. But to think of the Constitution as a fully-formed, canonical document is to miss out on an honest, well-rounded grasp of American history. Now, more than ever, any well-informed citizen should understand how the Constitution lives, breathes, and endures.

In collaboration with Smithsonian, these 36 lectures are a deep dive into the creation of the US Constitution as it actually happened - and the remarkable men who played their own unique role in the creation (and survival) of American democracy. Designed to be enjoyed in chronological order, they take you from the closing days of the American Revolution to the opening decades of the United States under the newly created US Constitution. Told like a dramatic story, each lecture uses a Founder as a doorway through which to examine the process involved in crafting the Constitution.

You'll encounter fresh perspectives on familiar Founders including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton, as well as people not necessarily considered Founders, including James McHenry, Secretary of War under John Adams; and Alexis de Tocqueville, author of the insightful Democracy in America. While detailed, the lectures are highly accessible for all learners, high school students and history buffs alike.

Less a biography of individuals, Professor Guelzo's lectures are instead a composite biography of one of the greatest political documents in history.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2017 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2017 The Great Courses
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A different approach leads to a Great Course

I love Prof. Guelzo's courses, he has just the right balance of friendliness and authority in his delivery and his material is excellent. This is no exception, and the approach makes it even better: one Founding Father (a term sometimes slightly loosely interpreted) per lecture but with the focus on their specific role in a particular development and art a particular time. This is more refreshing than a standard biographical lecture. Note though, that the emphasis is on the Constitution, not the Revolution: if you want the latter you should look to another course.

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HS Student Summer Reading

I Recommend this book to every American High School student, a great book for the summer between 9th and 10th grade.

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Excellent overview

Excellent overview of the lives of America’s founders. Ignore the negative reviews. Dr. Guelzo is a great teacher.

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