A Worthy Company

Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution

Plot

A second edition was released in 1995 under the title Founding Fathers: Brief Lives of the Framers of the United States Constitution. One was a shoemaker, surveyor, lawyer, jurist, lay theologian, and statesman. Two became president, one vice-president. Over half were experienced in the legal profession. The majority were well off and, for their time, well educated. When they came together in Philadelphia in 1787, they produced the framework for the most influential document in the history of the United States. In this concise and valuable reference work - the only compilation of biographical sketches for all fifty-five Framers who attended the Philadelphia Convention - M. E. Bradford examines the Framers' constitutional theories, their visions for the newly founded union, and their opinions on ratification of the document that would address such paramount issues as national revenue, public debt, currency, removal of trade barriers between the states, and provisions for the common defense. Delving into the political and philosophical principles of the Founders, he illuminates their motives, thoughts, and actions and illustrates how their political decision-making was influenced by religion, education, environment, economic circumstances, and personal background.