FIFTY-FIVE FATHERS

by Selma Williams ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1970

The fifty-five fathers are the original delegates to the Constitutional Convention, seen here in session, endlessly in session, discussing, disputing, compromising -- affording the reader a close-up but little by way of synthesis or analysis. It is of some interest to observe the extent of the contention between large and small states, for example, but what one learns of the Great Compromise does not gain materially thereby; and the frivolous suggestions duly recorded (e.g. for abolishing the states altogether) have even less justification except insofar as they illustrate how ""a great deal of time"" was consumed. Actually the method suits a serious adult study while the level of discussion remains what is pejoratively called 'juvenile': ""The delegates saw themselves as real fathers, giving one thing to certain members of the family to make up for something given to the rest of the family"" -- this apropos of the three-fifths compromise. A child with boundless curiosity in this undertaking, if there is any such, might enjoy the fathers' deliberations; but the average youngster will find Commager, for one, more suitable for his purposes.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1970

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dodd, Mead

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1970

Categories: NONFICTION