Why read The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787?

Book cover of The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787

Book description

This volume describes the evolution of political thought from the Declaration of Independence to the ratification of the Constitution and in the process greatly illuminates the origins of the present American political system. In a new preface, he discusses the debate over republicanism that has developed since the book's original…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked The Creation of the American Republic, 1776-1787 as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Katlyn Marie Carter

Author

No book has done more to change my thinking about the American Revolution and Constitution.

It’s a tome, but if you want to understand the political philosophy of the American Revolution—from the Stamp Act to the ratification of the federal Constitution—then this is your book. Wood follows the evolution of and innovation in American political thought from the struggle for independence through the creation of a new nation.

In doing so, he makes the case for why the American Revolution was revolutionary and raises the possibility of seeing the Constitution as an act of counter-revolution.

From Katlyn's list on The most revolutionary books about revolutionary ideas.

Joel Richard Paul

Author

This was my favorite book in college and remains a treasured part of my library. It’s a classic that reinterpreted the American Revolution. Gordon Wood examines how the vices of the British parliamentary system led the founding generation to a revolutionary new theory of government and to the formation of the American Constitution. It’s a magisterial work about the character of America.

From Joel's list on The best books on the American Revolution from an American historian.