By popular demand, we’ve assembled a list of books in a few categories that we recommend. Some of these titles are on our own bookshelves, and while this is not an exhaustive list, we think it’s a good start. We recommend starting out with histories and biographies which tell the story of America, and then moving to the memoirs and reference materials.
We’re often asked the “if you could own one book” question, and we’re glad that we don’t live in a one book world. However, the most essential primer on the Constitution has to be The Federalist as it was written in large part by the Constitution’s principal author.
Histories
Bennett, William (2006), America the Last Best Hope (Volumes I and II).
Schweikart, Larry and Allen, Michael (2004), A Patriot’s History of the United States.
McCullough, David (2005), 1776.
Crocker, H.W. III (2006), Don’t Tread on Me.
de Tocqueville, Alexis (Heffner, ed. 1956), Democracy in America.
Grant, George (1996), The Patriot’s Handbook.
Biographies
McCullough, David (2001), John Adams.
Puls, Mark (2006), Samuel Adams.
Chernow, Ron (2004), Alexander Hamilton.
Ellis, Joseph (2004), His Excellency: George Washington.
Memoirs
There are volumes of books compiled including the personal and public correspondence of the Founding generation. An excellent series is available from the Library of America, of which a few are strongly recommended.
Writings, George Washington
Writings, Thomas Jefferson
Writings, Alexander Hamilton
Writings, James Madison
Reference
Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, The Federalist.
Madison, James (Library of America), Debates on the Constitution (Volume I and II).
Meese, Spalding, and Forte (2005) The Heritage Guide to the Constitution.
Gutzman, Kevin (2007), The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Constitution.
Strauss and Cropsey (1987) History of Political Philosophy.
Levy, Leonard (1999) Origins of the Bill of Rights.
Federer, William (2000), America’s God and Country.
Is there something in your library on the Founding generation that we’re missing? Contact us and let us know, as our own personal libraries are still growing.
