If you're fascinated by the very foundation of American democracy, 'Original Meanings' is a book you'll find enriching. Jack Rakove delves into the heated debates and diverse perspectives that shaped the U.S. Constitution. It's a detailed, historical study that offers a clear view into the political minds of the 1780s, making it perfect for someone eager to understand the origins of constitutional thought and its implications today.

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• Pulitzer Prize for History (1997)
• Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award (1997)

What did the U.S. Constitution originally mean, and who has comprehended its meaning best? Jack Rakove, professor of history at Stanford University, now approaches the debates surrounding the framing and ratification of the Constitution from the vantage point of history, examining the personal influences the various framers, especially James Madison, exerted over the process.

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