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The Citizen's Constitution: An Annotated Guide (2009)

by Seth Lipsky(Favorite Author)

4.08 of 5 Votes: 1

ISBN

0465018580 (ISBN13: 9780465018581)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Basic Books

review 1: 342.7302 L669 This is a readable, quick, and witty guide to the constitution that places the document and its clauses into context. Lipsky draws from the writings of the founders, case law, and current events to illuminate all areas of the constitution. Organized by Articles and Amendments, this book makes it easy to find information about any specific area of interest. Lipsky is founding editor of the New York Sun and the Forward newspaper. He has been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.
review 2: People please note: this is my first five-star review of a book written by an arch-conservative. Also, note my use of "people" rather than "citizens" -- there does seem to be a left-right distinction between the two words, and the title of this book telegraphs some... more sorta creepy right-wing manual. "The People's Constitution" would be so redolent of Howard Zinn, Beijing, mountains of uncashed Guantanamo Bay rent checks...BUT once you get past Lipsky's ideological bent you'll dig his insights into the composition, paradox, and freight of this little document. I was especially taken by his underscoring of the fact that the Eighteenth was (so far) the only Constitutional amendment to restrict -- rather than promote -- liberty. Take that, "defense of marriage" crazies! Even better, Lipsky retains a sane attitude toward "strict constructionist" philosophies -- though he quotes Clarence Thomas and Scalia more often than necessary (and proper). You get the impression he's more of a fond, aging libertarian than a blinkered Fox News ideologue. And his expansive knowledge and fascinating trivia make this a fun read overall -- highly recommended to lefties and reactionaries both. less

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