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Novus Ordo Seclorum: The Intellectual Origins of the Constitution Audiobook
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(3.10) - 117 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The title, taken from the Great Seal of the United States (which is seen on the reverse side of the dollar bill), means “a new order for the ages.” In this major new interpretation of the framing of the US Constitution, Forrest McDonald brilliantly explains the philosophical origins from which this “new order” was born.
McDonald deftly recreates the intellectual world of the amazing fifty-five men whose genius and passion gave to us the United States Constitution. He explains their understanding of law, history, political philosophy, and political economy, and how these perspectives played out in the Constitutional Convention. Above all this ideology, he shows how the Framers were guided by their own experience, wisdom, and common sense.
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"Though dense in some places and one or two topics were slow, overall, it was an excellent read on the what philosophies and theories fed into the Founders thoughts and action. He did kind of under cut his entire book with the last chapter, but still, it is worth the read."
— Tanweer (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“A witty and energetic study of the ideas and passions of the Framers.”
— New York Times Book Review -
“Bristles with wit and intellectual energy.”
— Christian Science Monitor -
“A masterpiece. McDonald’s status as an interpreter of the Constitution is unequaled—magisterial.”
— National Review -
“As provocative as it is difficult to put down.”
— Georgia Historical Quarterly -
“Thoroughly impressive. A book that is consistently enlightening and one that, more than any of McDonald’s previous works, stands as a monument to his remarkable talents.”
— William and Mary Quarterly -
“The best single volume on the origins of the Constitution.”
— Choice -
“An important, comprehensive statement about the most fundamental period in American history. It deals authoritavely with topics no student of America can afford to ignore.”
— Harvey Mansfield, author of The Spirit of Liberalism
Awards
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Finalist for the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for History
Novus Ordo Seclorum Listener Reviews
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" One of the most balanced, clear, and accessible books on the founding era. "
— Elaine, 7/23/2013 -
" Outstanding telling of the intellectual history of the United States Constitution. "
— Mike, 9/20/2012 -
" If you want to read a serious, scholarly treatment of the Founding, this is the book for you. Excellent. "
— Jon, 8/19/2012 -
" Interesting study of the ideological influences of the Founding Fathers. "
— Rusty, 6/2/2012 -
" Not a conspiracy theory book, despite the title. Forest MacDonald is a conservative, but large portions of this book are straightforward intellectual history and valuable. "
— John, 11/5/2011 -
" I understand why it has gotten the acclaim it's gotten, and some parts really were interesting. But I'd rather be reading Harry Potter any day :) "
— Emily, 7/18/2011 -
" A must-read for scholars of the Constitution which offers a well-rounded look at the themes and leader's thoughts in the drafting of our nation. "
— Craig, 4/23/2011 -
" Outstanding telling of the intellectual history of the United States Constitution. "
— Mike, 1/7/2011 -
" I understand why it has gotten the acclaim it's gotten, and some parts really were interesting. But I'd rather be reading Harry Potter any day :) "
— Emily, 7/9/2009 -
" If you want to read a serious, scholarly treatment of the Founding, this is the book for you. Excellent. "
— Jon, 7/23/2008
About Forrest McDonald
Forrest McDonald is an American historian who has written extensively on the early national period, republicanism, and the presidency and is considered a leading conservative scholar. Born in Orange, Texas, he earned his BA and PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. He taught at Brown University, Wayne State University, and the University of Alabama.
About Daniel Laurence
Daniel Laurence holds a BFA in acting from Ithaca College. He currently lives on the East coast and works at the Shakespeare Theatre Company of New Jersey.