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The Original Argument: The Federalists' Audiobook
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(4.00) - 351 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Glenn Beck revisited Thomas Paine’s famous pre-Revolutionary War call to action in his #1 New York Times bestseller Glenn Beck’s Common Sense. Now he brings his historical acumen and political savvy to this fresh, new interpretation of The Federalist Papers, the 18th-century collection of political essays that defined and shaped our Constitution and laid bare the “original argument” between states’ rights and big federal government—a debate as relevant and urgent today as it was at the birth of our nation.
Adapting a selection of these essential essays—pseudonymously authored by the now well-documented triumvirate of Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay—for a contemporary audience, Glenn Beck has had them reworked into “modern” English so as to be thoroughly accessible to anyone seeking a better understanding of the Founding Fathers’ intent and meaning when laying the groundwork of our government. Beck provides his own illuminating commentary and annotations and, for a number of the essays, has brought together the viewpoints of both liberal and conservative historians and scholars, making this a fair and insightful perspective on the historical works that remain the primary source for interpreting Constitutional law and the rights of American citizens.
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"I believe that this is an essential reference book for all Americans. In our current times, the intent of the Founders of our nation as expressed by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay is even more important than the original purpose of the Federalist Papers. In "translating" the 18th century prose of the Papers, the authors have given us a clear understnding of what the Constitution strove to establish as well as a clear indication of the incredible drift away from its principles we have seen in recent years. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were brilliant men, steeped in learning and the political thought of their time. Their principles and methods of protecting the liberty of the people are even more relevant today, despite the "living Constitution" rhetoric of those who wish to "totally transform" our nation. It is clear to me, as I believe it will be claer to other readers, that current attempts by political pundits and elected individuals to undermine our Constitution is the result of a desire to hold the liberty of the individual hostage to the failed ideal of "wealth re-distribution" and "social justice" of Marxist/Scialist doctrine. If we cannot be responsible for controlling our individual selves without the intervention of government and draconian laws and regulations, then we are incapable of ruling ourselves as a nation. Hamilton, Jay, and Madison believed in the ability of human beings to rise above their flaws without attempting to eliminate their flaws by legislation and regulation. They were practical men who understood that humanity is flawed and did their best to provide "check and balance" safeguards to minimize the effects of those flaws in government."
— Terri (5 out of 5 stars)
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“An accessible version of Hamilton’s, Madison’s, and Jay’s appeal for the adoption of the federal Constitution. Useful commentary explaining references to historical events and characters in classical literature appears, and readers Pat Gray and Adam Grupper provide a solid presentation.”
— Library Journal -
“An incredibly important book not only for the times in which we live, but for future generations of Americans as well. It brings the message of our Founders to our ears again, loud and clear, and in a way that more people can understand and apply. The Federalist Papers are essential reading to anyone who seeks to understand our Constitution, and this reworking of this classic American text represents a monumental achievement.”
— David Barton, author of The Jefferson Lies
Awards
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A #1 New York Times bestseller
The Original Argument Listener Reviews
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" I enjoyed reading the revised Papers themselves, but ultimately started skipping over Beck's commentary, as I'd rather just read the material and come to my own conclusions. I think it would be good to read this with the original document open next to it, so you can get a feel for the original language as well. I wish the person who did the actual revision of the Papers would just publish all of his work instead of just the few Beck chose and without the commentary. I would much rather make the decision myself of which ones are important or not important to read. "
— Laurie, 2/18/2014 -
" Glenn Beck's version of the Federalist papers is an edited and much easier version using modern language and explanations of the Federalist papers for to today's people to get grasp on what the founders had in mind when they put our country together, not the lies of the left. "
— Ziggie, 2/8/2014 -
" Want to know what is the the mind of founding fathers. This book helps to explain some of the complex thought process that went into the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. "
— Cofemale, 1/26/2014 -
" This has commentaries for many of the Federalist Papers and shows their relevance to modern current political trends. Though this is a good book, I prefer to read the Federalist Papers in the original. I think this would be an excellent, easy-to-understand introduction for teenagers and plan to save this book for our homeschool for just such a purpose. "
— Teri, 1/7/2014 -
" Simplified! The documents and the words of wisdom that inspired the birth of the greatest nation in humanity. "
— Aaron, 1/3/2014 -
" Helps understanding The Federalist Papers. Highly recommended. "
— Lyle, 12/28/2013 -
" I think it's important that everyone read this book to really understand what the Federalists and Founding Fathers wanted this country to become. A beacon of fair and just democracy in the realm of humanity. "
— Monica, 12/21/2013 -
" Disappointed, thought the book contained full Federalist Papers. Glenn Beck has an unusal ability to simplify ideas and inspire to thought and action. "
— Danmcgohan, 12/15/2013 -
" Excellent ... Well written and easy to understand.... Glenn accomplished his goal with this writing. "
— Arnold, 11/19/2013 -
" A really neat way to read the founders Federalist Papers in easy to read modern English. "
— Richard, 11/11/2013 -
" I'm really glad I read this but it was very laborious it got 3 stars not on content but because of it is not entertaining. "
— Daniel, 10/25/2013 -
" Just couldn't get into it. We've strayed so far from the original intent of the Constitution that this isn't very helpful. "
— Shiroiken, 5/22/2013 -
" Very educational but a little dry, despite the attempt to spruce up the federalist papers. "
— Brandon, 10/30/2012 -
" great book for lovers of freedom and liberty. the truth has no agenda! "
— Jeff, 10/29/2012 -
" love it. this should be an annual read "
— Glenn, 10/6/2012 -
" It was interesting and informative to take a look back in time at the issues our Founding Fathers faced and their vision for the Constitution and the roles of the federal and state governments, and to compare that vision to the issues we face and the government we have today. "
— Susan, 9/14/2012 -
" Way easier to understand than the original Federalist Papers. Also gives a good background on the authors of the Federalist papers and some modern day context. Did not feel like this was biased to any one political party. "
— Heather, 8/26/2012 -
" Interesting book about the federalist papers. Puts them into modern day English. A little boring at times but good. Definitely makes you shake your head at what our government has become. We've drifted a long ways from what the constitution originally stood for. "
— James, 11/27/2011 -
" I got the main themes and appreciated the attempt to bring the Federalist Papers to modern language...but it was not an easy audio to get through. "
— Peggy, 11/2/2011 -
" This book attempted to simplify 33 of the 85 Federalist Papers using more modern language and making them applicable to today. While it was a good overview, I think reading the original papers is the better way to go. "
— Debbie, 10/6/2011 -
" Interesting version of Federalist Papers rewritten in modern languague. "
— Dave, 9/7/2011 -
" Great reference that explains the various writings that make up the Federalist Papers "
— Suzanne, 7/3/2011
About Glenn Beck
Glenn Beck, the nationally syndicated radio host and founder of TheBlaze television network, is a twelve-time #1 bestselling author and is one of the few authors in history to have had #1 national bestsellers in the fiction, nonfiction, self-help, and children’s picture book genres. His recent fiction works include the thrillers Agenda 21, The Overton Window, and its sequel, The Eye of Moloch; his many nonfiction titles include Conform, Miracles and Massacres, Control, and Being George Washington. For more information about Glenn Beck, his books, and TheBlaze TV network, visit GlennBeck.com and TheBlaze.com.
About Pat Gray
Adam Grupper, award-winning narrator, has garnered honors from AudioFile magazine, Publishers Weekly, iTunes, the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, and the Audio Publishers Association. He has been in eleven Broadway productions, including the acclaimed revival of Fiddler on the Roof. His film and television credits include The Rebound, Homeland, Master of None, Music and Lyrics, Two Weeks Notice, Elementary, and Allegiance.