Decision in Philadelphia

The Constitutional Convention of 1787

By: James Collier, Christopher Collier

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

Length: 13 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Fifty-five men met in Philadelphia in 1787 to write a document that would create a country and change a world: the Constitution. Here is a remarkable rendering of that fateful time, told with humanity and humor. Decision in Philadelphia is the best popular history of the Constitutional Convention; in it, the life and times of 18th-century America not only come alive, but the very human qualities of the men who framed the document are brought provocatively into focus - casting many of the Founding Fathers in a new light. A celebration of how and why our Constitution came into being, Decision in Philadelphia is also a testament of the American spirit at its finest.

©1986 Christopher Collier and James Lincoln Collier (P)2012 AudioGO

excellent book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

absolutely, this was a great book in my mind. While the authors might not be the big names you hear today the book was excellent. It is worth going outside of the modern popular box and learning from these authors. Their work was well done.

What other book might you compare Decision in Philadelphia to and why?

well I am currently listening to Plain Honest Men, also about the Constitutional Convention. This book is on the same line and covers many of the same things but I am trying to immerse myself in this topic for a while and this book is not the same as the other. Do they have repeat information, sure, but it is history, what happened happened and facts have to be reported, but the books both are great listens and teach a great deal on the subject from different narratives and points of view. Try them both.

Any additional comments?

This was a great listen. It is very informative and will teach you a great deal on how our national government was formed and why it is the way it is today. You will learn about people you have likely neer heard of unless you have studied this topic previously, such as Roger Sherman and James Wilson and you will see the played just as an integral role as James Madison and Ben Franklin in many respect. I am not saying they were "as" important, I am just saying you will learn they were far more important than mainstream history has ever given them credit for. This is just some of the things this book will teach you.

Made history interesting

I've never been a big fan of history books, but recently I've been more curious about how the American government works. This book was very informative and interesting. It kept my attention and taught me quite a bit about how the founding fathers thought and put together the Constitution. This helps me understand so much better how our modern political systems works. I enjoyed reading this book, and highly recommend it.

Great take on the Constitution/Framers

I like the open minded takes. Facing up to the facts and truths. I don’t think we need to revere those guys. Some of things they did were great and amazing but that doesn’t give them god status. Rip them a new one for their missteps and machinations and laud them for the good they did. Slavery was horrible and that made them as savage as any natives they disparaged and slaughtered. Their “civilization” was crude and ugly. And it was beautiful and outstanding. We must look at both honestly and make changes otherwise we will remain as crude and ugly.

Fascinating background and credible sources

This is a good listen except the readers voice was too deep to hear at times. My eyes are opened to a new and deeper understanding of why who and what was negotiated at the 2nd Continental Congress. Also appreciated the verbatim reading of Constitution and Bill of Rights. Likely to listen this this again. 👍

A Good Read, With Some Biases

This is an interesting read, which started off well, covering facts and key persons fairly well and unbiased.

Does however fall into perpetuating the "American Slavery Was the Worst Slavery" myth, which is political and shows no understanding of slavery in the Ottoman Empire or Barbary coast. To me this taints the writers objectivity.

Otherwise is interesting at least.

Enlightening

As a historian, and one who enjoys this period of American history, Decision in Philadelphia is a fascinating and engaging examination of the arguments and ideals that lead to the development of the US Constitution. I loved learning more about the specific men who wrote these words that would form our government.

Lastly, Bronson Pinchot does a phenomenal narration of this book. Its a good book overall, but his narration made it even more engaging.

The Constitution

A very informative telling of the creation of the Constitution. Lots of signers back stories

Decision in Philadelphia

A great historical account of the writing of the constitution. The authors brought each framer to life in addition to explaining how and who were instrumental in creating the US Constitution. I would highly recommend it to Audible listeners.

Good story of the making of the Constitution

Very academic and detailed, and therefore slightly tedious, but still a very informative telling of the origin of the Constitution. Great biographical sketches of the major players and their interaction.

Presented in a light, lilting manner of voice more suited to reading a fairy tale than the story of the Constitutional Convention. Not sure whether the reader might be trying to sound English or what.

Thanks to Audible for making this volume available free of charge.

LOVED IT

The most ingenious invention of humanity ever devised. The separation of powers, and the larger set of checks and balances for this constitution are the measurable values to the flourishing of human kind.