The Original Argument

By: Glenn Beck, Pat Gray

Narrated by: Adam Grupper

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

©2011 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.; 2011 Mercury Radio Arts, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publius made simple

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

I tried years ago to read "The Federalist Papers" and was discouraged because they wrote "above my pay grade". I recommend this listen to to anyone at my pay geade or below.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Original Argument?

Sorry, this is not a thriller story. I listened to the arguments and duly noted them. It did, however make clear the original intent of the constitution.

Which scene was your favorite?

none

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It takes more than one listen to absorb all the information

Any additional comments?

Odd preview questions for a nonfiction classic like the Federalist.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Informative but BORING!!

What did you like best about The Original Argument? What did you like least?

As a history buff, I loved hearing the stories behind the writing of the Federalist Papers. These papers are something everyone one should read at least once in their lives, but there has to be a better way to go about it. The book was just plain boring most of the time.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Very monotone. The parts read by Beck were good, but the other narrator was just plain boring.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Still a Bit Too Dry

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I thought it was still too technical and dry.

Also, there were parts that delved deeply into issues that don't have any relevance today.

What was most disappointing about Glenn Beck and Pat Gray ’s story?

Could have used more context, background and development of the truly crucial Papers, and could have done without several others.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Good to have given some time to such important documents.

Any additional comments?

Worth a listen, but it might be a labor for you to stick with it and not lose focus.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Hard to listen to

I like Glenn Beck's ideas, but his way of expressing those ideas is redundant. He writes the way he talks. Pat Gray's contribution to the book is pretty dry reading for my taste.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Should be mandatory reading in public schools.

Even translated, it can be dry at times, but every question you currently hear relating to, "what did the founding fathers mean by..." is answered in these papers.

If more people read this maybe they would have more of an appreciation for what these men went through to ensure our government provided maximum freedom.

detailed yet understand able<br />

well written, concise,easy to listen and understand complex but important time why US Government started the way it is

Best book on the federalist papers I've read.

The challenge we face in America today is a disconnection with our founders, our founding documents and the arguments that led to the greatest governing document ever created. This takes complicated language from the Founders and brings it into the 21st century. I learned a lot about the challenges the Founding fathers face in creating the Constitution and the desire to prevent the tyranny we're experiencing today.

EXCELLENT!!!

This should be required reading!! This is for anyone who believes the Consitution is a "living" document and open to interpretation.

7 of 14 people found this review helpful

EXCELLENT

This is a long over due translation. I wish I had this in high school and college.

7 of 14 people found this review helpful

And now I know!

Thank you. I've never been political but now I know. Thank you for putting our forefathers and our constitution in prospective for me. God Bless America, yes, but God Bless American's to know their blessings and keep their blessings. Amen

8 of 16 people found this review helpful