Just finished reading a short book from the Tenth Amendment Center, by Michael Boldin and Michael Maharrey. It’s about some of the Anti-Federalist essays that came between the constitutional convention and ratification.
Of course, the Anti-Federalists are barely covered in public school curricula, but they had some very good arguments and several dire predictions that came true.
My notes here.
This book focuses on George Mason, Luther Martin, Elbridge Gerry, The Pennsylvania Minority, and Cato, with a big focus on Martin, giving him 5 of the 9 chapters.
Written in a narrative style, Boldin and Maharrey write a few sentences setting something up, and end with a 1-2 sentence quote from the Anti-Federalist author knocking it down.
It’s short and easy to read, very different from a dry collection of essays. Lots of quotables, but a slight risk of missing context. Also, the quotes are short enough that you don’t really get a feel for the excellent flowing style some of these writers had.
Would have been nice to have some followable references, too.
But, it’s a good book and a good introduction to some of the most poignant Anti-Federalist arguments.
Grab a copy here.