The following is a list of books recently or soon-to-be published by members of the Yale community. Descriptions are based on material provided by the publishers.
In "America's Constitution," Akhil Reed Amar provides the first comprehensive account of the nation's framing document, examining it from its preamble through the 27th, and most recent, amendment. He places the Constitution in the context of late-18th-century American politics and argues that the document has been far more democratic than is conventionally understood. He points out, for example, that even though the Constitution was drafted by white landholders, a large number of American citizens (by the standards of 1787) were allowed to vote up or down on it, and that the document's later amendments eventually extended the vote to virtually all Americans. Amar acknowledges that the founders' Constitution was also more slavocratic than acknowledged by many: The three-fifths clause -- which provided that each slave be counted as three-fifths of a person for purposes of determining the population upon which congressional districts would be based -- gave the South extra political clout. Amar shows how the Constitution was a product of its environment, explaining the reason it adopted an electoral college; why a president must be at least 35 years old; and why only citizens born in the United States can become president, among other topics.
This is the paperback edition of "The Meaning of Independence," which was originally published in 1976. The book offers separate portraits of John Adams, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson and explores "the meaning of independence" for them and for their Revolutionary generation.
Dr. Sherwin Nuland's "Maimonides" is a portrait of the Jewish doctor, rabbi and philosopher Moses Maimonides. Maimonides wrote "The Guide for the Perplexed," which attempted to reconcile scientific knowledge with faith in God. The book explores how the philosopher -- a Jew who lived in a Muslim world -- understood God, faith, the afterlife and the Messiah, and examines some of the enigmas connected with him.
T H I S
America's Constitution:
A Biography
Akhil Reed Amar, the Southmayd
Professor of Law
(Random House Inc.)
The Meaning of Independence:
John Adams, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson
Edmunds S. Morgan, Sterling Professor Emeritus of History
(University of Virginia Press)
Maimonides
Dr. Sherwin Nuland, clinical professor
of surgery
(Schocken Books)
W E E K ' SS T O R I E S
Yale and Peking University students . . . in new exchange program
Seven seniors Britain-bound as winners of Rhodes and Marshall Scholarships
Students spent Thanksgiving break helping Katrina victims
New center will foster cutting-edge neuroscience research
Grant supports study of how the aged recover
ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPSGlobal terrorism is focus of talk by Major and Zedillo
Come Harvest Time at Yale's organic garden
Study finds ADHD drug reduces hyperactivity in children with PDD
Study illuminates the role of specific cells in antibody response
Clinical study tests drug combination for ovarian cancer
Symposium on nuclear physics honors . . . D. Allan Bromley
Conference honors faculty members for service to the University
Emilie Townes elected vice president of AAR
Not-So-Hidden Treasures for gift-seekers at Yale's museum shops
Holiday gifts at 'Alternative Market' help people in need
University expands its nighttime 'minibus' services
Gallery's new artist-in-residence aims to connect viewers with nature
Event to feature companies whose products are based on Yale research
David Brion Davis Lecture Series examines legacy of abolitionism
First BioHaven Entrepreneurship Seminar to take place Dec. 13
Memorial service for Boris I. Bittker
Yale Books in Brief
Campus Notes
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