Currently reading: America’s Constitution: A Biography by Akhil Amar. Amar, a renowned law professor, discusses the history of the Constitution almost clause-by-clause, from the Preamble through the most recent amendments. For American history/law nerds like me, it’s an absorbing book, although not a light read.
I read about this in the Times; are you enjoying it? I particularly enjoyed his explanation of the historical meaning of “commerce” in terms of Congress’ ability to regulate it. It just shows that a literal reading of historical documents, be they the Constitution or the Bible, done without proper appreciation for context gives us the wrong ideas about their original intent.
I am enjoying it. It’s like high-fiber food for my brain.