The Constitution of the United States (Penguin Little Black Classics)

It's the Consitution - so, I'm not going to review "the book." My review focuses on the $500 retail deluxe illustrated edition. I received this book a few days ago, and it is absolutley stunning! First, it is HUGE: 23.5" by 16" by 2". I have uploaded photos, which include a regular size hardcover

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book for size comparison. Second, the Constitution is unbound. The document is broken into sections and amendments, with one or two sections, or one amendment, per page. Each one is written out in large font, calligraphy-style script, and embellished with colorful artwork. It is printed on archival, very thick high, quality paper (looks a bit like parchment/vellum). Each sheet is like an artprint, and would be suitable for framing. These are inset in a dark blue cloth covered traycase, with satin ribbon for easy removal. Under the traycase lid is an included limited edition art-print, signed by the artist. My included print has the entire Constitution written out in a smaller font, in non-linear style, with an American Eagle embellishing the page.

Overall, this truly is a work of art! If I had the space, I would love to frame each print and display them in sequence on a wall. Highly recommended to book collectors, or Americana collectors.

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Outstanding analysis of our constitution plus a 1978 supplement.

Constitutional Pocket Booklet with the full constitution in it from the national Archives Office.

Another amendment has been added since this book was published, but this should be a required read for every American citizen! Not only does it contain the Constitution and the Amendments, but a history and rationale for its development is expertly written. It can be read in one sitting which makes

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it all the more remarkable.

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The complete Constitution of the United States printed in large print accessible to young readers.

I'm sure that I read these documents when I was in high school civics, I don't know if I read them word for word. This book contains the two documents listed in the title and the Articles of Confederation, which was the forerunner for the U.S. Constitution. It was interesting to see how these two

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documents compared. The book opens with a short history of the U.S. Constitution with a historical facts that I found interesting. The U.S. Constitution was not to be the paragon of political theory but it was meant to be a compromise among a group of constituents. It was a compromise between the federalists and states rights advocates. Although some wish that the constitution to be more easily changed, a system was established to prevent knee-jerk alterations. Therefore, today's constitution is similar to the document that was created 200+ years ago. For example, since its ratification in 1789, 12,000+ amendments have been proposed with only 33 of these amendments passed by Congress and turned over to the states, and of these only 27 have been ratified. Do the math! Only .225% or a fifth of one percent of proposed amendments have been ratified. The founding fathers were smart in creating a governmental framework in the US Constitution that prevent it from being altered by whims of the prevailing culture. I'm not proposing that it is a perfect document; however, with the number of participants with their respective prejudices and biases, it is the best document at that time that could have been produced.

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This is a review of the Penguin Little Black Classics edition!

How can you rate such a relevant, influential and world-famous text? I certainly don't feel up to the task, but I wanted to rate my reading experience.
The Penguin Little Black Classics edition includes the Constitution, the Preamble to

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the Bill of Rights, the amendments, and the Declaration of Independence. I think it was very interesting to read the whole text as opposed to just extracts and quotes, especially now at this point in history. I had no real idea what exactly the amendments were, or that the first ten amendments are the Bill of Rights (I'm sure I learned this in school years ago, but forgot about it). It was also interesting to see which amendment was added when, as it gives an overview of how politics developed (and I did a little jump when 1920 came up and women gained the right to vote!).
I think it would be useful to have an introduction or an afterword, but the Little Black Classics usually don't have that kind of addition, so it's not an aspect to criticize.
Of course this was a quick read as it is just a slim volume, but it was very worthwhile.

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Great history and essays to help understand the significance of this document.