Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Second Amendment: An Illustrated History

Rate this book
Librarian's Note: An alternate cover for this ISBN can be found here

The discussion of the meaning and interpretation of the first ten Amendments to the Constitution has become central to public discourse. But with unmediated news sources and fake news abounding, it is difficult to grapple with the issues without an unbiased guide. This series of books aims to inform the interested citizen of the Framers' ideas that underpin each amendment, along with their subsequent history, illustrated with some easily accessible examples from popular culture. The Second Amendment -A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.- An imposition or a privilege? Does the Second Amendment to the Constitution confer a right, or impose a tax? The argument goes back and forth, on and on. This little book takes a cool look at the historical and philosophical underpinnings that informed the Framers' writing, the political needs at the time the Amendment was written, and the way in which it has been construed by parties of all sides since. Robert McWhirter employs a witty, light touch that manages to relate the arguments around the Amendment to its interpretation in popular culture and belies the deep scholarship and research that underpins the work. The book is an invaluable source for students of the history of the Constitution as well as providing an entertaining guide to the discussion around the intended meaning and subsequent interpretation of the Second Amendment for the interested citizen. On the journey through time there are illuminating and surprising diversions into the history of literature, religion, film, sports and popular culture. This book originally appeared as chapter two of Bills, Quills, and Stills: An Annotated, Illustrated, and Illuminated History of the Bill of Rights.

50 pages, Paperback

Published June 22, 2017

1 person is currently reading
277 people want to read

About the author

Applewood Books

698 books5 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
2 (66%)
4 stars
1 (33%)
3 stars
0 (0%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
34 reviews4 followers
December 13, 2017
Simple summary of The Second Amendment: An Illustrated History at the top of the page, but more specific, connective information covers the bottom 3/4 of each page. Interesting read, however.

I could definitely see this as a digital book with all the additional, connective information as links that the reader could click on to learn more, if s/he wanted.
Profile Image for Susan Csoke.
536 reviews15 followers
December 10, 2017
An illustrated history of the second amendment. A truly controversial amendment thoroughly interpreted. THANKYOU GOODREADS FOR THIS FREE BOOK!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.