James Wilson's life began as an Atlantic World success story, with mounting intellectual, political, and legal triumphs, but ended as a Greek tragedy. Each achievement brought greater anxiety about his place in the revolutionary world. James Wilson's life story is a testament to the success that tens of thousands of Scottish immigrants achieved after their trans-Atlantic voyage, but it also reminds us that not all had a happy ending. This book provides a more nuanced and complete picture of James Wilson's contributions in American history. His contributions were far greater than just the attention paid to his legal lectures. His is a very human story of a Scottish immigrant who experienced success and acclaim for his activities on behalf of the American people during his public service, but in his personal affairs, and particularly financial life, he suffered the great heights and deep lows worthy of a Greek tragedy. James Wilson's life is an entry point into the events of the latter half of the 18th century and the impact of the Scottish Enlightenment on American society, discourse, and government.
Autorentext
By Michael H. Taylor
Inhalt
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chapter One: James Wilson Returns to Philadelphia
Chapter Two: Leaving Scotland for America
Chapter Three: Philadelphia 1768 - James Wilson, William White, and The Visitant
Chapter Four: Reading 1768 - On the Edge of Empire
Chapter Five: Philadelphia 1787 - The Constitutional Convention
Chapter Six: The State House Yard Speech - October 6, 1787
Chapter Seven: The Anti-Federalists Respond
Chapter Eight: Twilight
Chapter Nine: Lingering Effects - The Wilson/Roosevelt Doctrine
Concluding Thoughts - James Wilson's Contribution
References
Index
About the Author