Decision in Philadelphia by Christopher and James Lincoln Collier - Book Report/Review Example

A part of the book explains the importance of the Philadelphia convention of 1787 and the role it plays in the political history of the US constitution. The book covers the whole of social history, particularly in terms of ethnicity. The book offers its readers a comprehensive and brief understanding of the journey undertaken by America which transformed the country of hunters and farmers to a mightiest industrial nation existing on this earth. Undoubtedly, it could be said that the Philadelphia convention that the way Murrin has portrayed Philadelphia convention is remarkable and it explains the on-goings of that time with a not-altogether-same perspective as the Collier's Decision in Philadelphia.

(Powell's Books) Both the books hold the Philadelphia convention of 1787 in high esteem and acknowledge its importance in the successful running of the American political system. The style of describing the whole period differs in both the books in two ways. Collier goes from describing one important event to another while Murrin's style in one of describing events in chronological order. Secondly, Murrin's book is written as in a manner of teaching and narrating while Collier's 'Decision in Philadelphia' actually is a discussion of the events with the students.

The book 'Decision in Philadelphia' was published on the 200th anniversary of the Philadelphia convention and the author holds great regard for the event. Consequently, the author's approach of the personalities, events and the convention itself is one where the book regards the convention reverence rather than depicting the true account. 'Liberty, Equality and Power' however narrates the history behind the convention considering both the negative and the positive sides of the picture. This could be seen from the fact that Collier in his description of anti-federalists like George Mason in which the author has painted a negative image in the reader's mind while displaying the nationalists and as patriotic and intellectual people.

Murrin, however, adopts a neutral attitude in his description of events or people and he states the facts without confusing them with a personal opinion though in a very interesting manner. Decision in Philadelphia engages more in elaborating the feelings and emotions of the people involved in drafting the Philadelphia convention, their endeavors, meetings and finally the constitution itself while on the other hand 'Liberty, Equality and Power' gives a third-person view on the whole situation rather than putting its focus on any one personality and event.

The authors of 'Decision in Philadelphia' have somewhat given an underestimated view about the framers' commitment to the ideological notions of individual rights as well the state law. These issues are discussed in mild detail but their importance has been shadowed by the issues regarding the discussion of the politics of the Philadelphia convention. These details have been highlighted more to give an overview of the proceedings regarding the framing of the constitution. 'Liberty, Equality and Power', in contrast with 'Decision in Philadelphia' discusses these notions and ideologies in apt detail and regards.