James Wilson: The Anxious Founder

James Wilson's life was a success story, but ended in tragedy due to his intellectual, political, and legal triumphs. His contributions to American history were greater than just his legal lectures, and his story provides a more nuanced and complete picture of his life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

James Wilson's life was a remarkable journey that began with great success in the Atlantic World and ended in a Greek tragedy. His achievements brought him intellectual, political, and legal triumphs, but also left him with increasing anxiety about his place in the revolutionary world. Wilson's story is a testament to the success of tens of thousands of Scottish immigrants who made their way to America after their trans-Atlantic voyage. However, it also serves as a reminder that not all immigrants had a happy ending. This book offers a more nuanced and complete picture of Wilson's contributions to American history, highlighting his significant role in American society beyond his legal lectures. Wilson's life was a human story of a Scottish immigrant who achieved success and acclaim for his activities on behalf of the American people during his public service, but also experienced personal struggles and financial setbacks that were worthy of a Greek tragedy. His life provides a valuable 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.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 230 x 155 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498590792