Penman of the founding : a biography of John Dickinson / Jane E. Calvert.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Calvert, Jane E., 1970- author.

Series:

Oxford scholarship online.

Oxford scholarship online

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Dickinson, John, 1732-1808.

Dickinson, John.

Statesmen--United States--Biography.

Statesmen.

United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Biography.

United States.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (625 pages)

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York, NY : Oxford University Press, [2024]

Summary:

John Dickinson, one of the architects of the Constitution - and the main author of its predecessor, the Articles of Confederation - refused to sign the Declaration of Independence. His notion of rebellion was of civil disobedience rather than violent overthrow. Dickinson has been portrayed as a cooler head in a moment of hotheads; a Quaker in all but name. During his lifetime, Dickinson freed his slaves, even paid reparations, and advocated extending greater rights for women and Native Americans. He also served in the Continental Army, despite his Quaker principles, and fought with distinction. Written by the foremost expert on Dickinson, Jane E. Calvert's book shines a new light on this lesser-known but crucially important founding figure.

Contents:

Cover

Penman of the Founding

Copyright

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chronology of the Life of John Dickinson

Abbreviations and Short Titles

Introduction: "A Wheel to effect the general Good": Understanding John Dickinson's Pivotal Role at the Founding

Prologue: "The most distinguished of patriots": The Congress of the United States Remembers John Dickinson, February 1808

1. "Nursd in the Arms of Liberty": Growing Up in Early America, 1732-​1753

2. "The Noblest Aim of Human Abilities &amp

Industry": Legal Training in London, 1753-​1757

3. "Defending the Innocent &amp

redressing the Injurd": Practicing Law in Philadelphia, 1757-​1759

4. "Congratulate Me on my Salvation": Election to Public Office, 1759-​1763

5. "So long and so dangerous a voyage": Towards Liberty in Pennsylvania, 1763-​1764

6. "Created in us by the decrees of Providence": Defining and Defending American Rights, 1765-​1766

7. "By uniting We stand, by dividing We fall": Creating American Identity and Unity, 1767-​1768

8. "Pursue moderate measures with vigour": Leader of the Resistance, 1769-​1773

9. "Freedom or an honorable Death": The Continental Congresses, 1774-​1775

10. "As the rock among the waves": Supporting America against Americans, 1776-​1777

11. "From the Mist of Doubts to the Sunshine of Belief": Quaker Politics in Congress and the Delaware Presidency, 1778-​1782

12. "Through a Wilderness of Difficulties": President of Pennsylvania, 1782-​1785

13. "A labour of public love": Reconstituting the American People, 1786-​1791

14. "I love Mankind": A Citizen Activist, 1791-​1799

15. "A constant Watchman for the public Interest": A Politician behind the Scenes, 1800-​1804

16. "To bear my public Testimony": Once More into Politics, 1804-​1808.

Epilogue: "My Name remembered by Posterity": The Dismantling of a Legacy, 1808-​2024

Notes

Index.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on online resource and publisher information; title from PDF title page (viewed on July 1, 2024).

ISBN:

9780197541722

0197541720

9780197541708

0197541704

OCLC:

1420640243