Episode 44: The Opening Episode
November 3, 2021
We do openings this week – the openings of books, that is; Akhil’s own as well as those which have served as model and inspiration.
Our series on books and authoring takes a look back at – what else? – the opening of a book. What comes first can make all the difference, but what makes for a great opening? And there are things before the opening – the forward, the preface, the dedication, the title, the cover. It’s all grist for our mill, with classic openings as well as deep dives into Akhil’s own books’ kickoffs.
Show Notes:
Facade of the National Constitution Center
The Pennsylvania Packet, September 19, 1787
Episode 43: 72 Term Papers
October 27, 2021
Our series on books continues with Akhil’s later books, and how he tells a long series of stories – and we explore one in particular: Justice Joseph Story.
What began as an exploration of sources of authority – citations, rankings, reviews, sales – now continues with our inside look at book writing and publishing. For those who have considered eventually writing a book themselves – and who among us hasn’t? – we take a deeply honest and nuanced look at all aspects of the process, including many most of us take for granted. Professor Amar’s personal approach to book writing is discussed, and one short example of it tells the story of Story himself – Joseph Story, that is, and his ongoing role in Akhil’s ambitions.
Show Notes:
Episode 42: Errors of Commission
October 20, 2021
The Biden Commission has released a draft report on “term limits” for the Court; we address the arguments.
Remember “18 reasons for 18 years?” Well, so did the Biden Commission, and as they reject court packing, they flirt with the 18 year plan. A few voices are raising in the media and even some on the commission, so we review their arguments and analyze their possible merits. A big question – can it be implemented by statute, or is a constitutional amendment required? No surprise that Akhil has a clear opinion on this. If this happens, you heard it here first – or rather, you read it first back in 2002 when Akhil and his co-author came up with it.
Show Notes:
Episode 41: Speaking of the First Amendment – Joint Episode with FIRE
October 13, 2021
Akhil discusses the history of the First Amendment in an episode we are sharing with “So to Speak” from FIRE.
Amarica’s Constitution shares the stage this week with the fine podcast “So to Speak” from the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE). Professor Amar is interviewed by FIRE, and the history of the First Amendment leads to – surprise! – a substantial number of fascinating constitutional law issues. Akhil takes time out to take issue with Robert Bork, by the way. And who kicked the dog?
Show Notes:
Episode 40: Adams or the Dog – Special Guest Edward J. Larson
October 6, 2021
Professor Edward J. Larson, Akhil’s co-teacher this semester for one of his Yale Law courses, joins us for a wide ranging discussion from science and religion at the founding to the fascinating partnership of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin.
The academic year is underway, and Professor Amar’s crazy teaching schedule, as usual, includes co-teaching with some of the greatest constitutional scholars in the nation. This semester Akhil is joined by Professor Edward Larson, whose amazingly wide range includes a PhD in History of Science in addition to his Harvard Law degree. So it is not surprising that as Professor Larson joins us for this episode, our discussion of George Washington ventures into GW the scientist. And speaking of scientists, Ed Larson also wrote a book on GW and Benjamin Franklin – was this an odd couple as it might first seem? We also take another shot at the James Madison vs. GW question while we’re at it. Oh, and religion shows up as well.
Show Notes:
Episode 39: Basically Random
September 29, 2021
The life and travails of an author, and of books; the saga from childhood reader to book tour continues.
Our look inside the literary world continues. So many of us are aspiring or perhaps would-be authors, but what is really involved, and can we really join that world? Akhil takes you through the many and sometimes surprising corners of this sphere, which is far more intricate than one might think. His personal route was not quite as smooth as it might seem, and the story of his move from a very successful book to another publisher, told here for the first time, is quite revealing of the milieu and the man.