The human aspects of the Convention and delegates

Any author taking on the narrative of such a momentous historical event as the Constitutional Convention must address the myths and legends that have arisen around the event over time. The founding fathers hold such an elevated place in American history that it is sometimes difficult to imagine them as living, breathing people. This is what Bowen aims to do in her narrative, and she includes several small details to bring the Convention into the everyday world familiar to her readers.

One of the thematic details that Bowen focuses on is the weather. In nearly every chapter, she refers to the oppressive heat of the Philadelphia summer. She adds a description of the woolen clothing common in the day to paint a vivid description of discomfort. By including such details, Bowen enriches the scene without detracting from the importance of the...