In 1787, fifty-five men met in Philadelphia to create the document that has since become the cornerstone of our society and democracy—the Constitution. In this remarkable and thoroughly authoritative account of the historic event, the life and times of eighteenth century America not only come alive, but the very human qualities of the men who framed the document are brought provocatively into focus. Here is the awesome Washington, the shy Madison, and the lesser-known but pivotal characters such as James Wilson—who later came to a dissolute end. A celebration of how and why our Constitution came into being, Decision in Philadelphia is also a testament of the American spirit at its finest.

"The Colliers have written a useful and readable introduction to that 'most remarkable work' whose 200th anniversary we are poised to celebrate."
—Washington Post Book World

"It is the best popular history of the Constitutional Convention available.... Modern readers will find the authors' comments on the Constitution particularly interesting, casting many of the Founding Fathers in a new light. Highly recommended."
—Library Journal

"Excellent--exhaustive discussion of the progress of the Convention--written in an engaging style. It even manages to cover the Revolutionary diet."
—Dr. Stephen R. Prescott, History and Social Science Dept., Southeastern College at Wake Forest