Although widely quoted and cited, William Pierce's sketches--until now--have never been analyzed or annotated in detail. John R. Vile's study offers new insights into the workings of the convention and the character and roles of its delegates, as well as Pierce's little-known life.

JOHN R. VILE is a professor of political science and dean of the University Honors College at Middle Tennessee State University. He has written extensively on the drafting and ratification of the U.S. Constitution, the constitutional amending process, proposed alternatives to the U.S. Constitution, and Supreme Court decisions and other contemporary understandings of the document. Vile is the author of numerous books on the U.S. Constitution and the constitutional amending process and of The Wisest Council in the World: Restoring the Character Sketches by William Pierce of Georgia of the Delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 (Georgia).