First Principles: What America's Founders Learned from the Greeks and Romans and How That Shaped Our Country

by Thomas E. Ricks 

The Esplanade Men's Book Club has chosen the book "First Principles" by 

Tomas Ricks.   Mr. Rick's book demonstrates the profound influence 

that the Greeks and Romans had on our Founding Fathers.   In a well 

written discussion he focuses on the  origins of the American 

Constitution and in this endeavor the Founding Fathers were well 

acquainted and schooled in the Greek and Roman Laws.  The fact that 

this period brought together such amazing group of men that provided a 

document that has lasted for so many years. Moreover, this document 

and this country has lasted through a number to turbulent times. 

Finally, in reading this book one has an appreciation for the fact  that the last 

four years created an atmosphere for the the possible loss of this 

special experiment in freedom. 

Don Putnoi