The founders' Second Amendment : origins of the right to bear arms / Stephen P. Halbrook.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 339-392) and index.

Preface -- Introduction -- Disarming The Colonists: -- Inhabitants to be disarmed -- From the tea party to the powder alarm -- Arms embargo and search and seizure at the neck -- Shot heard 'round the world and "a cruel act of perfidy" -- Of Revolution And Rights: -- Times that try men's souls -- That the people have a right -- Musket to defend these rights -- Constitution And Compromise: -- Constitution with no bill of rights? -- Dissent of the minority -- Virginia tips the scales -- Majority that is irresistible -- To Keep And Bear Their Private Arms: -- Mr Madison's amendments -- Bill of Rights in the states -- Great militia debate -- Old founders never die, they just fade away -- Conclusion -- What does the Second Amendment say? -- Notes -- Index -- Note on the author.

Book Description: Stephen P Halbrook's The Founders' Second Amendment is the first book-length account of the origins of the Second Amendment, based on the Founders' own statements as found in newspapers, correspondence, debates, and resolutions. Mr Halbrook investigates the period from 1768 to 1826, from the last years of British rule and the American Revolution through to the adoption of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and the passing of the Founders' generation. His book offers the most comprehensive analysis of the arguments behind the drafting and adoption of the Second Amendment, and the intentions of the men who created it.