Constitutionalism, by James R. Stoner, Jr., is a short book of essays, half of which were previously published, that is guided by the best intentions. Professor Stoner defends the reasonableness and the traditionalism of the common law in opposition to contemporary theory-driven jurisprudence. In so doing, he displays a mastery of English common law and American federal jurisprudence. Unfortunately, one may be moved by his criticism of the contemporary Court and passionately wish for an alternative to it yet still find his defense of the common law unconvincing. . . .