Imprimis: A Fortieth Anniversary Collection

In 1972, Hillsdale College began mailing Imprimis, a speech digest that promotes the principles of individual rights, limited government, free market economics, civic morality, and strong national defense. This volume, marking 40 years of Imprimis publication, includes several talks addressing the radical difference between the limited constitutional government established by America's founders and the bureaucratic or administrative state that exists in Washington and many state capitals today, as well as how this change came about.

The authors featured in this volume are an esteemed group, including Larry P. Arnn, Mark Steyn, Charles R. Kessler, Ronald Reagan, Friedrich A. Hayek, Milton Friedman, William J. Bennett, Dinesh D'Souza, Robert P. George, David McCullough, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick, Victor Davis Hanson, and Clarence Thomas.

These talks delve into the core principles that guided the founders in establishing the United States government, and how the gradual shift towards a more centralized, bureaucratic system has fundamentally altered the intended structure of American governance. The authors examine the philosophical underpinnings of the founders' vision, the historical events and forces that have shaped the evolution of the administrative state, and the implications of this transformation for individual liberty, economic prosperity, and the role of government in a free society.

Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the founding ideals and the challenges faced in preserving them, as well as the ongoing debates and tensions surrounding the appropriate scope and structure of government. The diverse perspectives and expertise of the authors provide a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of this critical issue, offering insights that are relevant not only to students of American history and political science, but to all citizens concerned with the future of the republic.

Through this collection of speeches, Hillsdale College and Imprimis continue their mission of promoting the principles that guided the nation's founding, and encouraging a renewed commitment to the values of limited government, individual rights, and the rule of law. As the United States navigates the complexities of the modern era, this volume serves as a valuable resource for understanding the past, engaging with the present, and shaping the future.

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