Some of the strongest passages in 1776 are the revealing and well-rounded portraits of the Georges on both sides of the Atlantic. King George III, so often portrayed as a bumbling, arrogant fool, is given a more thoughtful treatment by McCullough, who shows that the king considered the colonists to be petulant subjects without legitimate grievances--an attitude that led him to underestimate the will and capabilities of the Americans. At times he seems shocked that war was even necessary. The great Washington lives up to his considerable reputation in these pages, and McCullough relies on private correspondence to balance the man and the myth, revealing how deeply concerned Washington was about the Americans' chances for victory, despite his public optimism. Perhaps more than any other man, he realized how fortunate they were to merely survive the year, and he willingly lays the responsibility for their good fortune in the hands of God rather than his own. Enthralling and superbly written, 1776 is the work of a master historian. --Shawn Carkonen
With his riveting, enlightening accounts of subjects from Johnstown Flood to John Adams, David McCullough has become the historian that Americans look to most to tell us our own story. In his Amazon.com interview, McCullough explains why he turned in his new book from the political battles of the Revolution to the battles on the ground, and he marvels at some of his favorite young citizen soldiers who fought alongside the remarkable General Washington.
The Essential David McCullough
John Adams |
Truman |
Mornings on Horseback |
The Path Between the Seas |
The Great Bridge |
The Johnstown Flood |
More Reading on the Revolution
The Great Improvisation by Stacy Schiff |
Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer |
His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis |
Washington's General by Terry Golway |
Iron Tears by Stanley Weintraub |
Victory at Yorktown by Richard M. Ketchum |
Book Description
In this stirring audiobook, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence -- when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper.
Based on extensive research in both American and British archives, 1776 is the story of Americans in the ranks, men of every shape, size, and color, farmers, schoolteachers, shoemakers, no-accounts, and mere boys turned soldiers. And it is the story of the British commander, William Howe, and his highly disciplined redcoats who looked on their rebel foes with contempt and fought with a valor too little known. But it is the American commander-in-chief who stands foremost -- Washington, who had never before led an army in battle.
The darkest hours of that tumultuous year were as dark as any Americans have known. Especially in our own tumultuous time, 1776 is powerful testimony to how much is owed to a rare few in that brave founding epoch, and what a miracle it was that things turned out as they did.
Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough's 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history.
Download Description
"In this stirring book, David McCullough tells the intensely human story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence -- when the whole American cause was riding on their success, without which all hope for independence would have been dashed and the noble ideals of the Declaration would have amounted to little more than words on paper. Written as a companion work to his celebrated biography of John Adams, David McCullough's 1776 is another landmark in the literature of American history. "
Customer Reviews:
Excellent analysis.......2007-10-15
This is a terrific book that brings some of the most dramatic moments in the war of independence to life. If you're interested in how this country started, this is a good book to read.
"If We can Keep It" - quote of the Forefathers.......2007-10-13
It's people like David McCullough that manage to bring American History alive once more.
I remember sitting in American History class, bored to tears by the dryness of the whole thing, knowing it was vastly important, yet no stimulus was forthcoming from the instructors, further compounded by being too young to care. Perhaps, most of us just need to get older to appreciate what we have, what was given us by our predecessors, but whatever the reason, David McCullough opened the door of my jaded imagination to a vibrantly alive century long past, full of real people, feet of clay, possessing all the human frailties, yet coming together across racial, social, and intellectual lines, doing an impossible job against all odds, under the worst possible conditions, and triumphing in the end simply because they refused to recognize defeat, even as it surrounded them from every direction.
Two facts that starkly stand out in the whole mix: The patriots Knox and Greene, neither of them gentlemen by birth in the accepted way, possessing no great wealth, nor education, became two of the major components behind Washington that granted him the victory. Perhaps in other times, they, endowed of such natural talent would have been entirely overlooked. American ingenuity, one of our greatest strengths, was born out of them to us - on the spur of the moment, out of pressing necessity - with nothing more asked - or to be gained, other than death - than the passion (no other word will do) to support a new idea - Freedom.
We all know what the outcome was, so I won't bore any of you with more of that in my own heartfelt review of the book. What I really wished to convey to any reader, especially a younger one, who may not have opened the pages as yet - is that it will bring a new generation to experience anew the sense of pride that most of us as American's feel, and do it in a way that is truly "readable".
What a book - written by someone who leaves "dry" at home and digs down deep into the "human experience" to tell us the vibrant story about the courage that slumbers until needed - among a people who possess the desire to live free.
We weren't "Born Free" - it was won "for us" by others long gone - let's never forget.
Success was not guaranteed.......2007-10-01
Looking back on the American revolution of 1776 we sometimes
make the mistake to think success was guaranteed.
In David McCulloughs splendid book 1776 we clearly see
that it was not.
Its the gripping tale of american patriots like Nathanael Green,
age thirty three, who knew nothing of war except what he had read in books, and twenty five year old bookseller Henry Knox - who joined the
cause with George Washington to fight the biggest army in the world.
A weird assembly - the cause of liberty being led by a slavemaster
(Washington had more than 100 slaves). Still, in the end he is the one
who overcomes all bad odds and makes independence real.
In december 1776 leading a down and out army of some 3.000 to surprise attack Christmas night on hessian forces in Trenton and later Princeton. Turning the tide.
Having narrowly escaped the british and certain defeat in Brooklyn,
where the american army eventually only escaped over the East river,
because of the curtain of night concealed them and later a heavy fog.
Had they been spotted by the british - defeat would have been certain.
At Kips Bay Washington finds his troops in panic. Turned cowards
in front of the enemy. When no one obeys and only runs in panic,
Washington throws his hat to the ground, exclaiming in disgust:
"Are these the men with which I am to defend America".
As he and his defeated men are chased through New Jersey
by the british, thousands of the good people in New Jersey
flock to the british camps to declare their loyalty.
Washingtons followers reduced to a pitiable collection of ragged,
dispirited mortals that ever pretended to the name of an army.
As the sick and elderly were being abused, raped and murdered by british and Hessian forces in the New Jersey countryside - Washington forces quit in large numbers and return home.
And still, Christmas night, Washingtons men attack Trenton and conquers
1.500 Hessians - and turned the tide.
In McCulloughs word- Washington was not a brilliant tactician,
not a gifted orator, not an intellectual. At several crucial moments
he had shown indecisiveness and mistakes in judgment. But he
never forgot what was at stake and he never gave up.
What a story 1776 is. It makes sense that one book can't follow
event all the way to Yorktown or from the beginning with the Boston teaparty.
Simply 1776 has so much drama - that it is more than enough
for one book. But I will look forward to sequels. 1775, 1777 etc.
The John Adams book was more complete in the sense that we got both the begining and the end to the story, so that got five stars. Here I missed something on what happened after 1776 - but then again, I am sure the author is busy working on sequels !
-Simon
It Can't Be Said Enough, Excellent, Superb, One of the Best.......2007-10-01
There has probably been enough written about this book to fill more pages than the book itself. Of all the military books I have read, this book more than any other brought the information alive. The way writing was beyond excellent and the information presented in an engaging manner. Obviously this book represents General Washington and the American cause in a positive manner. That's not to say that it glosses over any of Washington's mistakes. On the contrary the author is quick to point out the general's mistakes and weaknesses. But as history would prove, Washington did enough right to survive 1776 and all the events of that dramatic year to keep an army in the field. Keeping the Continental Army in the field was most likely the single most important achievement of George Washington's tenure as Commander and Chief, during the war years. The book gives you insight into the lives of both officers and enlisted while maintaining it's focus on the overall impact of the decisions made during each chapter. It's difficult to write a review for a book that has already won the Pulitzer Prize. All this reviewer can really say is that all the accolades this book has received were very much deserved
1776: A ROLLER-COASTER RIDE!.......2007-09-21
David McCullough's book "1776" chronicles the first major year of fighting in during America's war for independence. The strength of this book is how McCullough gives the reader a humanistic portrayal of all the key players of the American Revolution. His accounts of key battles and events are exciting and dramatic, rivaling the best of historic fiction. This book will keep you glued until the very end. I highly recommend it!
Grade: A
Book Description
A pocket edition of America's founding documents.
Customer Reviews:
What every American should know.......2007-09-02
Here it is. The founding principles of our democracy. It seems many people are bored by such things, but without these documents we would have no freedoms. And if you don't know what's in these then you don't know when "the man" (i.e. government/politicians) is trying to take rights away from you, or are trying to pull a fast one on us. Buy this. Read it. Understand it. And then you can hold your elected officials accountable when they try to ignore these founding principles. Democracy is not for wimps.
Amazing what those gentlemen thought-up and put together over 220 years ago, and it's still relevant today. Now if we could just convince the two major parties of this.
Independence Day Gifts.......2007-07-03
I bought 15 of these handy little pocket books, and I am giving one to every daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild in my family on the Forth of July. Every American should have one on their desk!
Basic Equipment.......2007-04-16
This is basic equipment for everyone who lives in the USA. Don't like income taxes? Don't like this corrupt, tyrannical government? The Government is like a bad kid and you're the parent who allows it to act that way. What are you going to do with that bad kid? Study and learn for yourself. Do you think the Government (Fed, State and Local) are going to teach you how to fight them. You have no rights unless you exercise them. But first you have to know what they are. This is a Pocket sized book and perfect for carrying on your person.
How about those guns they said you have to have a license to carry them on you... Is that what the constitution says?
Stop blaming other people and the times... the buck stops with YOU!
Best book ever written.......2007-04-14
It's the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States...nothing more to be said.
I carry it with me wherever I go and read it all the time. It's good to know your rights and how our Government (Not just Bush, ALL of Government) are taking them away from us.
Ever hear of the "boiling frog" method?
Everyone should keep this handy.......2007-03-11
As a Cato contributor for many years I've gotten copies of this great little book many times directly from them "for free."
I keep a copy in my briefcase and have given other copies to friends and family. I can't count the number of times I've whipped this little book out and used it to discuss some fine point of what is in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution.
You can become a Cato contributor and get a free copy, or buy it in many places. Ironically the shipping costs on Amazon are higher than the price of new books that can be obtained in many places.
An essential item in every house.
Book Description
An ancient title of respect for women, the word “cunt” long ago veered off this noble path. Inga Muscio traces the road from honor to expletive, giving women the motivation and tools to claim “cunt” as a positive and powerful force in their lives. In this fully revised edition, she explores, with candidness and humor, such traditional feminist issues as birth control, sexuality, jealousy between women, and prostitution with a fresh attitude for a new generation of women. Sending out a call for every woman to be the Cuntlovin’ Ruler of Her Sexual Universe, Muscio stands convention on its head by embracing all things cunt-related. This edition is fully revised with updated resources, a new foreword from sexual pioneer Betty Dodson, and a new afterword by the author. “Bright, sharp, empowering, long-lasting, useful, sexy....”—San Francisco Chronicle “... Cunt provides fertile ground for psychological growth.”—San Francisco Bay Guardian “Cunt does for feminism what smoothies did for high-fiber diets—it reinvents the oft-indigestible into something sweet and delicious.”—Bust Magazine
Customer Reviews:
Femfolkart.......2007-09-17
Woman's Liberation don't have to be corny, whiny, nasty or boring, as this flip hip(pie) D.I.Y. riotgrrrrrrrrrr prolecult anarchist prosepoem 'zine(esque) masterpiece so amply demonstrates. Dissing both Eve Ensler's "corporate feminism" AND the Womyn-Born-Womyn separatists in equal measure, the 2nd Edition gracefully embraces queercunts, making Inga Muscio's anthem especially moderne politic. She doesn't write so much as rant on paper, euphoric anger and humor and daring, like Sleater-Kinney amping Angela Davis smartly Through The Flower (which the cover invokes). Wit and passion and power chords - the section on Granmmas For President brought psychedelic tears to my eyes. Heyheyhey, how many feminist treatises receive raves from MaximumR&R anyhoo?
The largest sex organ is the mind.............2007-06-05
An interesting etymology polluted by whacky hippie stew-brained lifestyle suggestions, which makes the archaeology of knowledge and thesis suspect. So this is no field manual for the Tactical Women's Assault Team on their take-back-the-night-language-history-power-whatever rampage. Still, that this book exists at all is evidence of the triumph of Western civilization over the primitivism this author confuses with her projections of ideological and bucolic freedom.
Really fun to have on your college dorm bookshelf. Sure to attract arguments with hairy-legged man-hating hags and fundy know-nothings alike, so crack a beer and prepare yourself for a non-Aristotelian laugh riot of a Symposium. First person to mention Chomsky looses.
The Ann Coulter of the Left.......2007-01-16
Before I write a review for this book, let me first say that I think that it is a joke that Amazon allows people to vote on whether they find reviews 'helpful' - if the review is positive and you like the book, you'll vote favorably; if it is negative and you like the book, you'll vote unfavorably. And vice versa. In any case, none of us actually have a 'blank slate.'
That having said, let me compare Inga Muscio to Ann Coulter. Both are extremists (the former a leftwing and the latter a rightwing) who are strong advocates of violence as a means of bringing about change and who are invited to college campuses around the country (if the college/university can afford them) to endorse their books (rather than to actively engage in dialogue with the students who might oppose them). Both are a bunch of self-important blowhards whose style is not even remotely academic - in the case of Muscio, swearing in every other sentence, not citing her references, hurling ad hominem attacks at people she dislikes, and repeating herself three times to make herself come off as profound; in the case of Coulter, distorting facts, making straw man/unverified/counterfactual claims, hurling ad hominem attacks at people she dislikes, and above all, just lying. Both authors do not deserve to have their works read by anyone invested in the business of truthseeking.
Now, for my review. To be fair, Inga deserves commendations for taking on a (sadly) risque subject in our culture, viz. promoting appreciation for the female genitalia. But why does such a (wo)manifesto have to include the glorification of abortion, violence towards men and a consistent undertone of revenge? I am male but am still very much pro-choice and am not entirely offended by strong feminist writing, even which advocates (however jokingly) killing men, but men too have been victimized by violence (committed by other men and women alike) and therefore, can and should be allies to ending violence against women. I recommend works by Eve Ensler, Betty Dodson, bell hooks, Betty Reardon, or Mary Daly if one wants true feminist scholarship.
Wow :).......2006-03-25
A little bit about my lens with which I view the world: I'm a 21 year old woman, a history major currently attending a military college with only 10% other women (which I don't mind,) straight, and a republican (fine, yell at me later.) That said, this book was my introduction into the world of herstory and just being a loving woman (both self and others.) I've always had these ideas hanging in the back of my head, and always been bothered by some blatant inequities, so ingrained in our societal mind that they're apparent even at my school, which does everything it can to ensure our sex does not hinder or help us in relation to the boys. I really enjoyed this new view of my body part which until now, was really just a huge pain, a constant reminder that I wasn't as fast or as strong as the boys, and that simply living entailed so many more risks than they had to take. I wasn't so cool with the section on abortion, but that's the author's choice, I kinda believe that unborn women have rights too.
I was amazed at the section on rape-- how it is committed by people with a complete and utter lack of respect, well, I can't paraphase it well, I don't have the book with me right now, but it was an outstanding point.
Thank God that we were all born in a time that women can *finally* start expounding on our right to equality and at the same time the blessing we have that we are different than men (but still wonderful!)
Interesting, pro-woman read.......2006-02-22
This book was given to me to read by a friend. It was one of the most inspiring, woman-friendly books I have ever read. I would encourage everyone, man, woman, whatever, to read it. I may not use sea sponges as sanitary pads or trust my sexual health to herbs, but if this book taught me one thing, it was to think before making a degrading comment about another woman, to accept myself, flaws and all, and to encourage other women to love themselves. As for my bias, well I am a pro-choice, female, democrat college student. But I encourage everyone to read it. Even if most of it offends you, I can't imagine anyone reading this book coming out of it worse off (ie disliking women, and all people, more) than they did prior to reading it.
Book Description
Samuel Adams is perhaps the most unheralded and overshadowed of the founding fathers, yet without him there would have been no American Revolution. A genius at devising civil protests and political maneuvers that became a trademark of American politics, Adams astutely forced Britain into coercive military measures that ultimately led to the irreversible split in the empire. His remarkable political career addresses all the major issues concerning America's decision to become a nation -- from the notion of taxation without representation to the Declaration of Independence. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams all acknowledged that they built our nation on Samuel Adams' foundations. Now, in this riveting biography, his story is finally told and his crucial place in American history is fully recognized.
Customer Reviews:
An inspirational account of one of our greatest founders.......2007-09-13
Compared to the other fundamental founders, hardly any primary sources remain of Adams since he wasn't preoccupied with his place in history and didn't save documents and correspondence. As such, Samuel Adams: Father of the American Revolution is a short read, but is a relatively concise and well-written account of his political life. Adams himself was extraordinary, and after reading this book, it's easy to see that he is exceedingly underappreciated as one of the greatest American revolutionaries. Adams is a testament to the ability of one man to change the political landscape for the better, and he is inspirational as a one-man harbinger of liberty.
The Father of the American Revolution Is Given His Due.......2007-05-22
No one has articulated it any better than Mark Puls when he states in his concluding remarks that " Americans of his generation came to view Samuel Adams as the spirit of liberty and the patriarch of liberty". Jefferson may have written about the ideals of independence more eloquently; Washington may have acted upon those ideals more directly; and, Franklin may have translated those ideals more concretely abroad to our French allies; however, no one of our founding fathers wrote more frequently, acted more fervently, or lived more fully and focused on the prize of separation and independence than Samuel Adams.
Maybe it's because Adams shunned the spotlight and the attention that others of his era sought so impassionately to grasp, or perhaps, he was content to simply see from the background the ultimate fruits of his prodigious labors. Whatever the reason, Adams emerged as the leading patriot strategist,politician as well as most influential writer in America. The author has truly captured the essence of the man who deservedly is called the Father of the American Revolution. It is a well-witten, if not long overdue, tribute to the mastermind behind the War of independence.
S. A. shows one person can truly make a difference.......2007-04-21
Give the author an "A" for producing a very interesting and informative look at an Adams family member who has not received the attention from history he deserves. Give the publisher "F" for not being interested enough to have a proofreader correct the numerous grammatical errors before printing it.
Good bio of the Father of the American Revolution.......2007-02-25
When you read about most revolutionary war figures - Washington, Hamilton, Adams, Jefferson or Madison - their stories more or less start with the American Revolution. Even Ben Franklin, a member of an earlier generation, did not jump on the Independence wagon very early or very easily. Samuel Adams, however, was the most important figure in the early Independence movement and quite rightfully deserves the title Father of the American Revolution.
Mark Puls brief (less than 250 pages of text) biography shows how important Adams was. From an early age, Adams started thinking of independence from England. In 1764, he unsuccessfully opposed the Sugar Act, but laid the foundation for his battle against the 1765 Stamp Act. Showing both good organizational ability and political savvy, he was able to successfully organize a boycott that forced Parliament to repeal the measure. Although it would take a decade to take root, this was really the first blow for independence; it began harder and harder for the British to deal with colonial unrest.
Eventually, after acts like the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party, the rift widened and reconciliation, though attempted, was clearly impossible. During the Revolutionary War, Adams played key roles behind the scenes. Although not an author of the Declaration of Independence, his ideas permeated the document; he also helped construct the Articles of Confederation. After the war, however, other figures moved into the spotlight, a role he was fine with giving up.
In ways Samuel Adams was an idealist, willing to sacrifice his health and financial well-being to accomplish his objectives. He was also, however, a pragmatist, able to work behind the scenes to meet his goals. Reading his biography, however, is also a lesson on how we determine who are our "heroes." In certain ways, Adams is little different from John Calhoun, who also felt he was opposing an oppressive government. Adams, however, is generally looked on favorably, while Calhoun - a major proponent of slavery and one who helped start the secession movement - has, at best, a mixed reputation.
Puls biography is a positive one that never really discusses his subject's flaws, but doesn't descend into the cloying sweetness of hagiography. Well-written, this book is readable and informative, providing insight into one of the lesser-known figures of the era. For those who enjoy learning about this period, or who seem to only know Samuel Adams from the beer that bears his name, this book will be a good read.
THE MAN OF THE REVOLUTION .......2007-01-15
One of the seeming paradoxes of the American Revolution is that, unlike later revolutions, the issues in dispute, centrally the question of taxation without representation, appear from this distance to have been resolvable by essentially parliamentary means until very late in the conflict. This is reflected in the attitudes and political maneuverings of the members of the various colonial leaderships, Samuel Adams included. Unlike the French Revolution or the Russian Revolution there were apparently few conscious revolutionaries ready to take drastic action to gain independence until events forced their hands. Moreover, unlike those revolutions which were more or less predicted by substantial numbers of the people involved based on a whole series of social, political and economic factors the situation in America did not on the surface cry out for such a resolution. However, like those governments the various pre-revolutionary British governments and particularly the person of George III clung to their prerogatives beyond all reason. That is the unifying factor between all three revolutions.
That said, Samuel Adams, by hook or by crook, stands heads above the other colonial leaders in pressing the fight against the Crown to the end. He, unlike others in the various colonial leaderships, did not waiver when it became clear that nothing short of independence would resolve the conflict. From the time of the fight against the Stamp Act through the fight over the quartering of British troops in Boston to the ramifications of the Boston Massacre, the Townsend Acts, the Tea Party, the creation of the committees of correspondence to the call for the Continental Congress his name, thought and pen are linked to the struggles, particularly the struggles in Massachusetts, a pivotal locale of the colonial struggles. Moreover, again unlike other leaders, he was throughout the controversies connected with the plebian masses through the Sons of Liberty. Thus, without exaggeration he can truly be called a tribune of the people. That he has been placed on a lesser level in the pantheon of revolutionary heroes has more to do with how and who writes history than in the measure of the importance of his role in the Revolution.
One can make a strong argument that Adams's organizational skills were critical to the successful union of the colonies into a unitary fighting force against the Crown. His committees of correspondence which he initiated in Massachusetts as a means for dispensing information, producing propaganda and cohering a collective leadership for that colony and which he was instrumental in expanding to the other colonies led to the Continental Congress and thereafter to its call for a Declaration of Independence. No, he did not have a big role in the Declaration itself nor did he play a national role in the revolutionary struggle but one can clearly see his imprint on the thinking (and doing) of the times. The American Revolution was carried out by big men doing a big job. Sam Adams was a big man. If a closet Tory like his cousin John Adams has, due to recent biographical publicity, emerged as a bigger icon in the revolutionary galaxy then Sam Adams's certainly needs to be reevaluated. Read more.
Book Description
The acclaimed author of A People's History of the United States (more than 200,000 copies sold) presents an honest and piercing look at American political ideology.
Customer Reviews:
An examination of American ideology in light of American history, and vice-versa.......2006-07-21
Revisionist historian Howard Zinn, most well known for his monumental People's History of the United States, here turns his crystal-clear lens of historical criticism to the cherished myths of American politics. After first defining "American ideology" as "a dominant pattern of ideas" in whose company belong such notions as "democracy," "national security," "free press," etc., Zinn proceeds to examine each of these tenets in more detail.
His methods are historical, in that he looks to the past for concrete examples of American political activity that can support or invalidate the self-accolades of the American body politic. His goal is political, however, in that he reveals American political ideology to be at its best, simply hollow rhetoric, and at the worst, pernicious double-speak. He argues persuasively that the democratic republic whose birth certificate (the Declaration of Independence) includes a clause supporting its own execution has been replaced by a national power which does everything (and anything) in order "to maintain the state."
Professor Zinn makes powerful arguments and reveals an abundance of historical data to challenge many cherished American institutions. "Free speech" is examined in the light of various political machinations including the Sedition Act of 1798 and the Espionage Act (under whose provisions Eugene V. Debs was imprisoned for opposing WWI). Not even the sacred cow of World War II (the "Good War") is safe from Zinn's cleaver, which reduces it to a very satisfying porterhouse of political power-mongering and governmental greed, as he argues against the very notion of a "just war."
Provocative and compassionate and very, very necessary in today's world of sound-bite media where political analysis is replaced with marketing surveys and the content of discussion has given way to meaningless aphorisms of received wisdom and grunts of derision. The Wizard does not want us to look behind the curtain, and here Howard Zinn stands smiling, with the pull-cord in his hands.
Even The Detractors Make This Book's Case.......2006-02-04
To date - 2/4/06 - There have been 28 reviews posted about this book and its author (not counting my review nor whatever others may have been removed from this site) since 1999.
Of the 28 reviews, nearly every one was a 5-star review! That so many folks responded so positively says something. For detractors, to appreciate this book implies we are either un-"Patriotic", un-"American", "Communists", or simply stupid, deluded and misinformed.
(I placed the above three words in quotation marks because their common usage definitions transcend dictionary entries, which is precisely why such books are so necessary. Abstract concepts demand careful and constant examination and interpersonal redefinition lest they collapse into harmful, unproductive labeling, name-calling and character assassination.)
I found only one 1-star comment, which reduced the entire book to leftist opinion. More refreshingly, I found the only 2-star review by "just a guy" (Revolutionary without a revolution...yet, April 25, 2002) - a long list of quotes and page references intended to bolster his position that Zinn is a Communist - had the opposite effect for me! I copy and pasted his review into a text document for future reference, and immediately ordered a half dozen copies to share with my Right-wing, Conservative friends!
Odd as it may sound, "Liberals" and Conservatives" can be friends...when their ideologies don't replace their humanity in each other's eyes.
[...]
A unique look at American history.......2004-12-30
Howard Zinn has written a highly informative and enjoyable book. He takes on and demolishes some of the most pervasive myths in American history, from the "necessity" of dropping the atomic bombs on Japan to the common but mistaken belief that the First Amendment has protected free speech in America. I highly recommend this book to all readers of American history, regardless of their political persuasion.
Hardly an unqualified admirer of this country, Zinn pulls no punches in attacking America's dark past, from slavery and segregation of black people to the exploitation of workers in the early 1900s. He is also a strong critic of American foreign policy. In what may be the most controversial part of the book, he attacks the common belief that war can be just. Zinn shows that even in World War II much of the killing was unneccessary. Many conservatives will object to this, but I think Zinn makes a solid case for pacificism. Just as controversial, Zinn believes free speech in America exists basically for the rich. Class conflict is a recurring theme throughout Declarations of Independence.
This was a terrific book and I look forward to reading A People's History of the United States.
Very impressive. :).......2004-04-16
I picked this up at a bookstore, totally unknown of
Howard Zinn (don't have a chance to read those commi-like
books), but found very impressive... not communist-oriented,
simply one of the best book I found which talks about the
future of capitalism and democracy.
Let Howard Zinn shake out the cobwebs and open your eyes.......2003-06-14
"There is a fable written by German playwright Bertolt Brecht that goes roughly like this: A man living alone answers a knock at the door. When he opens it, he sees in the doorway the powerful body, the cruel face, of The Tyrant. The Tyrant asks, "Will you submit?" The man does not reply. He steps aside. The Tyrant enters and establishes himself in the man's house. The man serves him for years. Then The Tyrant becomes sick from food poisoning. He dies. The man wraps the body, opens the door, gets rid of the body, comes back to his house, closes the door behind him, and says, firmly, "No.""
This quote illustrates Zinn's contention that momentous changes can occur with patience and without submission. Zinn points out that throughout history, the results of wars are not what were expected or planned, unpredicatable events occur. Given that, the "unacceptable means" of war do not justify the "uncertain ends".
This book was written in 1990 before the breakup of the Soviet Union and the end of apartheid although Zinn states the hope that such events will happen.
Although these milestones in history were yet to come, I was struck by the timeliness of the book, many sections could have been written about events and trends happening today. I recommend this book to everyone who feels swept away and powerless in America today. Read this book and do not submit.
Amazon.com
Gordon S. Wood--winner of the Pulitzer Prize and professor of American history at Brown University--had no idea what he was getting into when he began this 653-page book. Innocently, he wanted to write a "monographic analysis of constitution-making in the Revolutionary era." Little did he know he would discover an intellectual world where a complete transformation of political thought was occurring, one that would create "a distinctly American system of politics." As Wood explains, "Beneath the variety and idiosyncrasies of American opinion there emerged a general pattern of beliefs about the social process--a set of common assumptions about history, society, and politics that connected and made significant seemingly discrete and unrelated ideas. Really for the first time I began to glimpse what late eighteenth-century Americans meant when they talked about living in an enlightened age." This original study of the American political system is a strong contribution to the scholarly studies of the events surrounding the nation's independence.
Book Description
One of the half dozen most important books ever written about the American Revolution.
New York Times Book Review
During the nearly two decades since its publication, this book has set the pace, furnished benchmarks, and afforded targets for many subsequent studies. If ever a work of history merited the appellation 'modern classic,' this is surely one.
William and Mary Quarterly
[A] brilliant and sweeping interpretation of political culture in the Revolutionary generation.
New England QuarterlyThis is an admirable, thoughtful, and penetrating study of one of the most important chapters in American history.
Wesley Frank Craven
Customer Reviews:
"a true, enduring classic".......2006-08-10
Gordon S. Wood is one of the deans of the so-called "intellectual historians" of the Revolutionary era. I just finished reading this book for the third time in the last 15 years, and I am struck by the sweeping nature of it. Wood's thesis is essentially that Americans' thinking about government and politics underwent a remarkable change in the 11 years between the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the framing of the Constitution. In short, through a series of piecemeal changes during this brief period, Americans largely put together a new mode of political thinking. The key to Wood's argument seems to be his discussion of the changes that occurred in the locus of sovereignty, and the separation of political from social authority. "The people" play the key role here. They went from traditionally being "embodied" in one branch of the gov't (the House of Commons in England, for example), to being the source of all governmental authority. This change brought with it changes in the understanding of representation and of separation of powers, and made possible Americans' unique concept of federalism, and the development of an "American science of politics". Wood uses a dazzling array of sources to support his arguments, and in doing so, shows how many hands and brains were involved in this work. The book is long and the general reader may find it a bit difficult, but anyone interested in the development of American political thought cannot neglect it.
Truly Great Book.......2006-06-20
I agree with the observations of all of your other reviewers, though I read this book in graduate school and didn't have trouble staying awake. I think R. Albin of Michigan comes closest to the gist of Wood's central thesis, but I would like to elaborate. The Founding Fathers were steeped in 18th century hierarchical society and resented the inherited privilege of Europe's aristocracy because they believed themselves to be the equal of the gentlemen who ruled England. A hallmark of such a society was a requirement that the elite assume the reins of government and exercise power for the benefit of everyone in society. They were required to act "Virtuously" in 18th century parlance. They did not really intend to change this hierarchy with the Revolution and they fully expected that the common men they mobilized as their ground forces would govern the country virtuously. The common man certainly being capable of governing his own affairs, Adams, Madison and the others found that the rustics who controlled the state legislatures during the Revolution and after had no inclination to govern for the larger society. They pursued their own interests and gave little thought to the greater issues at hand, such as the need for organizing a national government and integrating the economy. Because of that sour experience with "direct" democracy, the Founders created a constitution, based on what they saw as the structure of "checks and balances" implicit in the English constitution, that they hoped would restrain the common man and his lack of virtue. Wood's book is the history of their transition through, and adaptation of, highly sophisticated political theories to arrive at that result. Because of their superior understanding of politics and how to control the forces they unleashed, the US passed through its revolutionary era without the full-blown civil war that plagued both the French and Russian Revolutions.
Amazing book, and great sedative too!.......2006-04-09
This is a wonderful book that any student of the American Revolution should read. Gordon Wood does a great job of highlighting the fact the our founding fathers were brilliant scholars and historians. I also love how they are placed in the context of the Enlightenment and the Glorious Revolution and how their knowledge of these events shaped American history. Gordon Wood is brilliant, as are our founding fathers. Gentle warning though, this book doesn't have that great of a rhetoric style to it and is rammed full of details, so expect reading it to put you to sleep after a while.
Nation building at its best.......2005-04-03
The Creation of the American Republic is a stunning testimonial to the spirit of Revolutionary era political thought. It is Gordon Wood's tracing of the ideas, ideals, and beliefs that went into the founding of The United States as a political entity by the men who would lead it in its first decades.
The Founding Fathers, as we tend to call those men of the late Eighteenth Century who led the Revolution and the first attempts at national government, were well versed in the political theory of their day. As citizens of the empire, they were well acquainted with British law and government, and became familiar with modern and ancient political philosophy as practiced and promoted elsewhere. This was, for them, the central issue facing their times. How, they asked, could a new government function for the benefit of all? How could it remain stable in the face of opposition, in the face of chaos and uncertainty, and under pressure from man's natural mistrust of higher authority? Wood guides us through the assumptions, experiences, and learned beliefs that guided our national leaders as they moved closer to and into revolution. They had, to say the least, a lot to think about. It was a given, after their long and lately unsatisfying experience with British power, that they would prefer that authority exist as much as possible at the lowest levels of society, typically in a state legislature or even a town council. But even this issue was fraught with questions over the nature of representation (bicameral versus unicameral legislatures, the power of governors etc.). Wood takes a lengthy topic-by-topic approach that precludes any breakdown of subjects here.
The situation that developed after the Revolution, as the people found, was that all their planning and debate on the nature of good government had failed. The state legislatures did not bring out the best in people, and often they attracted the worst sorts of men. This, as many people agreed, was a problem in search of a remedy. And so the spirit of strong national and constitutional government was born, with essentially another long round of philosophical thought about the nature of a constitution and debate about the strengths and weaknesses of central government. And so the story goes.
Looking at Wood from a practical perspective, the reader should be aware of what is included. The text exists almost entirely within the space of political theory. Though quotes are numerous, relevant, and well cited, they exist almost in a historical vacuum. There is virtually no mention made of any kind about actual events going on in the world. The reader unfamiliar with revolutionary history will be at a serious disadvantage in trying to figure out what happened that led the Founders to hold the opinions they did. How did the state legislatures fail? Greedy and mischievous men filled them. What exactly did they do? That, alas, is somewhat vague. Any mention of how events unfolded (like the war going on outside) is invisible within these pages. This is not strictly a problem by any means, but it is certainly worth mentioning to potential readers. This is political theory in a historical context, but physically in a bubble.
The least you need to know after reading Wood is that enormous time and energy went into justifying the Revolution and building a proper and functioning nation afterwards. Whatever other benefits may have come to those mostly well-off men who framed the debate and made the decisions (and they were certainly aware of their own financial and practical social differences with the bulk of the population; it formed a sizeable subset of their theory), they were well informed and generally desirous of building the best society they could, for everyone. This book alone is a good answer to historians recent and not-so-recent who have posited that other considerations make up the primary impetus behind the Revolution and the Constitution. This is simply not the case. Rather, revolutionary politics and nation founding attracted the attention of the brightest and most motivated men of the age. Though often in sometimes fierce disagreement even over fundamental issues, their goal remained honorable and beneficial to all.
Creation of the American Republic.......2004-08-24
This is one of those rare books that comes along once in a generation. No one prior, and no one since have come close to explaining the political ideology of the American Revolution and "Critical Period" so thoroughly. Gordon Wood picks up where Bernard Bailyn (who shows how American colonial governments evolved)leaves off and provides keen insight into how our present government came to be.
Wood makes no apologies for his subject, he simply does a superb job of providing the reader with evidence from which conclusions can be drawn. The Constitution is the culmination of the Revolution, but somehow it has allowed for our government to become the largest purveyor of entitlements the world has ever known. One wonders how the Articles of Confederation could have done much worse. Wood explains that Americans were freer under the Articles, but the politcos of the day saw an opportunity to grab a hold of the government and make people think they are actually a part of the decisions being made. Somewhere along the line, the original purity of American democracy became perverted into the monstrous federal government we see today.
But it wasn't always this way. Americans, according to Wood, saw themselves as the standard bearers for the English constitution once they saw how the English themselves had lost sight of their constitution's intent. They fought the war and crafted individual governments. Then along came the men of ambition who could not strive within the confines of a state government and needed something that would allow for greater achievement. Imperium in imperio became the obective of the new federal government.
Wood's book is excellent. This should be required reader for anyone serving in Congress (though most would not understand what Wood is saying and the rest would be too stupid to grasp the real meaning of how our government came to be and who it was meant to serve). Somehow special interests spanning the political spectrum have come to be and most common Americans are forced to make decisions being informed mainly by the bombardement of political advertisements we see on television.
If one desires to understand what the American Revolution meant for our political system, this book is a must read.
Book Description
In a stunningly original look at the American Declaration of Independence, David Armitage reveals the document in a new light: through the eyes of the rest of the world. Not only did the Declaration announce the entry of the United States onto the world stage, it became the model for other countries to follow.
Armitage examines the Declaration as a political, legal, and intellectual document, and is the first to treat it entirely within a broad international framework. He shows how the Declaration arose within a global moment in the late eighteenth century similar to our own. He uses over one hundred declarations of independence written since 1776 to show the influence and role the U.S. Declaration has played in creating a world of states out of a world of empires. He discusses why the framers' language of natural rights did not resonate in Britain, how the document was interpreted in the rest of the world, whether the Declaration established a new nation or a collection of states, and where and how the Declaration has had an overt influence on independence movements--from Haiti to Vietnam, and from Venezuela to Rhodesia.
Included is the text of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and sample declarations from around the world. An eye-opening list of declarations of independence since 1776 is compiled here for the first time. This unique global perspective demonstrates the singular role of the United States document as a founding statement of our modern world.
Customer Reviews:
A fine first offering.......2007-04-09
Armitage's work, though far from comprehensive, is an excellent "conversation starter" regarding the immense influence the U.S. Declaration of Independence has exerted upon world movements towards self-empowerment. And the reader need not take Armitage's word alone as the gospel: the oblong volume includes a broad selection of "declarations of independence" from around the world, including those from such diverse locations as Liberia, Texas, and Israel.
Armitage analyzes the ideological influences writers have felt from Jefferson's document, and offers his interpretations regarding the importance of those influences. His work is a key discussion on an emerging field in American archival study.
However, this book is simply not long enough. Only half of the volume is devoted to Armitage's research. The remaining half is given over to sample declarations, Jefferson's rough and final drafts for the Second Continental Congress, a British rebuttal to the American document, and a table listing almost all independence pronouncements from 1776 to 1993. Armitage has opened the discussion--it remains for a further scholar, or perhaps Armitage himself--to take it to the next level.
A nice little compendium.......2007-02-19
It was long known that the U.S declaration of Independence inspired others including Haiti, New Zealand, Hungary and Rhodesia. This book is an attempt to survey a few of those and ask important questions about the nature of such declarations. It is nice little book although it is not encyclopedic. It does miss a few declarations that are obviously modeled on the American one and the book could have gone deeper to examine the way in which the U.S declaration influenced others and why it didnt influence some. That would have been an interesting aside, nevertheless this is a first step and it merely begs someone to complete the project.
Incisive and intelligently written, a quick and enjoyable read.
Seth J. Frantzman
I declare.......2007-01-28
A strangely dry and thin analysis of the political afterlife of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. It reads like a professor's lecture notes that are slightly expanded and tidied-up for publication. One more book to be listed as a professional accomplishment for the Harvard teacher.
I did enjoy reading the reprinting of Jeremy Bentham's view of the great document shortly after it was issued in 1776.
I did not enjoy the physical size of this edition. I found its relative smallness made for an awkward reading experience.
MOVING ACCOUNT OF AMERICAN 'DOI'; TERRIBLE ACCOUNT OF GLOBAL HISTORY.......2007-01-28
The book's first hundred pages are a moving and extraordinary account of the American Declaration of Independence. It confirms the author's ommand of American history and of the English language. If the book stopped there, and was issued as a mass-distribution, commemorative account, it may even be the best thus far.
But alas, the author's ambition gets the better of him and he insists on turning it into a 'Global History' of declarations of independence. That is in fact the subtitle of the book, and perhaps a hoped-for hook to make readers buy it. But the next forty pages quickly confirm that the author has neither the breadth of knowledge to deliver a complete history, leaving gaps that an elephant could walk through, nor the savvy to avoid emphasizing declarations of independence by Haiti, Venezuela, Philipines, Latvia, Hungary and others, none of which have been independent for any reasonable length of their history. Lost thus are the history of Australian, New Zealand or French independence, and other countries that have in fact been independent, although those at least find mention in appendices and in passing. What finds no mention at all is the largest democracy in the world, India, and its declaration of independence, which begins with the familiar words "We the People." In fact, in an exhaustive but unnecessary appendix of all the world's declarations of independence, India finds no mention at all, neither its initial declaration in 1931 nor its final one in 1947. The book then simply loses all credibility and completeness.
It appears therefore that the author David Armitage has relied too much on extraneous countries, studying which perhaps won him grants and fellowships, and has thus missed the elephants in the room, countries like Australia and India, which rarely attract funding or discussions in the hallowed halls of Harvard. The book so badly misses its promise that Harvard Press should reissue it as a collector's books, and then it should soar.
Book Description
Most people know the importance of the Declaration of Independence, but few know much about its signers. This reprint of an 1848 original provides a brief biography on each of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration. Learn the virtues of these venerated Americans who helped create the most stable and enviable nation in the world.
Customer Reviews:
56 men who changed the course of history!.......2007-06-26
Ever wonder what happened to those men to which we, as Americans, are so deeply indebted who signed a document stating that they were willing to sacrifice their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor? Well, according to the historical accounts presented in this book, many of those men we commonly refer to as the Founding Fathers, actually did sacrifice greatly to help establish and preserve this great nation and the fact that far too little is known of their great sacrifices is a tragedy in itself.
The book walks through the lives of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence in the order in which they signed - from the three delegates from New Hampshire to the signers from Georgia. Obviously some names are familiar such as John Hancock, John Adams, Samuel Adams, John Witherspoon, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. But little is known even about these great men regarding the extent of their personal sacrifice to the cause of this nation.
However, the essence of this book is in examining the lives of those lesser known men who gave up just as much, some even more, in the cause of freedom. Men such as Dr. Matthew Thorton from New Hampshire, who interestingly enough was absent on the Fourth of July when the vote was taken on the adoption of the Declaration, but who, approving of the measure, was subsequently given an opportunity to sign it personally. Many of these men were imprisoned during the Revolutionary War and some even suffered tremendous financial distress as they served as the primary funding for the conflict - several never regained their pre-war financial status and some passed away penniless! Most of the men served in various elected offices following the Revolutionary War - from Governors of their newly created states, to Congressmen or Senators representing their state in the national government.
The book is a wonderful historical display of the importance of these fifty-six men who stood in the gap from just a time as this and did what was necessary to confront and combat tyranny in the face of tremendous personal and professional hardship. It is an outstanding reminder to us all that the freedoms that we have an enjoy are not free - they came at great personal cost to many - and it should be a challenge to every American to continue to invest into the maintenance of this great vision for the world - the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Excellent inspirational book.......2006-08-30
This is an excellent and inspirational book. Reading of the dedication and sacrifice of the men who literally staked their lives and fortunes to found our nation is humbling and should inspire in us a wealth of gratitude. I heartily recommend this book to every American.
LIVES OF SIGNERS OF DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE.......2006-07-28
This is an invaluable source of historical perspective on the Declaration of Independence itself as well as the lives of the signers. For anyone interested in the history surrounding the American Revolution it is a must.
It should be in every school library in the nation and the world.
Lives of The Signers by B. J. Lossing: An Online Review By N.......2005-02-15
Lives of The Signers by B. J. Lossing is a unique epic that traces the lives of fifty-seven of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. From John Adams , Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, to the lesser known men like Dr. Benjamin Rush. Lossing first published his book in 1848, a time when the new nation was young, and fresh. This book was used for many years in our country's public schools. I am pleased that this book is now available again from Wall Builders Press. Permit me to list just a few of the many men whose lives are sketched in this timeless volume.
Josiah Barlett of New Hampshire 1729-1795
William Whipple of New Hampshire 1730-1785
Matthew Thornton of New Hampshire 1714-1803
Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts 1744-1814
All of these men were brilliant statesmen; they had a mind capacity that would far outreach many of our politicians today. These men understood law and government. Not only did they sign the Declaration, many drafted the U.S. Constitution years later. I believe this book belongs on every home-school family's shelf. This is a great read-aloud for the family because the short sketches are easy to follow, and it is very educational. There are many books like this one, for instance, A Worthy Company M. E. Bradford; however, Lives of the Signers is possibly the more in-depth. I heartily recommend this book.
Wonderful.......2003-09-24
I really enjoy reading books from this era (1848) for several reasons. First the style interests me. Second the positive and negative characteristics are sharply different. For example many of the signers are stated to have been good examples of piety. I am forced to wonder what a modern writer would have to say in such regard.
The topic of this work was also of great interest. One thing that struck me was the familiarity of the names. Counties streets, schools all sorts of things have very similar names. Also the amount that these men gave for all of us to enjoy what we do today is astounding. For anyone interested in the founding of the USA this is an excellent read. The book also contains chapters on the articles of confederation, stamp act and the constitution
Book Description
The fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence, the foundation of America's freedom, created a nation and launched a freedom movement the world had never seen. Today it seems inevitable that the thirteen colonies would declare their independence from Britain. And yet in 1776 it was not so. Here is the extraordinary story of drama and daring, sacrifice and selflessness, danger and potential death. The signers concluded their work with a plea for Providential protection and a selfless vow to sacrifice "our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." Many of them did just that to create a country in which "all men are created equal, . . . endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these, are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Award-winning historian Rod Gragg brings to life the drama of 1776 like no other book. The removable artifacts, including a full-size (24-1/4" x 29-1/2") replica of the Declaration of Independence, bring to life the events of 1776 like no other presentation.
Customer Reviews:
A Must Read For All Americans and Immigrants.......2006-11-15
Museum in a book indeed! And it's not just for the youth either. The fact is our history is lost to most Americans, especially when it comes to the Colonial/Revolutionary War era of our nation. This book - The Declaration of Independence: The Story Behind America's Founding Document and the Men Who Created It - can change that. In my opinion, it should be in every American school, in every American library, and in every American home. It should be required reading for every public school child and immigrant. Of course, that would never happen - the ACLU wouldn't allow such a dastardly thing - imagine forcing school children and American-wannabe's to learn about what made this country great - and it IS great. The greatest, in fact, even with its faults.
What our fore-fathers did was something that one would never see today - people willing to give one's life, to possibly suffer in a torcherous prison - by signing a document to ensure a free and independent country where one would not have to be controlled by a tyrant. Where a peanut farmer, an actor, or a backwoods lawyer could become the President. And this book gives not only wonderful written descriptions on how that all came about, but allows the reader to experience, through replicas of original documents that one can actually hold and read as if grasping the original (including a draft of the Declaration) writings that made the formation of our great United States.
By the way, there is no political correctness in this book - just pure factual American history - so if your are looking for the anti-European revisionist history books mandated by the liberal left, this one isn't for you.
Inspiring and Enlightening.......2006-11-01
Rod Gragg has done an excellent job of accurately portraying the events leading to the declaration of independence. Furthermore, he did an excellent job of remaining true to the actual historical events, rather than approaching the subject with a political agenda. I highly recommend this book to any person desiring a deeper understanding of America's founding fathers and the events that led to our independence. I can not wait to read more of Mr. Gragg's books.
Absolutly Astounding for Young Learners.......2006-06-27
This book I just purchased a week ago and it has served me well. I am a graduate of 8th grade and I know that this book would be useful in so many branches of school work such as oral presentations and visual aids. This book describes in a lot more detail than I could ever have emagined. I'd recommend this book to history teachers any time and for 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders learning about this subject. GREAT BOOK!!!
A historical thrill.......2005-12-05
This is an absolutely wonderful book. It makes the summer of 1776 come alive in ways few books can achieve. The attached replicas of key documents (including a full-size copy of the Declaration) are sure to draw readers, teachers, students, librarians...and anyone with even the remotest curiosity about what is arguably the most important document from our country's founding. This one is a treasure!
Book Description
Thirteen compelling and influential documents: Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," Declaration of Independence, The Constitution of the United States, James Madison's The Federalist, George Washington's First Inaugural Address, The Monroe Doctrine, Lincoln's First Inaugural Address, The Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Great.......2007-07-05
The book is more than i thought it would be. It has some great writing and good background information with it.
All American.......2007-01-06
Every school and home library should have a copy of this on their shelf
The Declaration of Independence and Other Great Documents of American History 1775-1865 (Dover Thrift Editions).......2006-08-09
I never received this book. I'm hoping it was overlooked and will be sent soon.
The basic founding documents of American democracy .......2005-06-01
One can take two opposing approaches to this kind of volume. One can celebrate the treasures that are in it, or one can lament all the treasures it lacks. I prefer the first approach. For any volume which contains , The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, Washington's First Inaugural and Farewell Speeches, Lincoln's First and Second Inaugurals and the Gettysburg Address contains the very heart of America's political thought and creed.
These documents are valuable not only politically, and historically they are also very great Literature.
There is much to be inspired by in the documents that are in this volume .Those seeking more important documents relating to American political life and democracy can find other volumes, whole libraries if they wish.
For what it is, this is just right.
Great little reference.......2005-05-04
It's small enough to take with you, yet inexpensive enough to buy several. I have a couple so there are copies at home, work and a travel copy. The pages are large enough that it doesn't get lost and the typeface is large and clear enough to make it easy to read. It's a great selection of documents, including the founding documents and those from our presidential giants: Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln.
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