The Fourth of July: and the Founding of America

by Peter De Bolla

A historical survey of the myths and legends surrounding Fourth of July traditions shares factual information about such topics as the actual dates pertaining to national events, the true authorship of the Declaration of Independence, and the ways in which the holiday has been celebrated in different times.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published June 14, 2007

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this book and looking back at the event that is the Fourth of July, I found the holiday is full of complexities about what had transpired on that day in 1776 in Philadelphia. The myth that all the signers of the Declaration were present is detailed and explained. What actually occurred on that day is the Congress agreed to have the document printed on a future date (July 9). So the signers, who were branded traiters by the British, actually signed the document as late as Novemeber of that year. Interesting to note are the chapters dedicated to future July 4th celebrations and how they relate to the feelings and events of the country at that time. Up to our current generation, July the 4th will always be considered the birthday of the USA. This interesting book is worth reading, especially during this patriotic holiday.

[Colin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about the most important holiday in my calendar, the American Independence Day, the Fourth of July! While a bit pedantic at times, this book is quite informative about the history and traditions for those who do not know much about this most sacred day.

Independence Forever!

[Michael Jolls · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Fourth of July” was one of those rare experiences that even when getting half-way through I was thinking to myself, “I can’t wait to read this again.” This occasionally happens with movies, but never with a book. Peter de Bolla does a masterful job of delivering the history of late-June and early-July 1776 with the context of understanding why the 4th became the date that has lived on through the subsequent decades. The rest of the book is devoted to the imagery surrounding the holiday through historical perspectives and a quick, yet thorough outline of American history up to the mid-2000s. The book is a tad wordy, however the concepts presented are profoundly insightful. Again, I look forward to revisiting this book again next year.

[Kosar7480 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much new here regarding the events of 7/4/76 and those involved, but I did enjoy the look at how the commemoration of the holiday has evolved over the last 200+ years.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the history of the Fourth of July and its symbols (flag, Liberty Bell, Uncle Sam) interested. I can't say that I really learned anything, (the Declaratioin of Independence was adopted on July 2nd--not the 4th as commonly believed). As I read DeBolla's interpretations of things, I had to remind myself that he is not an American. He is British. I also found some factual errors, (Lincoln is our 16th president--not our 15th).

[Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dense writing bordering on the opaque.

[David R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a dissection than an interpretation. The author is a British subject who plainly doesn't get it.