The Book of Great American Documents

by Vincent Wilson Jr. (Editor)

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Gettysburg Address, Kennrdy's Inaugral Address 1961, ...

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, History, Classics, Politics

88 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Henry Davis IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

This thin but thought filled and thought provoking little volume is the best compellation of great American documents and speeches I have seen. With everything from the Constitution and Fundamental Orders to President Lincoln's Second Inaugural and President Kennedy's Inaugural speeches. The compact, thoughtful introductions to each document provide the historical context and essential elements that make these documents worth of continued study and / or relevance. This book truly should be required reading for everyone (and not just Americans)!

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book of Great American Documents has photographs of the original documents and the text and brief history of many documents that are part of our country's democratic heritage. Included are The Fundamental Orders of 1639, The Declaration of Independence of 1776, The Northwest Ordinance and The U.S. Constitution of 1787, the Bill of Rights of 1791, The Emancipation Proclamation and The Gettysburg Address of 1863, and inaugural addresses of Jefferson, Lincoln and Kennedy.

The Northwest Ordinance was formed to govern the Northwest Territory, part of the land won from the British. The first Act of the Ordinance was written in 1784 by Thomas Jefferson, and the final Act was passed in 1787 and included the following startling, in retrospect, passage: "The utmost good faith shall always be observed towards the Indians: their lands and property shall never be taken from them without their consent; and, in their property, rights, and liberty, they shall never be invaded or disturbed, unless in just and lawful wars authorized by Congress; but laws founded in justice and humanity, shall, from time to time, be made for preventing wrongs being done to them, and for preserving peace and friendship with them." Wow.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is uplifting to read some of the great documents which have graced the history of this country. Many are contained in this work, "The Book of Great American Documents". Key among them are early Colonial Charters, the Declaration of Independence, the US Constitution, the Gettysburg Adress, several Inaugural Address from various Presidents, and other notable documents. The language and majestic concepts contained within these writings make them monuments to history.

[Marty Hughes · Rating 2 out of 5]

great review of freedom.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was fascinating to read the Declaration of Independence, along with Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and Emancipation Proclamation. E