The Declaration of Independence, Smithsonian Edition

by Founding Fathers, Lonnie G. Bunch III (Foreword)

This elegant edition captures a defining document of independence in the US that represents the ideals of the nation.

In this luxurious, pocket-sized Smithsonian edition printed in the United States, the Declaration of Independence and the writings that formed it make a stately gift edition befitting the significance of its contents, with features that make it the perfect


This edition stands out in the market with an illuminating new introduction from Lonnie G. Bunch III, the Secretary of the Smithsonian. As one of the nation’s leading public historians, he provides essential, modern context to the historical document and examines the Declaration of Independence's legacy and relevance to the present-day United States and its people.

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration of Independence proclaimed that the thirteen American colonies would no longer recognize the monarch of Britain but would become independent states. With fifty-six signatures, one document changed the course of history. Celebrate the founding of this nation with a gorgeous gift edition of the document that started it all.

Genres: History, Politics

32 pages, Hardcover

Published March 22, 2022

About the author

The term Founding Fathers of the United States of America refers broadly to the individuals of the Thirteen British Colonies in North America who led the American Revolution against the authority of the British Crown and established the United States of America. It is also used more narrowly, referring specifically to those who either signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 or who were delegates to the 1787 Constitutional Convention and took part in drafting the proposed Constitution of the United States. A further subset includes those who signed the Articles of Confederation. During much of the 19th century, they were referred to as either the "Founders" or the "Fathers".

Some historians define the "Founding Fathers" to mean a larger group, including not only the Signers and the Framers but also all those who, whether as politicians, jurists, statesmen, soldiers, diplomats, or ordinary citizens, took part in winning American independence and creating the United States of America. Historian Richard B. Morris in 1973 identified the following seven figures as the key Founding Fathers: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington . Adams, Jefferson, and Franklin worked on the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Hamilton, Madison, and Jay were authors of the The Federalist Papers, advocating ratification of the Constitution. Washington commanded the revolutionary army. All served in important positions in the early government of the United States.

DOB based on First Continental Congress
DOD based on death of James Madison, last surviving member

Reviews

[katie tadesse · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was the most dramatic piece of literature i have ever read and I LOVE AMERICA 🏈🇺🇸💵🇺🇸🦅📏

when thomas said "he has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people" i felt that

the imagery and word choice was just unreal and i really felt the anger of these rich men 😢😢💔💔 justice for the white man ✊

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I’ve never read this before. It thoroughly explains how King George treated the colonies. And how we were “mad as hell and not going to take it anymore” (to quote the movie Network) but in beautiful, congressional language.

[Ted Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. A couple other declarations in there. I give the Declaration of Independence itself five stars tho. I got this at a gift shop.

[American · Rating 5 out of 5]

RAHHHH 🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸🦅🇺🇸🦅