We Hold These Truths...: And Other Words That Made America

by Paul Aron

Remember the ladies. A Republic if you can keep it. I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country. If this be treason, make the most of it. Don't fire till you see the whites of their eyes. I can't tell a lie.

These words and words like them, whether written or spoken, had a profound importance during America's Founding period. These are the words of legend and gravitas, referenced by generations of teachers, politicians, and commentators. These are the words that still inspire revolutionary changes in the United States and elsewhere. But what do they mean? What's the real story behind them? Why do they inspire us today, more than two centuries after first spoken or written? We Hold These Truths. . . . answers these questions about fifty-four of the best-known quotes from the Founding period.

This book covers two hundred years of early American history and highlights quotes from both the founders and the founding documents. Combining each quote with a rich narratives that highlights its astounding, and generally unknown, origin. History buffs of all ages will love We Hold These Truths. . . .

Genres: History, American History, American Revolution, Trivia, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 25, 2008

About the author

Paul Aron is senior editor at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Previously he was a reporter for The Virginia Gazette and executive editor at Simon & Schuster.

Reviews

[Marjorie W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love history and this gave another perspective

[Lee Button · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book for those who want to know something about America's founders. Many different characters are described in just a few pages each with a quote that exmplifies their contribution.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these kinds of books, that examine history behind the myths. Or in this case, history behind the mythical words. Very interesting to hear how so many of America's classic phrases trace back their roots to another source. Most often from English poets or commentators nonetheless.

Excellent short snippet reading, when you don't have chance or time to dive into a full book.

[Margie Kuzminski · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I enjoyed this more than three stars, but I'm not sure to whom I'd recommend it - fellow APUSH teachers or ambitious APUSH students who aren't already buried by homework. Backstories are always interesting, and the vignettes are a good way to convey contextualization to students. It would be worthwhile to make it a series and have other volumes by chronology.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book, it was a quick read with lots of interesting facts.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Light history reading; interesting little anecdotes and explanations about various famous words in American history. Somewhat debunking, but mostly with restraint and evenhandedness.

[Ladonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun history book in an easy to read format. Includes a wide variety of biographical sketches, including women, Native Americans and African Americans in addition to the Founding Fathers.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and interesting book that gives some background and context around the most well-known quotes from the American Revolution era. Short and sweet, a perfect summer read.