The Declaration of Independence With Short Biographies of Its Signers (Little Books of Wisdom) [Hardcover]

Benson John Lossing (Author)

Book Description

Series: Little Books of Wisdom | Publication Date: April 1, 1997

Drafted by Thomas Jefferson between June 11 and June 28, 1776, the Declaration of Independence summarizes America's founding political philosophy. At once a cherished symbol of liberty and an expression of Jefferson's monumental talents as a writer, the document captures in unforgettable phrases the ideals of individual liberty that formed the backbone of American's Revolutionary movement. In setting forth these "self-evident truths" alongside a list of grievances against King George's Britain, the Declaration of Independence justified the breaking of ties with "Mother England" and the formation of a new country. This gift edition, printed in two colors on acid-free paper, contains illustrations and biographies of the signers alongside the document itself.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas Jefferson was born in Virginia in 1743 into a wealthy and socially prominent family. After attending the College of William and Mary, he went on to study law. At the age of twenty-six, Jefferson began building Monticello. Three years later, in 1772, he married Martha Wayles Skelton. The couple had six children, two of whom survived to adulthood. Considered elequent in his writing, although not as his speech, Jefferson took on much of the writing needed by the Virginia House of Burgesses and the Continental Congress, both of which he was a member. In 1776, at the young age of 33, Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. From 1779 to 1781, Jefferson served as Governor of Virginia. Jefferson temporarily retired from public life after his term as governor, returning to public life in 1784 as a diplomat serving in France. In 1790, Jefferson was appointed Secretary of State in President Washington's Cabinet, but resigned in 1793 over a disagreement with Alexander Hamilton. As political disagreements continued to polarize the young government, Jefferson found himself leading those who sympathized with the revolutionary cause in France. In 1800, Jefferson was elected President in a tie vote that ironically was decided by Alexander Hamilton. In 1809, after two terms as President, Jefferson returned to his home in Monticello, where he developed, among other projects, plans for the University of Virginia. In addition, he sold his collection of books to the government to form the basis of the Library of Congress. Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 36 pages
• Publisher: Applewood Books (April 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557094489
• ISBN-13: 978-1557094483
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #284,275 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History is written, February 27, 2006

By 

James E. Sheppard "Army Grunt" (Blacksburg, Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Declaration of Independence With Short Biographies of Its Signers (Little Books of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

Another great book to purchase for those in the History field, Political Science(Government), or just a nut like me that is proud of America and wants to know more. This book and the book on the constitution are great little books to carry and to learn from, great for school aged children and those that have graduated to higher learning. Share knowledge and refresh those facts that one may have forgotten about over the years. A+++++

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Summary!, October 25, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Declaration of Independence With Short Biographies of Its Signers (Little Books of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

Excellent summary. Short bios all in one place. This book is very interesting and highly readable!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every American, April 13, 2009

By 

Abigail Smith (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Declaration of Independence With Short Biographies of Its Signers (Little Books of Wisdom) (Hardcover)

I really believe every American should be required to read this stuff. This book, along with many others are part of the core documents of our country's history and founding. Understanding where we have come from, how hard we fought to get here, and what the original documents actually say is important if we want to hold on to it.

These days, most people are getting this information from a pundit or politically interested party. Unfortunately, most of it is incorrect or taken out of its intended context. This is an important book for every home library collection.