The Declaration of Independence was the explosive manifesto for the American Revolution. Introducing this collection of Jefferson's writings, Mi... read full description
reviews
Nov 22, 2009
Peter
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Probably the best non-book/theater piece/dialog/story/dialogue work ever written.
Astounding language and content it's the essence of the Revolutionary spirit as well as most of Jefferson's thoughts.
Isn't it awesome this is listed on goodreads?
Astounding language and content it's the essence of the Revolutionary spirit as well as most of Jefferson's thoughts.
Isn't it awesome this is listed on goodreads?
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Nov 22, 2009
Zinger
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I read this document a couple times a year. Whenever I do, I wonder if the list of government abuses would be longer today.
How many millions of dollars per minute of interest does the American taxpayer get stuck with thanks to Congress?
How many months of forced labor does the average citizen work in order to pay their taxes? And how much do we pay with the hidden tax of inflation from the Federal Reserves' fiat money?
How many American citizens get killed in u More...
How many millions of dollars per minute of interest does the American taxpayer get stuck with thanks to Congress?
How many months of forced labor does the average citizen work in order to pay their taxes? And how much do we pay with the hidden tax of inflation from the Federal Reserves' fiat money?
How many American citizens get killed in u More...
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Jan 08, 2010
Christy
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It has been said by some that there were no “long chain of abuses” for the early founders to protest. I wonder if these people have been so desensitized by modern abuses that what the colonists faced was nothing in comparison. The 27 abuses listed in the Declaration of Independence are indeed abuses worth declaring separation over.
It is plain that Thomas Jefferson liked the writings of John Locke, as do I. I have read that several classic authors have disagreed with Locke on d More...
It is plain that Thomas Jefferson liked the writings of John Locke, as do I. I have read that several classic authors have disagreed with Locke on d More...
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Nov 22, 2009
Jorgina
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This organic document is the "arc and covenant" to the Constitution.
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Mar 18, 2009
Nick
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Hardt tries really hard to make Jefferson's political theory into a radical phenomena, and it is a neat idea, but in the end I can't buy it. Jefferson's idea of "natural law" and the will of the "people" ultimately lends itself far more easily, in my mind, to neoliberal arguments than those which Hardt is interested in making.
Feb 12, 2012
Jefferson may be most remembered now for his various relationships with his slaves, but he also had some radical political ideas, only a very few of which were enacted in US policy. This edition has an intro from Michael Hardt who gives the Declaration of Independence and others of Jefferson's writings the proper context.
Nov 22, 2009
Becky
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The Declaration of Independence taken from Jefferson's autobiography was quite enlightening because I could see the many alterations that Congress made as well as the dedication Jefferson had to his country and countrymen: "we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor." I believe Jefferson had wisdom beyond his years (especially in his expressions of slavery) that was shot down because Congress was eager to unite the colonies.
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Oct 20, 2010
Sophie
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My God, what a drag. History claims that it's five stars though, so there you go.
Pretty language.
Pretty language.
Jul 04, 2011
Russamun82
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Simple words that began an experiment that is still going. I think the founding fathers would really be amazed how far and how much our nation has grown. They would not recognize some things from our politics today, but to know that we are able to peacefully transfer power with each election and to have the rights to argue about beliefs and different points of view. So long as the conversation that is Democracy continues, we shall remain free and independent, and the lives, fortunes and sacre
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Oct 23, 2009
M
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Every American should read it and be proud of the founding father!!!
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Nov 23, 2010
Maevy
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I like it most cos Jefferson plagiarised the guy who designed his house ...
But the language of the document is really beautiful. If you read it as a piece of history, it's pretty nice. If you read it as a document that inspired millions of people to democracy, it's beautiful. The key to enjoying it is to take it for what it's worth, don't compare it to what was happening in reality or what came after. The ideas in this document are not original, they are inspired & definitely inspirin
But the language of the document is really beautiful. If you read it as a piece of history, it's pretty nice. If you read it as a document that inspired millions of people to democracy, it's beautiful. The key to enjoying it is to take it for what it's worth, don't compare it to what was happening in reality or what came after. The ideas in this document are not original, they are inspired & definitely inspirin
Jul 20, 2011
Deanna
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This book has all the Declaration broken into paragraphs with an illustration for each page. It was fun to the the Declaration come to life a little, but I wasn't a big fan of the illustrations.
I realized that there were several words I didn't know the meaning to and a couple I couldn't pronounce. It would be a good activity to get out that 1828 Webster's Dictionary and do some looking up.
I realized that there were several words I didn't know the meaning to and a couple I couldn't pronounce. It would be a good activity to get out that 1828 Webster's Dictionary and do some looking up.
Feb 23, 2011
Sally
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I actually read this aloud to the scouts I was doing the Citizenship in the Nation badge with. They were a little bored, but then they always are unless you're having a Guitar Hero party. It got through, though. The book is simply the text of the Declaration, illustrated to perfection, with "commentary" throughout in the pictures. It will reach whichever level of maturity you're aiming at.
Nov 22, 2009
Cameron
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Since it is the 4th of July I thought that I would read this and Common Sense since I really have never sat down and read the whole thing. I thought these gentlemen were extremely remarkable. If the war would have been lost they all would have been hung but since we won they are looked at as founding fathers. And amazing read in itself it is a document that is still changing lives.
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Nov 22, 2009
Natasha
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This is the poetry that preludes the prose of the Constitution of the United States. A revolutionary document. How a group of men who couldn't agree on whether to keep the windows open or shut could come to agree on declaring independence is nothing short of a miracle. Jefferson had a genius in the power of writing persuasively. And the truths recorded therein are self-evident.
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Feb 23, 2011
Queen Josephine
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This actually kept the kids awake when reading their bedtime story. The funny, yet period appropriate, illustrations invoked questions. I also helped explain to my children the history and arcane language. The book wonderfully helps teach children about one of the most important documents in US history. I’m very glad we purchased it and added it to our book collection.
Nov 22, 2009
DeAyn
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Although I have read this a time or two, I have included this in my currently-reading list as I am constantly referring back to it. OH, and did I mention that my great, great, great (may be more like 8 or so I've been told) uncle, John Hart signed it? Hence the name of our school: From the Hart School House.
Dec 30, 2007
Katie
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Michael Hardt has carefully selected a modest number of letters and writings of Jefferson to reflect his own views--that we ought to separate Jefferson's personal behavior and political behavior, and then take his political beliefs as advocating a particular model that Hardt just happens to like.
Oct 03, 2007
michael hardt (of empire/multitude fame) edited and provides introductory commentary to this verso edition of the declaration of independence. should be interesting, not too many contemporary leftists take time out to tout any of the principle documents of the american revolution.
Feb 23, 2011
Erin
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Each phrase of The Declaration is illustrated with wonderful pictures. It really makes the words come to life. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants their children to learn about this document or even an adult who has trouble understanding the language used in it.
Nov 22, 2009
Celeste
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Reading the Declaration of Independence should be a yearly undertaking. It is important to remember as citizens on the United States of America how we got to where we are, where we are heading, how to regain freedoms we have lost, and how to keep from loosing more freedoms.
Nov 22, 2009
Afton
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I thought it was sort of funny when I saw this as an option on this site, but then I realized that this is probably more important than 99% of what else I've read in my life. It's well written, incredibly powerful and you can see inspiration from God in it.
Feb 23, 2011
Jalisa
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This book basically puts the Declaration of Independence an easier to read and understand format. It's broken up in parts making it easier to read. The pictures go pretty well with the words. Most of them are funny and most children will enjoy them.
Nov 22, 2009
Bobby
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Yeah yeah, freedom is all well and good on paper. But every time I go to the grocery store and look down the aisles at 15 different brands and consistencies of peanut butter, I wish someone would just run my life for me.
Thanks a lot Tom.
Thanks a lot Tom.
Oct 01, 2011
Sheila
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Perfect 4th of July reading. If you haven't read it yourself, I would recommend it. It is a quick read, and if you are an American, you should really read the whole thing once in your life, if not once a year.
Feb 23, 2011
Sharmin
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This book is a great way to teach about the Declaration of Independence. The pages divide up the document into short, easy to read and understand parts that make reading it enjoyable and fun.
Jul 20, 2011
Stephanie
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I love this format of the Declaration of Independence - it is a little more reader-friendly than the original document. The full text is broken down into phrases and illustrated.
Sep 08, 2010
Paul
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What can one say about the most important document in American history? Too bad it didn't extend to all americans. Also, too bad it doesn't include people in our care.
