The Declaration of Independence with Short Biographies of the Signers

by Benson John Lossing, Thomas Jefferson

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.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Reference, Politics, Philosophy, American History, Historical

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1776

About the author

Benson John Lossing was a prolific and popular American historian, known best for his illustrated books on the American Revolution and American Civil War and features in Harper's Magazine. He was a charter trustee of Vassar College.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have read this before, it has been awhile. Many Americans confuse this with The Constitution of the United States of America. They go around talking about our rights to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness being in the Constitution when they are written in and were first established HERE! We as a group of ragtag colonies were a year into a long and bloody fight which would later receive the glorious name of the American Revolution when this was signed (by only one person, Alexander Hamilton) on July 4, 1776. The rest signed weeks and months later. It was not until that war was over and won, that our Constitution was promulgated and ratified. In the interim, our justification for the war we waged on the mighty power of Great Britain was this document, which rarely if ever gets mentioned.

It is short and primarily lists the egregious offences committed by the Crown against the colonies in an attempt to subdue them (how King George ever thought this approach would work is anyone's guess). Yet this little document is very significant, very important, unique in the history of the world. It was Lincoln's justification for many things he did to keep the country together during the Civil War. The Declaration of Independence is truly what founded our nation and has given hope to so many to draw them to our shores.

Would that more Americans would read this. You do not need a little book* as I have used. It is available on line here. Know your History people! It is well-worth knowing.

The short but excellent biographies at the end are well-worth reading too. My mother-in-law is very proud to note that one of her ancestors, Roger Sherman signed this important document. (Apparently, Tecumseh Sherman was from the other branch of the family.)

*Picked this and a matching copy of the Constitution (which I will read next) up when we were on a vacation to DC back in 2003. Have read them both before, but need to read them often.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This National Archives pocket-sized book is exactly what it purports to be. The Declaration of Independence with paragraph biographies of all the signers. It's a sturdy copy, but also quite short. It's good to re-read every once and while to remind ourselves what the founders of the US were thinking, and what the US ideally could represent. Nothing new, but a well made little copy.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty much a scathing indictment of the King of Great Britain, and then a declaration. Of independence.

Nicely bound edition - picked it up at Faneuil Hall on the Freedom Trail in Boston.

[Samuel Bierig · Rating 4 out of 5]

fascinating

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a nice pocket sized hardcover copy of the the Declaration of Independence. It also includes short paragraph length biography's of the signers in the back. Although pocket sized I'd say it's suitable for a handy bookshelf reference as the cover is handsome and presentable and would get wrecked it someones pocket. Besides it'd feel as if you had a piece of thin plywood in your pocket, not very comfortable. Enjoy.

[Joanna Among Paper Petals · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book months ago, planning on referring to them when a particular subject came up in our homeschooling. Well, my son is learning about the Revolutionary War, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution currently, so we went ahead and read the Declaration and learned a little bit about each of the signers. It was a nice dive into the history that was so quickly passed over when I went to school. We are starting The Constitution of the United States of America today.

[Don · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this at the National Archives a few years ago. Thought it would be great to understand exactly why the US broke from England and read the actual document. We learned so little in high school about the details, it was great to read the letter myself. I plan on reading the full set of three, including the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The short biographies of the signers at the end were interesting.

[Katie R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was nice to be reminded of our forefathers. Something I thought was interesting in the short biographies was the fact that only two signers freed their slaves - though it was not stated who owned any. Another interesting thing was the amount of signers that fought in the war (about a fourth), and of those, that amount that were POW!

[Amber Orvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good small book and a lots of information about The Declaration of Independence and short biographies of the signers I will be going back to this book to read more about them and their lives remember and a good reminder that it’s so important to be Independent and not Dependent on others.

[Brian Rector · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you

[Sheldon Chau]

Historic!

[Cindy Cutcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference guide to have in my library

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this beautifully bound edition with biographies of the signers. They are good reminders of how much these men were willing to give up to secure freedom for the colonies.

[ZsaZsa Dinter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short nice book, but could have put more information into the biographies

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

In these...rather trying political times..it is vital that citizens of any background of the United States subjectively and critically analyze the historical, political, and sociological aspects of the formation and continuing existence of the country as a source of power in this world. The Declaration of Independence arguably is the foundation document of American ideals, and whilst not exactly perfect in its execution, is a powerful source of political thought. Its creation is what makes Thomas Jefferson such a godlike figure in the American psyche. The poetry inspires such hatred of powerful monarchies such of that of King George III. Critical interpretation can be attributed to the passage of "merciless Indian savages" as a statement of prejudice. However, in the wider context of Thomas Jeffersons beliefs towards Native Americans, this maybe more attributed to the fierce frustration of the Kings cooperation with some Native tribes in undermining the welfare of the peoples of America rather than a general statement towards the entire race. Jefferson is later quoted as having the Native peoples in an opinion of high esteem and continued to study them with fascination. This doesn't excuse the passage, but it helps bring to light the wider complexity of a situation many try to make too "black and white" in perspective. Now, in the wider context of American history, the document becomes an interesting philosophical subject when juxtaposed to the problem regarding the continuing usage of slavery, the rights of women, and the move from American isolation to the political endeavours following a similar imperialist path that the English empire took. Even King George III wasn't vilified until the taxation after the French and Indian War, which he deemed necessary after the costs of protecting the colonies of America ran so high. He allowed relative freedom comparatively to England's other colonies around the world, and opinion amongst the colonies regarding him reached levels one could label with the word love. History is complex no doubt, but at the heart of the Declaration of Independence is a humanist message that we all can admire.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

On 22 Sep 2005, Charlie, Alissa and I lived in Middletown MD. Charlie got a job in Seminole OK for Enviro Systems but first he was asked to go to Philadelphia PA for a meeting. Alissa and I went with him so she could practice her cartwheels on the same ground where our country got its start. JK!

While Charlie was in his meeting, Alissa and I toured Independence Hall and I bought this book along with The Constitution of the United States of America 1787.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book as a gift and as an Australian I found it interesting. I never knew where the term John Hancock, as in a signature came from. He was the first signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

[Omar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this little book during a trip to Philadelphia a long time ago. The book is good in almost every aspect. I especially liked the little drawings with the biographies. I would've gave it five stars had I not seen the price label :)

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the actual article with short bio's of each of the signers. Quite interesting as it's been a long time since I've read it or maybe even understood what I was reading. A lot of complaining about the king, but yea it was necessary. I enjoyed reading the short bio's as well.

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous declaration of the rights of citizens over the iron will of their government.

[Logan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The most approachable of our founding documents for a modern reader—this does an excellent job in concisely explaining why one the colonies left the UK.