Birthdays of Freedom: From Early Man to July 4, 1776

by Genevieve Foster

Originally published as two books--Book I written to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the American Library Association, Book II written five years later--the BIRTHDAYS OF FREEDOM are now combined into one volume, with the addition of a new introduction to Book II and an extensive index.Called by School Library Journal "a must for all libraries," BIRTHDAYS OF FREEDOM is the graphic story of the growth of freedom and of the men and events that have influenced its course. Beginning with America's birth of freedom--the signing of the Declaration of Independence--Mrs. Foster then goes back in time to the era of prehistoric man and from there continues chronologically through history to 1776. Here we see the early Egyptian civilization, the beginning of democracy in Athens, Europe overrun by the barbarians, the Magna Carta, the Renaissance, and the many other high points and setbacks in the struggle for freedom.Mrs. Foster's many maps and handsome illustrations complete this highly readable introduction to history and its making.

Genres: History

128 pages

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Genevieve Stump Foster was an American children's author and illustrator best known for her innovative approach to writing history books for young readers. Born in Oswego, New York, she spent most of her childhood in Wisconsin after the death of her father. Foster studied at Rockford College, the University of Wisconsin, and the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. She began her career as a commercial artist before focusing on children’s literature. Inspired by her daughter, she developed a distinctive method of presenting history by integrating global events to show their connections. Her first major success, George Washington's World, highlighted how the American and French Revolutions and British imperialism affected Washington’s life. Foster's books, praised for bringing historical figures to life, were translated into numerous languages and distributed internationally. Over her career, she wrote 19 nonfiction books, several of which became Newbery Honor titles. Foster passed away in Westport, Connecticut, leaving a legacy that continues through her enduring works and influence on historical storytelling.

Reviews

[Susan]

I read this wonderful book to my kids when they were in kindergarten to third grade. We read a chapter a night. We’d still be talking about it the next day. It teaches not only history, but also logic, critical thinking and awareness of how actions cause events. Much easier to learn those skills this way than after being buffeted by life.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

It really is very Christian-centric, which if you're looking at it as a history is not necessarily the best way to go about it.

[Lynette Caulkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Foster was very talented at writing about history in a way that is easy to read and understand. Her books usually stand out as 5-star, or at least 4-star selections. This one is not bad. I learned a couple of things about world history, and found clarity on a couple of others, but it just doesn't sparkle as much as other selections from Foster, such as George Washington's World.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book although the author likes to summarize with sweeping generalizations. She ends up editorializing under the guise of presenting historical facts a la Van Loon's History of Mankind.. That said, it gets high points for readability and nice illustrations.

"Language did two things. It joined lone men into groups but helped separate human beings of the world into races, who still fail in understanding."

"Next time, one grabbed the meat--more than his share. The others fell on him and killed him, and then turned on each other and fought till both were exhausted, and the wolves had devoured the meat. All was lost, according to an unfailing law, that greed and selfishness kill prosperity and freedom, which exist only when they are being shared."

Interesting fact about the origin of the names of several days of the week: “Britain had become an Anglo-Saxon land, with the old German customs brought from the homeland. There was the general assembly, or “moot,” in which every freeman had a voice, and the Witenagemot, or small assembly of wise men, who chose the king and gave him counsel. And over all were the old gods of War, Sky, Thunderbolts and Spring, whose names still remain in four days of our week—Tiw, Woden, Thor and Frigg.”

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of me wants to give this book 2 stars, and part of me wants to give it 4, so I guess I'll settle in the middle. :-)

2-star reason: This is a history book. Not only a history book, but one filled with numerous inaccuracies. And in telling about the beginnings of different civilizations and the types of freedoms they had, the author completely left out African Civilizations (besides Egypt, which hardly counts) and Native American Civilizations. Though from what I've seen of other general world history books written before the 1970s, this is pretty typical. At least she included India. That used to be left out a lot too.

4-star reason: The author did bring forth interesting comparisons to the different types of freedoms people had. The Athenians had a pure Democracy, and the Romans started with a Republic. Both had their good points and their faults, and the author goes over these briefly but well. Also, at the end of the book she closes with The Declaration of Independence. No commentary or anything afterward. After the line "we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor," the book is done.

Darn, I just gave away the ending... :-)

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

(I'm reading all the Newbery Honor books from the year Charlotte's Web got an Honor instead of winning, to see if any of them are any good.)

So deadly dull I could barely get through the 63 lavishly-illustrated pages. I did like that she used actual quotes from historical figures.

I can only assume that the Newbery committee was honoring the idea for this book, not the actual writing.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fascinating work by a brilliant author. Traces the history of landmark achievements in mankind's quest for freedom, up to and including the signing of the American Declaration of Independence.

[Scott Williams]

a9f199ce-9aff-4039-8cdf-4f9d34461a71