219 years ago you were given the right to practice the religion of your choice. 219 years ago you were given the right to say what you wanted without persecution. 219 years ago it was written that your house and property were secure from unreasonable search and seizure. 219 years ago you were given the right to a public trial. 219 years ago, fifty-five men you will never know sat in a sweltering hot room as they fought and argued for you. 219 years ago you were given your rights as a citizen of the United States. This fall, as we return again to the ballot box to decide the course of our country’s congressional and state leadership, every voter must find their way back to that room in Philadelphia. Welcome Books is proud to provide a map. The Constitution of The United States of America, inscribed and illustrated by the master calligrapher Sam Fink, brings to life the issues underlying the triumphs of this abiding document. Originally published in pen and ink for Random House in 1987, Sam has, at the request of Welcome Books, gone back to the original black-and-white art and painted it entirely, creating a full-color masterpiece. Each amendment, each article, each word so thoughtfully placed in the Constitution has been given Sam’s profound touch. With a powerful intelligence and a wonderful sense of humor, he has provided us with an entry point, allowing us to read this essential document better, more clearly. Welcome Books is honored to present a full-color limited edition of Sam’s startling work as well as a trade edition, exquisitely designed and produced – matching in its manufacture the stunning quality of Sam’s ambition and the gravitas and significance of the original document. The Constitution of The United States of America is the document we must read again and again. There is no more important document in our country. It is the document we must have an intimate knowledge of. It is the document that we must never forget. 219 years ago, you were entrusted with a living document. Have you kept it safe? To begin, we must read it. This, Sam, in his direct and unadorned way, respectful and loving, helps us do.
Beautifully illustrated! Every American should be familiar with the constitution and this amazing work of art (lucky book sale find for me) brings the words to life.
It's the Consitution - so, I'm not going to review "the book." My review focuses on the $500 retail deluxe illustrated edition. I received this book a few days ago, and it is absolutley stunning! First, it is HUGE: 23.5" by 16" by 2". I have uploaded photos, which include a regular size hardcover book for size comparison. Second, the Constitution is unbound. The document is broken into sections and amendments, with one or two sections, or one amendment, per page. Each one is written out in large font, calligraphy-style script, and embellished with colorful artwork. It is printed on archival, very thick high, quality paper (looks a bit like parchment/vellum). Each sheet is like an artprint, and would be suitable for framing. These are inset in a dark blue cloth covered traycase, with satin ribbon for easy removal. Under the traycase lid is an included limited edition art-print, signed by the artist. My included print has the entire Constitution written out in a smaller font, in non-linear style, with an American Eagle embellishing the page.
Overall, this truly is a work of art! If I had the space, I would love to frame each print and display them in sequence on a wall. Highly recommended to book collectors, or Americana collectors.
This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever seen...wonderful illustrations by the author of such detail and color that I was just overawed. I purchase few books that I've borrowed from the library after reading them but this one was a must-have and at the top of my wish list. Would make a perfect gift for the patriot (adult or child) or to a children's library in someone's name. Very Special!!!!
Huge book about a huge subject. While there is little additional text, the illustrations of the actual document are quite stunning. Purely an awesome picture book. At the back of the book there is a chronology of events pertaining to the development of this historic document and a very helpful glossary. Couldn't get much bigger than this.
This would make a beautiful coffee table book. It is huge and has amazing and whimsical illustrations and type displaying the Constitution. Great learning tool for children and a visual feast for any age!