Over the course of 235 years the American experiment has flourished in the face of economic hardships, vast social upheaval and bloody domestic and foreign conflicts. Much of its success can be attributed to the restless genius of the American people, whose sense of purpose is enshrined in a series of documents that have indelibly articulated the highest of ideals of liberty and justice.The editors have brought these landmark documents together into one volume. They not only express a people s spirit but in many ways have shaped the course of American and world history. In addition to such foundational documents as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation included here are Common Sense, the manifesto of firebrand Tom Paine, measured and prescient reflections on governance by Hamilton and Madison in the Federalist Papers, the soaring rhetoric of Kennedy and Lincoln in their inaugural addresses, the ringing call for freedom at the Berlin Wall by Ronald Reagan and other enduring writings, speeches and legal decisions.A definitive reference and a treasured touchstone to be returned to again and again, Charters of Freedom: Founding Documents of American Democracy deserves a place in library of every American. - from Amzon