Caroline Kennedy has done an outstanding job in editing A Patriots Handbook. It is a truly wonderful book that I believe should be kept in every American household.As we learn our American History we are exposed to many poems, songs and historical documents that have been truly significant in the course of our countrys growth and development. Yet, if we were asked to cite them quickly, some of us would be hard pressed to do so. In A Patriots Handbook, Kennedy provides us with a refresher course in our countrys history through the words of original foundational documents.
A Patriots Handbook includes pieces such as the Star Spangled Banner, The Pledge of Allegiance, The U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. Yet, far beyond this, it provides a broad range of presidential inaugural addresses and the farewell addresses of yet others. It includes significant precedent setting legal cases, the personal writings of a number of prominent American citizens throughout our history, and a number of treasured drawings, photographs and poems. The book represents the history of Americas founding and its growth over more than two and a quarter centuries.
I appreciate Kennedys inclusion of the writings of a wide variety of people - from historians, to famous novelists, to contemporary songwriters, poets and photographers. Each inclusion shares in adequately conveying the complex and wonderful tapestry that are our nations people.
In her Introduction, Caroline Kennedy speaks about developing this project after thinking about stories of America that she wanted her own children to know. From that perspective she has gathered a wonderful collection that I believe can be appreciated and savored by all Americans.
A rich resource and a wonderful way to learn more about our own countrys rich history.
Highly recommended.
Daniel J. Maloney
Saint Paul, Minnesota USA
I first heard about this book after Caroline Kennedy was interviewed. Being that it was the week before the 4th of July made me think that it would be a nice book to have around for the holiday weekend. I would consider myself a would-be patriot. My intention is to always be proud of our countries history. Its just hard when you have gaps in your knowledge of the little things that shaped our country. Democracy is such a grand experiment that we take for granted that we are all part of its evolution each and every day. This book reminds us of the major and inspirational steps in our growing process.
The collection is seperated into categories. The first one is Flag and contains poems, stories, and US Supreme Court cases involving our national flag. Its one thing to know the first stanza of the Star Spangled Banner and sing it at baseball games but how many people can recite the entire thing or even know that there is more to it.
The flow of the book makes it easy to read a little at a time. Youll find yourself picking it up and read a couple of pages. History can be so stoic but in this format, it is alive with the men and woman who came before us.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is searching to learn or remember what being an American really means.
A Great Reference Book for Every American Home!