From Democracy's Roots to a Country Divided

April 1, 2012

Gr 9 Up-The syntax of old historical documents can make for awkward reading and imperfect understanding. This series makes strides in remedying that. In the first half of each title, Wallenfeldt presents key passages of primary-source documents alongside digestible analyses that relay information about relevant cultural and political climates, e.g., analysis of a passage from John Smith's Generall Historie of Virginia discusses the "controversial" legend of Pocahontas saving his life. The second half the volumes contains primary documents. Most of the biggies are there: the Declaration of Independence, the Seneca Falls Declaration on Women's Rights, etc. Lesser-known documents, such as a 1775 letter from Abigail Adams in which she expresses doubt about independence, are included as well. Some quibbles: the text of the Constitution itself is omitted, and readers can find much of the material here in online reference sources. That aside, these are solid, useful purchases.

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