Books published by publisher Applewood Books

The landmark legal document of the United States, the U.S. Constitution comprises the primary law of the Federal Government. Signed by the members of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia on September 17, 1787, the Constitution outlines the powers and responsibilities of the three chief branches of the Federal Government, as well as the basic rights of the citizens of the United States. This beautiful gift edition contains the complete text of the United States Constitution, as well as all of its amendments. It is a treasure for Americans of all ages.

Collectively known as the United States Bill of Rights, these first ten amendments to the United States Constitution limit the powers of the federal government and protect the rights of all citizens, residents and visitors on United States territory. Introduced in 1789 in the First United States Congress by James Madison, these amendments came into effect on December 15, 1791, when ratified by three-fourths of the states. This document plays a central role in American law and remains to this day a symbol of the freedoms and culture of this nation. In this beautiful gift edition, the text of the Bill of Rights is set alongside a history of the amendments, thus placing the document in its historical context.

Copied out by hand as a young man aspiring to the status of Gentleman, George Washington's 110 rules were based on a set of rules composed by French Jesuits in 1595. The first English edition of these rules was available in Francis Hawkins' Youths Behavior, or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men, which appeared in 1640, and it is from work that Washington seems to have copied. The rules as Washington wrote them out are a simplified version of this text. However much he may have simplified them, these precepts had a strong influence on Washington, who aimed to always live by them. The rules focus on self-respect and respect for others through details of etiquette. The rules offer pointers on such issues as how to dress, walk, eat in public, and address one's superiors.

Thomas Paine arrived in America from England in 1774. A friend of Benjamin Franklin, he was a writer of poetry and tracts condemning the slave trade. In 1775, as hostilities between Britain and the colonies intensified, Paine wrote Common Sense to encourage the colonies to break the British exploitative hold and fight for independence. The little booklet of 50 pages was published January 10, 1776 and sold a half-million copies, approximately equal to 75 million copies today.

The first American book on personal finance, "The Way to Wealth" by Benjamin Franklin is still the best and wisest money book ever written. Originally published in 1758 as the preface to "Poor Richard's Almanack," this little gem has been through innumerable printings and sold millions of copies to those in search of smart but entertaining advice about hard work, earning and saving money and debt.

Originally published in 1859, The Prairie Traveler became the principal manual for westward-bound pioneers. At the time that he wrote the book, Randolph B. Marcy (1812-1889) was a Captain of the U.S. Army. Because he was an excellent writer and had spent much of his military career in the American West, Marcy was asked by the War Department to write this guide. The handbook is filled with helpful information once essential for safe passage West―from available routes to Oregon and California, to proper techniques for driving loose horses, drying meat, or fording rivers. Today, the book is a fascinating view of the strenuous and hazardous life faced by prairie travelers.

An intimate portrait of one of America's most beloved writers is revealed in this 1889 work from editor Ednah Dow Cheney. Originally published just a year after Louisa May Alcott's death at the age of 55, this unparalleled collection of Alcott's surviving personal letters and journal entries and the additional biographical commentary from family friend Cheney serve to paint a picture of Alcott's ""true and frank nature"" and ""how faithfully and fully she performed whatever duties circumstances laid upon her."" This important work gives the reader insight into Alcott's life, and portrays how her experiences informed her timeless and much-loved classics.

The Gettysburg Address was delivered on the afternoon of November 19, 1863 by Abraham Lincoln at the dedication of the battlefield of the Civil War's bloodiest battle. Included in this edition is the Bliss text of the address, contemporary reactions, and other important documents relating to this moving speech by one of America's most beloved Presidents.

McGuffey's Second Eclectic Reader continues and extends the reading skills learned in the First Reader, for children as young as six all the way to adults learning to read. Seventy-one lessons use short stories to teach meaning, spelling, pronunciation, and punctuation. Each lesson highlights 8 to 20 new words and charming 19th-century illustrations accompany the text. This is the revised 1879 edition. The McGuffey Readers are among the best known schoolbooks in the history of American education, having sold more than 120 million copies since the time of their first publication in 1836.

Mommie Bear and Cubby, her son, plan a journey from their cave under the Grand Teton peak to Wonderland ― Yellowstone Park. Cubby was delighted by the idea of such a long and wonderful journey and his surprise increased when they reached the Park. What happened there to Cubby and his mother is told in a manner that will charm and instruct the girls and boys who are introduced to Cubby and follow his adventures. Originally published in 1932.

The Goops they lick their fingers,/And the Goops they lick their knives, /They spill their broth on the tablecloth -/Oh, they lead disgusting lives! The rhymes and drawings in this hilarious introduction to manners for children still amuse and educate 100 years later, providing lessons valuable today and shedding light on turn-of-the-century American mores.