Books in Art of America Books series

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.

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.

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.

This handsome guide to the Star-Spangled Banner is a concise collection of the history and etiquette of our national anthem. The book, bound in hardcover in a distinctive red leatherette with gold stamping, includes details of how the anthem was written by Francis Scott Key and why, the complete poetry, a listing of famous performances, protocol for reciting the anthem, other writings by Key and a brief biography of Francis Scott Key. It makes the perfect gift for anyone who cherishes the Star-Spangled Banner and 'the land of the free and home of the brave' it represents.

New in Applewood's Books of American Wisdom series is Paul Revere's Ride which includes the 1860 Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem of the same name, as well as Paul Revere's own account of the events.The famous midnight ride of April 18-19, 1775 raised the alarm among Massachusetts patriots that the British were on the move from Boston to Concord. Twenty years after the event, Paul Revere wrote a letter telling the true account of the historic ride. Eight-five years after the event, in 1860, Paul Revere and his heroic ride were immortalized by Longfellow in his famous, if not completely accurate, dramatic poem.