Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence
by Garry Wills
- Used
- Paperback
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Vintage. paperback. used, acceptable.
Synopsis
From one of America's foremost historians, Inventing America compares Thomas Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration of Independence with the final, accepted version, thereby challenging many long-cherished assumptions about both the man and the document. Although Jefferson has long been idealized as a champion of individual rights, Wills argues that in fact his vision was one in which interdependence, not self-interest, lay at the foundation of society. "No one has offered so drastic a revision or so close or convincing an analysis as Wills has . . . The results are little short of astonishing" (Edmund S. Morgan New York Review of Books ).
Reviews
On Mar 1 2022, a reader said:
This is a significant book, written by an intellectual darling of the 60s and 70s. As such, Wills was formulating his concept of America and becoming disenchanted with conservatism's embrace of libertarianism. So it is tainted a bit in being informed by a stage of the author's intellectual development and the times....as all histories are.
My biggest gripe is the author's pretentiousness. He lets few opportunities to put his mastery of sources go by without piling on his brilliance. Too many times I hoped his meanderings would lead me to a point and summation. The good news is that they do. I love Garry Wills. Thank God he matured and gave us Lincoln at Gettysurg and more.
The author's use of the first draft is critical before other hands changed his work. But ultimately, the final product was a democratic one based on consensus. Messy for sure, and watered down. So the book is largely about Jefferson untainted by mortals. Ideals vs process. And inspiration and insight.
Criticism aside, how can one not read this book if one cares for one's country and wishes to understand our own birthing? It's brilliance outshines any reservations.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Cheswolde Booksellers
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 2016122701
- Title
- Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence
- Author
- Garry Wills
- Book Condition
- Used
- Binding
- Paperback
- Publisher
- Vintage
Terms of Sale
Cheswolde Booksellers
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.
About the Seller
Cheswolde Booksellers
Biblio member since 2017
Baltimore, Maryland
About Cheswolde Booksellers
Cheswolde Booksellers is a Maryland-based online bookseller specializing in literature, American history, mysteries, Judaica, and the arts.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Acceptable
- A non-traditional book condition description that generally refers to a book in readable condition, although no standard exists...
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