There is a book about it: Fourth of July!

Looking forward to a long holiday weekend? The Fourth of July – also known as Independence Day – has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed, marking America’s independence from British rule. Whether you’re taking part in fireworks, barbecues, and other festivities or cozying up at home with your pets, check out this selection of great books about our country’s history for all ages:

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES edited by Richard Beeman (Penguin Books)

What can the President, Congress, and Supreme Court really do? This unique and practical guide contains the documents that guide our government, with easy-to-understand explanations from one of America’s most respected constitutional lawyers.

THIS WILD PEOPLE: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR IN THE SOUTH by Alan Pell Crawford (Button)

A groundbreaking, important rediscovery of history; the overlooked story – fully explored – of the crucial aspect of the American Revolutionary War fought in the South. Weaving together the stories of heroic men and women, largely unsung patriots – African American and white, militiamen and “irregulars,” Patriots and Tories, Americans, French, British and Hessians – Crawford exposes the misperceptions and contradictions of our accepted understanding of our nation’s formation and the national narrative that America’s victory over the British was solely due to General George Washington and his troops.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS: A MAN FOR ALL THE PEOPLE by Randall Woods (Dutton)

In this masterful biography, historian Randall B. Woods peels back the many layers of John Quincy’s long life, uncovering a rich and complicated family saga and a political legacy that transformed the American republic. Woods examines John Quincy’s intellectual pursuits and political thoughts; his loving but sometimes strained marriage to Louisa Catherine Johnson, whom he met in London; his difficult relationships with his three sons; and his fiery rebirth in Congress after his presidency, when he became the most vocal opponent of slavery.

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL: A STORY IN PHOTOS published by National Geographic; Foreword by Jill Lepore (National Geographic)

This stunning photo book, now gift-wrapped, celebrates America’s unique natural and cultural treasures with over 250 National Geographic images from all 50 states, plus commentary from an acclaimed group of celebrities who call this country home.

THE PATRIOTS: ALEXANDER HAMILTON, THOMAS JEFFERSON, JOHN ADAMS AND THE CREATION OF AMERICA by Winston Groom (National Geographic)

Now in paperback! In this gripping tale, Winston Groom brings his signature narrative style to the artfully crafted story of three of our nation’s most fascinating Founding Fathers – Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams – and paints a vivid picture of the improbable events, bold ideas and extraordinary characters that created the United States of America.

The Radicalism of the American Revolution by Gordon S. Wood (vintage)

Pulitzer Prize winner

In a superb and highly readable synthesis of historical, political, cultural, and economic analysis, an award-winning historian describes the events that led to the American Revolution. Gordon S. Wood describes a revolution that was far more than a break with England; rather, it transformed a nearly feudal society into a democratic one whose emerging realities sometimes baffled and disappointed its founding fathers.

AMERICAN DIALOGUE: THE FOUNDERS AND US by Joseph J. Ellis (vintage)

The award-winning author of Founding brothers And The quartet now offers us a very insightful examination of the relevance of the views of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and John Adams to some of the most controversial issues in America today.

RUSH: REVOLUTION, MADNESS AND BENJAMIN RUSH, THE VISIONARY DOCTOR WHO BECAME A FOUNDING FATHER by Stephen Fried (Crown)

In the summer of 1776, 56 men put their pens to a dangerous document they called the Declaration of Independence. Among them was a 30-year-old doctor named Benjamin Rush. He was one of the youngest signers and, despite his stiff competition, one of the most visionary. Like the greatest revolutionary minds, Dr. Benjamin Rush recognized that 1776 was only the beginning of the American experiment. By adding new drama to his unique life and towering legacy, Rush is finally inducted into the pantheon of our wisest and bravest Founding Fathers.

FOR YOUNGER READERS

INDEPENDENCE CAKE: A REVOLUTIONARY CANDY INSPIRED BY AMELIA SIMMONS, WHOSE TRUE STORY IS UNKNOWN by Deborah Hopkinson; Illustrated by Giselle Potter (Schwartz & Wade)

Celebrate American independence with this delightful picture book as you travel to Revolutionary America and meet the amazing Amelia Simmons: mother’s helper, baker of delicious cakes, and soon-to-be author of the first American cookbook!

AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL by Wendell Minor, Katharine Lee Bates (Charles Bridge)

Classic Americana and patriotism collide in this picture book version of the beloved song “America the Beautiful.”

WHAT IS THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE?; Ages 8-12 by Michael C. Harris, Jerry Hoare, Kevin McVeigh (Penguin Workshop)

Take a journey back in time to the birth of America and meet the real rebels who brought freedom to this country!

For more information about these and related titles, see the collection: Fourth of July

There is a book about that! is brought to you by the Sales Department of Penguin Random House.

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Posted: July 2, 2024